Trail Difficulty Ratings Guide
Mountain Goat Sports Rating System
Difficulty Scale Overview
| Rating | Color | Skill Level | Experience Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - Easy | Green | Beginner | <6 months |
| 2 - Moderate | Blue | Intermediate | 6-24 months |
| 3 - Difficult | Black | Advanced | 2-5 years |
| 4 - Expert | Double Black | Expert | 5+ years |
| 5 - Extreme | Red | Professional | Competition level |
Detailed Rating Criteria
Level 1 - Easy (Green)
Trail Characteristics:
- Wide dirt roads
- Minimal rocks
- Gentle grades (<15%)
- No mandatory obstacles
- Bypass routes available
Required Skills:
- Basic throttle control
- Standing position
- Simple turns
- Basic braking
Bike Setup:
- Stock suspension fine
- Street pressure tires OK
- Standard gearing
Utah Examples:
- Five Mile Pass main roads
- AF Canyon service roads
- Skyline Drive (dirt sections)
Level 2 - Moderate (Blue)
Trail Characteristics:
- Single track sections
- Small rocks (6-12”)
- Moderate grades (15-25%)
- Some water crossings
- Occasional ledges (<12”)
Required Skills:
- Clutch control basics
- Body positioning
- Line selection awareness
- Hill climb technique
- Basic wheelie
Bike Setup:
- Suspension sag critical
- 12-14 PSI tires
- Handguards required
- Skid plate recommended
Utah Examples:
- Mineral Basin Loop
- Snake Creek Trail
- Cherry Creek easy sections
- Little Moab perimeter
Level 3 - Difficult (Black)
Trail Characteristics:
- Technical rock gardens
- Large rocks (12-24”)
- Steep grades (25-35%)
- Ledges and drop-offs (12-24”)
- Off-camber sections
- Deep sand washes
Required Skills:
- Advanced clutch control
- Pivot turns
- Rock garden technique
- Commitment on obstacles
- Recovery techniques
- Trail repairs
Bike Setup:
- Revalved suspension
- 10-12 PSI tires
- Radiator guards
- Case savers
- Moose tubes/bibs
Utah Examples:
- Five Mile Pass “The Maze”
- AF Canyon - Pittsburg Lake
- San Rafael Swell technical loops
- Little Sahara hill climbs
Level 4 - Expert (Double Black)
Trail Characteristics:
- Extreme rock sections
- Massive boulders (24”+)
- Near-vertical climbs (35%+)
- Mandatory big ledges (24-36”)
- Exposure/consequences
- No bypass options
Required Skills:
- Perfect clutch control
- Splatter technique
- Trials influence
- Mental fortitude
- Self-recovery
- Risk assessment
Bike Setup:
- Custom suspension valving
- 8-10 PSI tires
- Full armor package
- Spare clutch lever
- Emergency supplies
- Rekluse helpful
Utah Examples:
- Pritchett Canyon
- Golden Spike
- Hell’s Gate
- Steel Bender
- Fins & Things hard lines
Level 5 - Extreme (Red)
Trail Characteristics:
- Near-impossible sections
- Vertical waterfalls
- House-sized boulders
- High consequence
- Professional level only
- Spotters required
Required Skills:
- Competition experience
- Perfect technique
- Extreme fitness
- Mental preparation
- Team support
- Emergency planning
Bike Setup:
- Full race prep
- Trials tire rear
- 6-8 PSI pressure
- Extended fuel range
- GPS tracking
- Medical kit
Utah Examples:
- King of the Motos course
- Erzberg training areas
- Private extreme courses
- Competition-only terrain
Progressive Skill Development
Beginner Path (0-2 years)
- Start Level 1 trails
- Master basic skills
- Progress to Level 2
- Attempt easy Level 3 sections
- Build confidence gradually
Intermediate Path (2-5 years)
- Comfortable on Level 2
- Regular Level 3 riding
- Attempt Level 4 obstacles
- Develop advanced techniques
- Consider competition
Advanced Path (5+ years)
- Master Level 3 trails
- Regular Level 4 riding
- Select Level 5 attempts
- Competition participation
- Mentor others
Trail Conditions Modifiers
Weather Impact
Dry Conditions: Base rating applies
Wet Conditions: +1 difficulty
- Reduced traction
- Slippery rocks
- Muddy sections
- Vision issues
Snow/Ice: +2 difficulty
- Extreme caution
- Special equipment
- Limited trails
Time of Day
Daylight: Base rating
Dusk/Dawn: +0.5 difficulty
- Reduced visibility
- Shadow issues
- Wildlife active
Night: +1.5 difficulty
- Requires lights
- Depth perception issues
- Emergency risk
Group Dynamics
Solo: +1 difficulty
- No assistance
- Higher risk
- Self-recovery only
Small Group (2-4): Base rating
- Ideal size
- Mutual support
- Manageable
Large Group (5+): +0.5 difficulty
- Slower pace
- Bottlenecks
- Communication issues
Safety Considerations by Level
Level 1-2 Safety
- Cell service common
- Easy extraction
- Low injury risk
- Basic first aid OK
Level 3 Safety
- Spotty cell service
- Moderate injury risk
- Buddy system critical
- Advanced first aid
Level 4-5 Safety
- No cell service
- High injury risk
- Satellite device required
- Wilderness first responder
- Extraction plan mandatory
Equipment Requirements by Level
Level 1-2 Equipment
Minimum:
- DOT helmet
- Gloves
- Boots
- Water
Recommended:
- Goggles
- Knee guards
- Tool kit
- Spare tube
Level 3 Equipment
Minimum:
- Full protection
- Hydration pack
- Complete tool kit
- First aid
- Emergency supplies
Recommended:
- Armor jacket
- GPS device
- Tow strap
- Extra fuel
Level 4-5 Equipment
Required:
- Competition-grade protection
- Satellite communicator
- Comprehensive tools
- Medical supplies
- Emergency bivvy
- 3L+ hydration
- Calorie-dense food
Local Trail Rating Examples
American Fork Canyon
Forest Lake Trail: Level 2
- Moderate single track
- Some rocky sections
- Beautiful scenery
Pittsburg Lake: Level 3
- Technical climb
- Loose rocks
- Steep sections
Major Evans Gulch: Level 4
- Extreme rock gardens
- High consequence
- Expert only
Five Mile Pass
Main Loop: Level 1
- Perfect for beginners
- Well-maintained
- Multiple bail options
Rattlesnake Canyon: Level 3
- Technical sections
- Rock gardens
- Sand washes
The Maze: Level 4
- Extreme technical
- Giant boulders
- No easy way out
San Rafael Swell
Temple Mountain Road: Level 2
- Scenic route
- Moderate obstacles
- Good intermediate trail
Eagle Canyon: Level 3
- Remote location
- Technical sections
- Navigation required
Devils Racetrack: Level 4
- Extreme terrain
- High exposure
- Professional level
Progression Tips
Moving Up Levels
- Master Current Level:
- Ride it smoothly
- Multiple conditions
- Teaching others
- Scout Next Level:
- Walk difficult sections
- Watch better riders
- Visualize lines
- Incremental Challenges:
- One obstacle at a time
- Bail-out options
- Build confidence
- Proper Preparation:
- Bike maintenance
- Physical fitness
- Mental readiness
Rating Your Own Skill
Honest Assessment
Level 1: “I can ride dirt roads comfortably” Level 2: “Single track is fun, small rocks OK” Level 3: “I enjoy technical challenges” Level 4: “I seek out difficult terrain” Level 5: “I compete at high levels”
Warning Signs You’re Over Your Head
- Constant crashes
- Extreme fatigue
- Bike damage
- Mental stress
- Group pressure
- No fun factor
Conclusion
Understanding trail ratings helps you:
- Choose appropriate rides
- Progress safely
- Prepare properly
- Enjoy the sport
Remember: There’s no shame in walking sections or turning back. The mountain will be there tomorrow. Progression takes time, and every expert was once a beginner.
Mountain Goat Sports offers guided rides for all levels, helping you progress safely through Utah’s incredible terrain.