Trail Difficult Ratings

When wheeling a major consideration is what level you want to wheel at.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources also assigns skill ratings based on colored symbols. Please see below.

Green circle (easiest)

• Suitable for stock vehicles

• Most highly-developed class of trails (almost road like) with no steep hills and few obstacles.

• Intended for novice riders who have mastered the basic skills necessary for safe operation on well-developed trails.

• Also for those lacking the experience or desire to ride more difficult trails.

• Approximately 10% of trails in the system should be classified as "easiest."

Blue square (medium difficult)

• May require 33 inch tires, lift, and winch/recovery gear

• Suitable for the majority of intermediate riders

• More difficult trails are narrower with steeper hills and switchbacks and some moderate obstacles.

• Intended for OHV enthusiasts with well-developed skills seeking a reasonably challenging trail ride.

• Riders subjected to higher degree of risk and exposure.

Black diamond (moderately difficult)

• May require 35 inch tires, lift, lockers, and winch

• Very steep grades, narrow trails, sharp alignments, rough or loose tread surfaces, and substantial obstacles.

• Suitable only for proficient or expert riders to test their machines—and their own skills and abilities.