At every USFS trail head there is a sign. That sign is to give the public an idea of what to expect on that trail. From easy to difficult each sign is marked with a symbol of your basic OHV and a color rating of difficulty. Our CA signs will look like the one below, and it is important to learn what those signs look like and what they mean.

To be absolutely clear, I will be sharing the rating color and definition of that rating directly from the Forest Service. It’s important to understand and use similar language so we are all on the same page with their meaning.

SOLID GREEN CIRCLE – The solid green circle represents the easiest trails. These are gravel or dirt surface routes that are relatively flat and wide. These routes are usually wide enough for a full-sized vehicle to safely pass. Gentle curves, shallow stream crossings and minor wheel ruts can also be found on green rated trails. They may be dusty, but are relatively smooth with no rocks or roots potruding more than 3 inches above the surface.

SOLID BLUE SQUARE – The solid blue square represents more difficult trail with loose gravel, sandy, rocky or slick rock surface routes. They may have short sections that are narrowish blind turns, steep or roller coaster grades, minor drop offs, dust, ruts and frequent changes in riding surfaces. There are also occasional obstacles that may strike the frame of your OHV.

SOLID BLACK DIAMOND – Solid black diamond trails are routes with rocky surfaces, sharp turns, switch backs, steep grades, narrow passages, low overhangs, ledges and large rocks. They can be slippery and muddy when wet, and may have steep slopes with exposure to drop off that can be very rough due to past erosion. There is a risk of striking the frame or even high centering your vehicle and should be left to high clearance, off road vehicles.

SOLID DOUBLE BLACK DIAMOND – Solid black diamond trails are identified as a red diamond and are extremely difficult. Extremely steep, big drop offs, deep sand, slippery rocks, ledges, and switch back that are uneven and/or unbalanced can all be found on a double black diamond rated trail. Expect high clearance obstacles, mud, deep sand, and needing a 4×4 to get through these trails.

It’s a pretty simple scale and trust me, if you do not pay attention and stick to the trails you feel comfortable on you will probably regret it and not have the adventurous fun you’re looking for.