Our trail rating system is informed and accumulated through
thousands of trail hours and ratings provided by the growing Overland Bound community.
“Hard” means something different to everyone. Our rating system is intended to provide enough specific detail allowing anyone to make an assessment regardless of experience.
Our rating system is not “wholly unique”. It should feel familiar and adopts some of the unofficial North American trail rating standard.
We are an Overland Community and to that end – our lowest 1 rating requires 4WD in adverse weather conditions, and 10 is not passable by modified factory vehicles, and requires a buggy or other custom vehicle to complete. This allows us to cover the full spectrum experienced by our community. It has no accommodation for streets, highways, or other passages traversable by 2WD vehicles.
01 EASY 1 – Dirt road maintained for high clearance 2WD and 4WD use in adverse conditions.
02 EASY 2 – Dirt road with infrequent maintenance. High clearance light duty 4WD required. Minimum 9″ ground clearance at lowest undercarriage point to avoid ground contact. Passable without rock rails or sliders.
03 MODERATE 1 – Trail consisting of loose rocks, dirt, and sand with some slickrock surfaces, mud holes possible, no steps higher than 12″. 4WD is required, aggressive tires a plus.
04 MODERATE 2 – Trail consisting of loose rock, dirt, and sand with some slickrock surfaces. Some erosion; washes, gulches and rock steps no higher than 18”. Tall tires at least 33″. Limited slip differential is a plus. 4WD is required. Enhanced suspension travel and good ground clearance are helpful. Good driving skills a plus.
05 MODERATE 3 – Trail surfaces are rutted, rocky and sandy with steps not exceeding 24”, with considerable slickrock surfaces. Water crossings not exceeding 12” with some mud possible. Good ground clearance and driving skills are needed. 4WD, tall tires (33” plus) and traction adding devices (locker, limited slip) are required. Above average driving skills are desirable. A winch would be a plus. Enhanced suspension travel and good ground clearance are required. Sliders aka Rock Rails highly recommended.
06 HARD 1 – Trails are difficult with considerable erosion damage, loose rocks, dirt, and slickrock. Water in excess of 12” is possible with mud conditions. Steps not exceeding 36”. 4WD, tall tires (33” plus) with two traction adding devices (lockers, limited slips) are required. A winch would be a plus. Enhanced suspension travel and good ground clearance are required. Excellent driving skills are recommended. Sliders required.
07 HARD 2 – Trail consists of rock, sand and considerable slickrock with many steps exceeding 48”. Steep inclines and declines are prevalent. Enhanced off road equipment is required including locking devices (front & rear), 35″ tires, maximum vehicle ground clearance, and tow hooks. A winch is desirable. Excellent driving skills are required. Vehicle mechanical or body damage is likely. Roll-over possibilities exist. Off camber trail and altitude (cliff) is possible.
08 SEVERE 1 – Same equipment required as Hard 2 A winch is desirable and likely to be used. Excellent driving skills are required. Vehicle mechanical or body damage is likely. Roll-over possibilities exist. Off camber trail and altitude (cliff) is possible. Sliders will be used.
09 SEVERE 2 – The average well-equipped trail rig may have great difficulty in completing this trail. 37″ tires and above required. Steps exceeding 60″. Steep inclines and declines with off-camber sections are prevalent. Enhanced off road equipment is required including locking devices (front & rear), maximum ground clearance, tow hooks, and a winch. Minimum wheelbase 100″. Excellent driving skills are required. Vehicle mechanical or body damage is likely. Roll over is very common. Spare parts and tools are recommended.
10 EXTREME – Buggy territory or custom off road built vehicles. Street driven 4X4s should not attempt this trail. Modified factory vehicles will not be able to complete this trail.