Trail Etiquette

[DALOLA]

NOOOOOOOOOOO....... (just need someone to roll coal to clear the pests out...)

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[indio22]

Except it isn’t.

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

But you don't want gravity sending someone rolling/sliding down the hill while trying to navigate driving backwards. This was particularly important back in the day when some drum brakes did not hold quite as well when going backwards.

Take the situation into account obviously, but otherwise I go with the person coming downhill giving way (meaning backing uphill), and that's typically what I saw back in my Colorado days on the mountain trails.

 

[BigFootie]

In Utah:


Trail etiquette and laws

• Stay on designated routes: Stick to marked trails and designated routes.
• Yield to uphill traffic: Uphill traffic has the right of way over downhill traffic.
• Yield to larger vehicles: Allow larger, less maneuverable vehicles to go ahead of smaller ones.
• Yield to horses: Stop and cut your engine when you encounter horses.
• Notify others: If you are part of a group, use hand signals and let the group leader know if you need to leave the ride.
• Respect noise levels: Be mindful of noise, especially when near residential areas.
• Comply with laws: All operators must be aware of Utah's OHV laws, including the requirement for an education certificate for operators under 18 and, as of January 1, 2023, all operators.

 

[bastardsonofelvis]

When I’m in my Duramax, the rule is that biggest vehicle has the right of way.

Seriously tho, if you’re really on a steep grade, it’s always a case by case basis. Backing uphill might be pretty much impossible.

 

[Rspayde]

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 will find that the majority of people on those trails do not have any etiquette.

That being said. If I were in a group and noted that there was a solo rig coming up I would radio for all to let the solo rig pass. I think the majority of the info in this thread will skew towards more unforgiving terrain not the FSR that you were on.

This time of year that entire trail system is a bit of a cluster as everyone has to see those non green leaves before they hit the ground.

 

[Wilbur's son]

I agree, usually uphill right-of-way. But also, a case-by-case basis. Who has the best spot to pull out of the way? After getting to trailheads that become multi-use single tracks and start hiking, I have stepped aside to let the motorcycles or bicycles stay on the power to keep going uphill.

 

[Oldhippie]

Just don’t be a dick…you don’t “own” the trail…you are not always “right”…you are not ”special“…have fun out there!!

 

[timhood]

Rule #1: Don't widen the trails!

• Respect private property. If allowed on private property, leave gates the way you found them.
• Leave no trace, don't litter, pack out your trash. Even better, if you find trash, pack it out.
• The default is that the vehicle driving uphill has the right-of-way, but use common sense when specific conditions dictate otherwise.
• Pull over at wide spots when you want to stop, or to let other vehicles pass.
• Don't drive under the influence.

 

[swooshdave]

You will find that the majority of people on those trails do not have any etiquette.

That being said. If I were in a group and noted that there was a solo rig coming up I would radio for all to let the solo rig pass. I think the majority of the info in this thread will skew towards more unforgiving terrain not the FSR that you were on.

In a lot of cases it's easier for the solo vehicle to find a spot to pull over that places for the group to pull over. Conditions vary but for our group the solo vehicles will tend to pull over so we can get by. Plus they want to check out the cool Broncos.

 

[Rspayde]

In a lot of cases it's easier for the solo vehicle to find a spot to pull over that places for the group to pull over. Conditions vary but for our group the solo vehicles will tend to pull over so we can get by. Plus they want to check out the cool Broncos.

Yeah I agree but on the specific trail OP was on its basically a nearly double wide gravel road

 

[TLO]

Pretty sure uphill vehicles have right of way.

This is correct

 

[dgorsett]

Uphill. Downhill absolutely 100 percent irrelevant. Whoever has the easiest/closest pullout pulls over.

The old rule came from when cars had no power, no 4x4 and shitty brakes, made no more sense then.

 

[swooshdave]

Uphill. Downhill absolutely 100 percent irrelevant. Whoever has the easiest/closest pullout pulls over.

The old rule came from when cars had no power, no 4x4 and shitty brakes, made no more sense then.

Sooo... like a hybrid Jeep?

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