The Dirty Truth About Trail Ratings: What 'Moderate' Really Means (And Why It Changes Everywhere)

Picture this: You're planning your first big offroad trip. You see a trail rated "moderate" and think, "Perfect! My stock side-by-side can handle that." Fast forward to you sitting sideways on a 30-degree rock ledge, wondering how you got so spectacularly in over your head.

The brutal truth? Trail rating systems are about as consistent as desert weather. What passes for "moderate" at one trail system could be "extreme" at another. And that confusion isn't just embarrassing—it's expensive, dangerous, and keeping thousands of riders from booking adventures they'd actually love.

The Rating System Maze: Same Words, Different Worlds

Every major trail system uses their own interpretation of difficulty ratings, and the differences are staggering. Let's break down what you're really getting into:

Hatfield-McCoy Trails: The Gentle Giant

Hatfield-McCoy uses a color system: Green (Easiest), Blue (More Difficult), Black (Most Difficult), and Orange (Single Track). However, many experienced riders note that even the black trails could be handled by stock vehicles, with one forum user stating "the blue and green trails could be rode with a golf cart." A stock Kawasaki Teryx T4 "will be able to handle every trail here without difficulty, even the black one's."

What this means for your rig: HMT's ratings are conservative. A stock UTV with good ground clearance can tackle most of their system, including many black-rated trails.

Windrock Park: Where Stock Goes to Die

Windrock uses a four-tier system: Easy, Moderate, Difficult (Black), and Extreme (Red). Their "difficult" trails feature "tougher terrain requiring advanced skills and traction," while "extreme" trails involve "boulders, cliffs, and serious obstacles—recommended only for confident, experienced riders." Even experienced riders warn that Trail 15 "if it's wet you may not even make it into 15 past the first ledge... at least not without passenger side damage."

Reality check: Windrock's "moderate" can be Hatfield-McCoy's "black." As one rider noted, "Windrock and Brimstone are much more difficult for sure" compared to Hatfield-McCoy.

Moab: The Gold Standard (Sort Of)

Moab area trails use a 1-10 numeric system, calibrated so "4" is the highest rating for stock 4x4 vehicles. This system is used by groups like Red Rock 4-Wheelers and many clubs nationwide. Easy trails (1-3) can be done with stock 4WD, intermediate trails (4-6) require minimum 33" tires and a rear locker, while difficult trails (7-8) need 35" tires and front/rear lockers.

The catch: Moab ratings are based on the "MOST DIFFICULT obstacle" on the trail—"Do not expect obstacles of that level all day."

Glamis: The Free-For-All

Glamis doesn't use formal trail ratings since riders "can roam freely, navigating dunes of varying heights." The dunes "vary from beginner-friendly, low-gradient dunes to steep, tall, expert-level climbs." Visitors describe "clean drifting sand dunes of all levels of difficulty and fun."

What Your Stock Vehicle Can ACTUALLY Handle

Here's the real talk on stock capability across different rating systems:

Stock 4x4 Pickup/SUV Reality:

• 1-2 Rating: "Stock equipment is sufficient" for dirt/rocky roads with obstacles under 5-9 inches
• 3 Rating: Requires "stock vehicles with high ground clearance, 4WD capability, and offroad tires" for obstacles under 12 inches
• 4-5 Rating: "Most difficult trail that should be attempted with a stock full-sized 4x4" with "trail clearing may be necessary for stock vehicles to pass undamaged"

Stock UTV/SxS Capability:

At Hatfield-McCoy, UTVs are approved for Green (Easiest) and Blue (More Difficult) trails but "Most Difficult Trails (Black) - Not approved" and "Extreme Difficult Trails (Red Black) - Not approved." However, many riders ignore these restrictions successfully.

The "Stock Vehicle Test" Breakdown

Here's how to decode what "stock friendly" actually means:

Obstacle Height: Stock vehicles handle obstacles up to 5-9 inches easily, struggle with 9-12 inches, and need modifications for anything over 12 inches.

Water Crossings: Hub-deep (roughly 12-15 inches for most vehicles) is the stock limit. Deeper crossings risk hydro-locking your engine.

Recovery Likelihood: On truly stock-friendly trails, "simple recovery gear recommended" like a recovery strap. If winches are "recommended," your stock rig is already pushing limits.

When to Level Up (And When to Stay in Your Lane)

Signs You Need More Capability:

• Trail descriptions mention "winching required" or "damage likely"
• Obstacles over 24 inches high require "bigger tires (33 to 35 inches), lockers, vehicle armor, and a winch"
• Multiple forum posts about "bypass routes" around obstacles

Green Flags for Stock Vehicles:

• Descriptions of "maintained gravel and dirt roads with mild ruts, washboard bumps, small rocks, and shallow water crossings"
• Trail names including "scenic," "family-friendly," or "beginner"
• Ratings that specify "stock equipment is sufficient" and "good traction"

Your Pre-Trip Reality Check

Before you book any trail adventure, ask these questions:

1. What's the highest obstacle? Remember, ratings reflect the most difficult obstacle, not the average difficulty.
2. What do recent reviews say? Look for specific vehicle mentions and damage reports.
3. Is there a bypass option? Many "difficult" trails have easier routes around major obstacles.
4. What's the consequence of failure? Getting stuck on a scenic overlook is different from rolling over on a cliff edge.

The Guide Advantage: Local Knowledge Beats Generic Ratings

This is where experienced guides become invaluable. A local guide doesn't just know the trail—they know how it changes with weather, what your specific vehicle can handle, and which routes match your skill level. They've seen every type of rig on every type of terrain.

While online ratings give you a starting point, a guide gives you the real story: "That black diamond section? Your stock Ranger will walk right up it. But this blue-rated wash? We're taking the bypass after yesterday's rain."

Trail ratings shouldn't be a guessing game that ends in expensive repairs or missed adventures. The right guide eliminates the confusion and gets you on trails that challenge your skills without punishing your wallet.

Ready to stop gambling with trail ratings and start riding with confidence? Connect with local guides who know exactly what your rig can handle—and what adventures you shouldn't miss.