The following posts will detail guidelines on how to keep this area organized. Anyone can start a post but we would like to keep the threads consistent. If you don't have all of the information below, that's fine, start a thread and post what you do have. PLEASE do not be offended if we edit your post. We simply want to make sure the information is as clear as possible so it will be a great resource for all!


Sample Trail Review Format

To simplify things for folks, here is a sample template you can use to organize a trail review.

The subject should be in the format "Trail name (approximate location, STATE) - rating".
e.g. Broken Arrow (Sedona, AZ) - 3.0

The message body should consist of the following sections:

Synopsis
A brief narrative about the trail...

Group Size:
Recommended group size and suggestions

Difficulty
Commentary on difficulty - overall, specific obstacles, etc.

Length
Length in distance and time.

Location
How to get to the trail. Google maps links are great here.

Aerial of the trail:
(Optional if you can make one)

Pictures
A few representative images of the trail.

Previous AZFJ Runs to this Trail
Links to threads about past AZFJ runs on this trail.

GPS Track
If you have it, attach the GPS tracklog file to the thread. GPX is the preferred file format.

You can copy and paste the BBCode for this template below. If you do not have content for a particular section (i.e. aerial photo, GPS stuff, etc) feel free to remove that section.

Code:

[u][b]Synopsis[/b][/u] [u][b]Group Size:[/b][/u] [u][b]Difficulty[/b][/u] [u][b]Length[/b][/u] [u][b]Location[/b][/u] Aerial of the trail: [u][b]Pictures[/b][/u] [u][b]Previous AZFJ Runs to this Trail[/b][/u] [u][b]GPS Track[/b][/u]

Hope that helps!

RATING SYSTEM

The rating system follows similar systems used by AZVJC.ORG and other offroad Arizona communities. I have added additional (*)s to indicate the minimum recommended FJC configuration. Lower configurations are certainly possible, but this scale attempts to met the majority of drivers. The scale is from 0 to 5 and looks like the following:

It's important to understand that problems can occur on any trail. Basic recovery gear should be a permanent fixture in the back of any offroaded FJ.

0.0 - Highways: These are paved roads suitable for everyday traffic.
* Stock 2wd FJC

0.5 - Back Roads: These are paved roads that may have filled or unfilled potholes. Typical paved county roads.
* Stock 2wd FJC

1.0 - Maintained Dirt Roads: These roads are graded or maintained year round. Typical non-paved county roads.
* Stock 2wd FJC

1.5 - Semi-Maintained Dirt Roads: These roads are occasionally graded or maintained. They may cross sandy washes and sections may be rough (washboards).
* Stock 2wd FJC

2.0 - Easy 2WD/4WD: Features trails with obstacles that are easy to navigate. In optimum weather conditions, these trails may not require the continual use of four-wheel drive (4WD).
* Stock 4WD FJC

2.5 - Easy 4WD: Moderately demanding trails on which 4WD will be required. You may encounter a wide variety of challenges (Potholes, minor washouts, medium size rocks, and mud holes) on these trails. Higher ground clearance and Off-Road tires are recommended.
* Stock 4WD FJC

3.0 - Standard 4WD trail: Demanding trails on which 4WD is required. You will encounter a variety of more difficult challenges (loose rocks, large potholes, steep inclines, and large rocks) on these trails. Possible with stock 4WD vehicle, however, recommend traction device (limited slip) in rear differential, aggressive tread and low air pressure. Higher than stock ground clearance is advisable. Low range gears used often. Moderate experience and driving skill advised. Likely paint damage, possible rocker-panel damage.
* 4WD FJC +a-trac/rear locker, good tires

3.5 - Challenging 4WD trail: Challenging trails on which low range 4WD is required. You will encounter a variety of more difficult challenges (loose rocks, large potholes, steep inclines, and large rocks) on these trails. Not recommended with stock 4WD vehicle. Traction device (limited slip) in rear differential, aggressive tread and low air pressure highly recommended. Higher than stock ground clearance is advisable. Moderate experience and driving skill advised. Likely paint damage, possible rocker-panel damage.
* 4WD FJC +a-trac/rear locker, good tires, rock rails

4.0 - Difficult trail: These trails traverse very rugged terrain; low-range 4WD is required. Higher than stock ground clearance is required. Aggressive tread and low air pressure are required. Traction Devices (Lockers or limited-slip) in the differentials (front and rear), lift, and larger tires are highly recommended. These trails require above average Off-Road driving skills. High-Lift jacks and winches would also be helpful. There will likely be paint damage and possible vehicle body and/or mechanical damage.
*4WD FJC +a-trac/rear locker, upgraded tires, lift, rock rails, skids

4.5 - Extreme trail: These trails cross extremely rugged terrain with very steep inclines, large boulders, and potentially dangerous situations. These trails require modified vehicles, including lift, lockers, and over-sized tires. A High level of Off-Road driving skill is required. There will likely be paint damage, possible vehicle body and/or mechanical damage. There are possibilities of rollovers. Winches are recommended.
* 4WD FJC +a-trac/rear locker, upgraded tires, lift and fully upgraded suspension, skids, rock rails, extensive recovery gear (winch)

5.0 - Impassable trail: These trails are for the extreme four-wheeler only. These trails require highly modified vehicles, including lift, excellent articulation, lockers front and rear, large tires with aggressive tread, winches, high lift jacks. A High level of Off-Road driving skill is required. Paint damage is virtually guaranteed, body and/or mechanical damage is very likely. Rollovers will be more common on these trails and a winch will be used on at least one obstacle.
* If you're attempting this level you should know what's required in your vehicle....