Trail Etiquette

[4Runner2Bronco]

I am new to off-roading, so have a question about proper etiquette on the trails. I went off-roading a couple of weeks back for the first time on Charlie’s Creek Road in North Georgia and came upon other off-roaders that were moving more slowly on the trail. I kept my distance so they didn’t feel like I was pressing them to go faster. Anyways, it helped me to realize I do not know the basic rules for good behavior and courtesy while on a trail. So, my question/request: Please share any basic rules of behavior or etiquette that one should have when off-roading.

Many thanks!


4R2B

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[Gassyjack]

Downhill vehicles have the right of way.
As do horses if you encounter them.
Just common sense and courtesy go a long way.

 

[Roger123]

Good behavior would have been for them to allow a faster moving vehicle to pass but they may not have realized you were there if you stayed far enough back. I usually get up close enough so they can see you're clearly moving faster and most of the time they will pull over and allow the pass.

 

[Nate Train]

Downhill vehicles have the right of way.
As do horses if you encounter them.
Just common sense and courtesy go a long way.

Pretty sure uphill vehicles have right of way.

 

[ssls6]

In CO, uphill vehicles have right of way but if you can pull over safely then do so. Don’t pass groups unless they all pull over. groups should signal their group size with hands signal that count down their number where the last car is a closed fist. Ask if a stopped vehicle needs help. Be friendly and stay on the trail.

 

[Brian_B]

The uphill/downhill thing I’ve heard both ways, but really I think it’s whomever can get to a spot to get over easiest. Some narrow trails it’s just a bitch no matter what

It is nice when large groups count down.

 

[DwnSth]

The uphill/downhill rule has always bothered me. In Co. I know uphill has right of way but the reality is trail and Condition deindent. Very steep trails and slick conditions go to the vehicle that has committed to the descent or ascent first. On just steep inclines I'm fine with safely letting and uphill vehicle pass.
In the slower group issue, depends on coeditions and trail. If its feasible I might try and get my group to let a faster group pass - do it all the time for SxS and buggies.
Its all about having fun, enjoyng the challenge and helping other wheelers when needed!

 

[Mjasi3]

Downhill vehicles have the right of way.

Completely wrong. Uphill vehicles have the right of way.

 

[JTTremor]

Downhill vehicles have the right of way.
As do horses if you encounter them.
Just common sense and courtesy go a long way.

Horses maybe. But uphill vehicles have the right of way. However, common sense should be used, and the driver who can most safely move aside should yield to the other.

 

[Nate Train]

The uphill/downhill thing I’ve heard both ways, but really I think it’s whomever can get to a spot to get over easiest. Some narrow trails it’s just a bitch no matter what

It is nice when large groups count down.

That's usually how it works in practice.

 

[ean01]

Everyone is right here. It just depends on the context on the use of the terms "uphill" and "downhill" as it relates to elevation or to direction of travel. Note the only "rule" while traveling offroad is safety first. So generally when traveling on a hill, it is safer to back up a hill than it is to back down a hill. So usually it is safer for the vehicle uphill in elevation, which is also the vehicle traveling downhill, to back up, thus giving the downhill vehicle, in elevation, which is also the vehicle traveling uphill, the right of way.

However, safety first, trumps all other "rules". When in doubt get out of you vehicle and talk through the situation with the other driver(s) (offroaders are very friendly). Ocationally, there will be situations where the safest solution will be for one vehicle to back down a hill.

 

[Q1svt]

Uphill /Downhill terminology is always been confusing because people use those same words but have different meanings to them…

i.e. are you driving uphill… or is the other vehicle ’uphill’ aka driving downhill

edit @ean01 … great point lol

 

[Hummell]

I am new to off-roading, so have a question about proper etiquette on the trails. I went off-roading a couple of weeks back for the first time on Charlie’s Creek Road in North Georgia and came upon other off-roaders that were moving more slowly on the trail. I kept my distance so they didn’t feel like I was pressing them to go faster. Anyways, it helped me to realize I do not know the basic rules for good behavior and courtesy while on a trail. So, my question/request: Please share any basic rules of behavior or etiquette that one should have when off-roading.

Many thanks!


4R2B

You should’ve pulled right up behind them and honked really long.

 

[BleednBlue]

Uphill has the right away because going in reverse downhill is more difficult.

 

[bassist]

Uphill has the right away because going in reverse downhill is more difficult.

Except it isn’t.

Gravity helps you backing up downhill. Gravity works against you if you are backing up a hill.

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