My latest excursion to the Rubicon Trail occurred in August. While driving the route, I was reminded of how challenging it is. (Which adds to the excitement and allure, of course.) Along the way, I also noticed a number of changes. And that reminded me of a truism in four-wheeling:
Trails can change at any time. Don’t assume that a trail remains in the same condition year after year.
Sometimes the changes are subtle. Other times those transformations are significant. Drivers must be ready to adapt in a moment’s notice.
Nature plays a role in trail conditions
The Spring snow melts result in large volumes of water cascading downward. That water carries tremendous energy. Deep cuts in the land occur, and large rocks and boulders are tossed about like toys.
Western states risk a double whammy in autumn. The rainy season – when there is one – can bring severe storms to the area. We love the rain out here, as it builds the snowpacks in the mountains. But the occasional severe storm wreaks havoc on trails, creating the very conditions mentioned above.
One of the more extreme examples I’ve encountered occurred at Powel Canyon, which is in Nevada. A storm had washed out a section of road, and stopped us in our tracks. (You can read about it here.)
Even a gentle rain can generate enough water to alter portions of a trail. It all depends on soil conditions.
Driving affects trails, too, of course
Driving off-road always disturbs trails to some extent. The wash board phenomenon is one such example. Tires naturally cause changes in the soil. We understand and accept that.
During times of heavy traffic, trail conditions can change dramatically. All that additional traffic, along with the larger (40-inch and more) tires, leaves large holes and ruts in the dirt. I’ve encountered a few areas in which my 35-inch tires had difficulty negotiating around holes created by those large tires.
Use designated routes where required and avoid widening trails to bypass mud, rocks or other obstacles. Going around a problem can create several new tracks and more damage than the original obstacle.
If conditions are too wet to travel without substantial damage, turn around.
Constant spinning of the tires also removes dirt that can make a step insurmountable. Years ago, while in Cougar Butte, I encountered such a barrier. Previously, a step was only about a foot and a half high. That was doable. Over time, the dirt had been dug out putting the wall to about four feet tall. My guess is that it was from drivers spinning their wheels. At four feet high, the wall was way too steep for me to climb. I had to find another route.
No centralized resource for trail conditions
Unlike airline pilots, who have immediate access to weather and updated information from the FAA, four-wheelers are pretty much on their own. Some drivers mention their experiences on social media pages. But there’s no centralized clearinghouse that four-wheelers can tap into.
Of course, a buddy who’s just visited an area is a good resource. (The Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service post notice when trails and roads are closed.) Search the internet for recent trip reports. Stay on top of weather forecasts. Assume that if a storm passed through your area of interest, some parts of the trail could be affected. You won’t know which sections until you drive them, but you can begin to prepare mentally. And as you drive the trail, be on guard for washouts and boulders.
You may know the trail – you’ve driven it before, perhaps numerous times. You may know every (or most) of the curves, quirks and obstacles. But that’s no guarantee the route will be as you remember it. Especially if a storm passed through since you last visited.
The ability to adapt on a moment’s notice is the hallmark of a seasoned four-wheeler. Before you head out, prepare your vehicle as you normally would. And prepare your mind to expect the unexpected. Then should that occur – say, a section of trail is washed out – you’ll respond accordingly.
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Did you miss the previous articles?
2026
- 2026-08-25 What To Do if Someone is Burned
- 2026-07-01 Show Your Patriotic Spirit This Semiquincentennial
- 2026-06-12 Think Vehicle Security
- 2026-05-15 https://www.4x4training.com/w/spring-cleaning/
- 2026-04-12 Base Camp Or Cruising – Which Do You Select?
- 2026-03-25 Refresher: Handle Cold-Weather Medical Issues Properly
- 2026-02-12 Foul Weather Food
- 2026-01-16 Pack Spare Bolts and Nuts
Some Upcoming Events (click on the link for details)
The 2026 schedule of clinics and adventures trips has been posted on the web site.
October 2026
October 03, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
October 04, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
October 04-05, 2026 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
October 10, 2026 Winching Clinic – LA Area
October 16, 2026 Death Valley Adventure
October 17, 2026 AWD Off-Road Driving & Safety Clinic
October 24, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
October 25, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
October 24-25, 2026 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
November 2026
November 02, 2024 SEMA
November 07, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
November 08, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
November 07-08, 2026 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
November 14, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
November 15, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
November 14-15, 2026 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
November 28, 2026 Turkey Run
December 2026
December 05, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
December 06, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
December 05-06, 2026 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area
December 12, 2026 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
December 13, 2026 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
December 12-13, 2026 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area
December 29, 2026 Saline New Years Run
73 KI6FHA
I hope to see you on the trails!
Tom Severin, President Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc.
4-Wheel Drive School
310-613-5473
www.4x4training.com
Make it Fun. Keep it Safe.
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Copyright 2026, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.
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