NM4W Trail Conditions and Rating Overview
Off-highway travel is by its very nature potentially dangerous and could result in property damage, injury, or even death. If you drive any of the trails with NM4W, you acknowledge these risks and assume full responsibility. You are the final judge as to whether a trail is safe to drive, whether your vehicle is capable of the journey, and whether your skills are up to the challenge. NM4W disclaims any and all liability for property damage, bodily injury, or death that could occur to you or any of your passengers. On a different note, please be good stewards of our sport--always stay on designated trails . . . and always, always remember to Tread Lightly!
Trail conditions can change, and something that is hard for one driver might be easy for another, even if they are driving the same vehicle. A rainstorm might make an easy trail impassable, or a hard one easy. So rating trails is tough. Be aware that conditions can change and the experience level of the person doing the rating may be different from yours. While we've tried to make this system useful, take these or any rating methods with a grain of salt - use our ratings as guidelines only.
Trail Rating System
Trails may be rated by a number range such as 3-6 (
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)
First Number: 3
The hardest part of the trail that you cannot bypass - you have to drive it.
Second Number: 6
The hardest part of the trail that is purely optional - you can bypass it.
Paved Road 
Suitable for any vehicle.
Access Road 
Very graded dirt road, suitable for a regular car or tow vehicle and trailer.
Easy
Unimproved or rarely graded dirt road which may have some mud holes, water crossings, rutted and small to medium size rocks and loose dirt hill climbs. Easy grades and side hills. Occasional use of 4WD. Slow easy going with four-wheel drive. Low range is best for speed/traction control and to minimize damage. Some rocks/ledges (~12") that require low range and some skill to navigate.
Trail Rating 1
Dirt road maintained for higher clearance vehicles; Generally suitable for 2WD vehicles but 4WD required in adverse conditions.
Trail Rating 2
Dirt road with infrequent or light maintenance after inclement weather. Steps up to 6 inches.
Trail Rating 3
Dirt road seldom maintained, with dirt, sand & rock surfaces. No steps higher than 12”.
Vehicle Requirements:
- Jeep Wranglers or equivalent with upgraded clearance and upgraded tires – A/T or Mud Terrain or equivalent.
- Two speed transfer case.
- Front and rear tow hooks.
Driver Experience:
- Basic 4WD skills and knowledge.
- Would like help on some obstacles and skills.
Moderate 
Quite rocky or deep ruts. Low-range four-wheel drive required due to terrain and loose traction. Trail may have medium to large rocks and ledges, deep water crossings, and steep grades. There may be side hills that could result in some slippage. Ledges and boulders exceeding 24”. Some body damage may occur. Rocks frequent and large in difficult terrain. Low-range four- wheel drive required in sections. Steep hill climbs and descents may be required. Obstacles could result in significant body damage. Some obstacles will require traction devices or winching.
Trail Rating 4
Road surface consisting of loose rock & dirt with some fixed rock surfaces. Heavy erosion, rock steps no higher than 18" & small boulders up to 12".
Trail Rating 5
Road surfaces are rutted & rocky with ledges or boulders not exceeding 24”. Driver's skill becomes more important as good vehicle approach & departure angles helpful.
Vehicle Requirements:
- Traction device (limited slip or lockers) on one or both axles.
- Front and rear attachment points.
- High ground clearance and/or good skid plates
- Working winch.
- Aggressive tire tread and method of airing up and airing down tires.
- Three ply or more on tires strongly recommended.
Driver Experience:
- Moderate to extensive experience.
- Some ability to perform basic trail repairs.
- Comfortable with steep climbs, descents and off-camber situations.
Hard
Trail badly eroded or in very difficult terrain. Obstacles will require technical driving skills to negotiate. Very large rocks and deep ruts will require traction devices. High ground clearance and skid plates required. Body damage very possible. Severe trail with potentially dangerous sections. Body damage, mechanical breakdown, rollover possible. Significant obstacles that will require technical wheel placement and experienced drivers. Ledges and boulders exceeding 36”. Parts of trail may result in vertigo or other signs of distress.
Trail Rating 6
Roads are difficult with considerable erosion: Steps not exceeding 36”.
Trail Rating 7
Trail consists of loose rock with many ledges & boulders exceeding 24” & many steps exceeding 48”. Steep inclines & declines are prevalent.
Vehicle Requirements:
- Lockers on both axles.
- Front and rear attachment points
- Working winch
- Modified vehicle with oversized tires, excellent articulation, large ground clearance
- Spare parts and tools highly recommended.
- Full roll cages and other body protection recommended.
Driver Experience:
- Very experienced drivers.
- Self-sufficient drivers who require very little to no spotting assistance.
- Able to follow and give spotting help when necessary.
- Able to perform basic vehicle maintenance on trail.
Extreme 
Extremely rugged trail through virtually impassable terrain. Ledges and boulders exceeding 48”. Winching is required in at least one point on the trail. Body damage, mechanical breakdown, and/or rollover probable. Will be challenge to many pocket books.
Trail Rating 8
Extreme trail similar to a #7 rating, except a bit more extreme. Trail consists of loose rock with many ledges & boulders exceeding 36”. Steep off camber inclines & declines are prevalent.
Trail Rating 9
Extreme & Beyond: The average well equipped trail rig may have great difficulty in completing a trail of this rating!! Steps exceeding 60". Steep inclines & declines with off-camber sections are prevalent. Vehicle mechanical or body damage is likely. Roll over is very common.
Trail Rating 10-12
Let the carnage begin! Buggy territory. Street driven 4X4’s will NOT be permitted on trails of this rating. Modified factory vehicles will NOT be permitted on trails of this rating. Vehicle requirements & recommendations same as #9.
Vehicle Requirements:
- Spare parts required.
- Spare fluids and welding capabilities recommended.
- Very tall suspensions, trail tested and fully modified vehicles only.
- Front and rear attachment points, working winch, and two solid lockers required.
Driver Experience:
- Very experienced drivers fully capable of all trail fixes and repairs.
- Do not come on these trails if you are not completely self-sufficient.