californiajeeper.com Trail Ratings System

   Californiajeeper.com uses a trail rating system that is similar to the one created by Mark Smith for the Jeep Jamboree events. Every trail is rated from 1 (the easiest) to 10 (the most difficult). We will consider the Rubicon a 10. Nationally, there are trails rated more difficult then the Rubicon, but in the Northern California area, Rubicon is probably the toughest. We never intend to rate trails out of the California area so we will give Rubicon the toughest rating of 10. If we had the budget, sure we would be at Moab every other weekend, but for now we will stick to the trails that we all can reach for a weekend excursion. These ratings are based on the trail overall, not just on one or two tough spots. Rain or snow can increase ratings by one or two points. Numerically higher-rated trails are more likely to result in vehicular damage.

	1-3 feature trails with obstacles that are easy to navigate. In optimum weather conditions, some of these trails may not require the continual use of four-wheel drive (4WD).
	4-7 are moderately demanding trails on which 4WD is required. You may encounter a wide variety of challenges, including mud holes, boulders, and stream crossings, on the trail.
	8-9 indicate that the likelihood of getting stuck is considerably higher. Mud holes here may be deep and rock climbing will be more arduous.
	10 is reserved for the most demanding off-road trail in the Northern California—the Rubicon Trail.