Tagged | access: paved

Access Notes

Understanding road ratings for trailhead access

Access roads are tagged as either paved, 2wd, high clearance, or 4x4. Below are the definitions for each:
Paved

Trailhead access is via paved road. These may be seasonally closed, but should be accessible to all vehicles when open.

2WD

The trailhead is accessed via some dirt road, but the road should be accessible by most vehicles.

NOTE: 2wd access may include miles and miles of dirt road, and endless bone-shaking washboard sections. 2wd does NOT mean you would want to take your fathers Oldsmobile on the trip, but does mean if you are comfortable driving on dirt road and don't mind some dust and bumps, you SHOULD be able to make it to the trailhead in most vehicles if carefully driven.
High Clearance

These access roads are rougher, with ruts, bushes, bumps, etc. that require a bit of clearance. Examples of vehicles that, carefully driven, should be able to reach these trailheads include: Subaru Outbacks, Toyota Rav4s, 2wd trucks, SUV's, etc.

For reference, if I call it high clearance, I did (or would) take a RAV4 or Subaru Forester to the trailhead. Storms, mud, or lack of maintenance can turn high clearance roads into 4x4 roads. Bringing a shovel "just in case" is recommended.

4x4

The real deal. Big rocks, ruts, washes, and other terrain that require a vehicle rated for difficult terrain. Driver skill also matters on these roads. I would recommend these for 4x4 pickups, Jeeps, and other true 4x4 off road vehicles. Size also matters, with a smaller 4x4 often better suited for navigating around obstacles than a larger one.

Note: The line between high clearance and 4x4 roads is quite blurred. With a lot of skill, a shovel, the ability to stack some rocks, and patience, a 4x4 road is often accessible to high clearance vehicles. On many occasions, a little road work allowed me to get down true 4x4 roads in a RAV4 without too much hassle.
Capitol Reef Carbon County Cedar Mesa Escalante & Bryce Grand Canyon Lake Powell Moab North Wash