we'll be working on future meetings our own table, this is a first draft that we are studing...
Capo Valley Four Wheeler Trail Rate System
Is quite common to find trails rated in the different books and trip reports that we read, but what a black diamond or a 5+ means to us? Based on the research that we did, below is a summary of our findings:
The US Forest Service had a simple system with posted signs at trailhead; and goes from fire roads, medium (blue diamond), difficult (black diamond) to extremely difficulty (double red diamond) trails.
Vertical Numbers = not maintained trail
Horizontal Numbers = maintained trail or fire road
There are several rate systems, from 1 to 5, 1 to 7, 1 to 10, and + signs in between creating a complete chaos when we try to rate a trail for our trips. Our intention is to keep it simple; therefore, a 1 to 5 table is good enough for us.
The car level modification in our club is also wide and open, from stock to extremely modified rock crawlers. We are covering just stock cars with some modifications because those are the ones with worries about how difficult a trail is. The rock crawler’s crowd needs a different table/rate system.
Weather condition also affects how we could rate our trails. As an example, as soon as Rubicon trails opens in mid June early July; is harder than at end of September, but is the same trail. What happens is that at the end of the season, normally it was improved by the traffic that goes through.
Capo Valley Four Wheeler Table
1 – Maintained dirt trail or fire road. Low range is not required. No skid plates, no armor, no lift kit, no special tires. We encourage the use of CB, all communications are canalized that way. Anchor or recovery points are required just in case, as well as a proper strap.
2 – In addition to level 1 requirements, 33”or higher tires are recommended. Some clearance is desirable as well and some armor and skid plates. Open differential is OK.
3 – In addition to level 2 requirements, lockers are required. Armor and skid plates will prevent damage to the drive train. Bringing spare parts and tools to solve possible breakdowns is a plus. Winch is optional. Body damage is possible.
4 – In addition to level 3 requirements, 35” or higher tires are recommended. Mechanical knowledge is required, a breakdown is expected, so besides tools and spare parts, creative and ability to drive without all components of the car is anticipated. Body damage is highly going to happen. Uses of winch and recovery techniques are mandatory.
5 – If all above is covered, you are ready for the next level, contact you favorite rock crawler organization for further details