Know what you’re facing. You didn’t get into off-roading to take the smooth way through. You wanted to discover new ground, challenge yourself, and go where most people won’t. But to earn those moments, you’ve got to respect the risks, and prepare for the terrain ahead.
Canadian trails are as unpredictable as the weather. Surfaces shift quickly, and conditions can change without warning. Before venturing into the backcountry, make sure you and your vehicle are properly equipped for the specific terrain. No matter what the surface, a solid pre-trail plan is always your best starting point.
Sections
Bring a friend! Never drive alone. Getting stuck in the middle of nowhere without help is the last situation you want to be in. Always bring a buddy when heading off-road. If that’s not an option, tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. It’s a simple step that can save you a lot of trouble.
Environmental Considerations
Before setting out on your next off-road trip, take a moment to commit to low-impact travel. You’ve heard it before, pack it in, pack it out, but it’s worth repeating. Canada’s natural spaces are worth preserving.
Plan your route and understand the terrain to reduce unnecessary trail damage.
Always stay on designated trails.
Pack out all garbage and waste.
If needed, dig a 15 to 20 cm hole to bury human waste, far from water sources.
Respect seasonal fire bans and reduce your campfire footprint.
Honour private property and posted signs.
BFGoodrich Tires proudly supports groups that promote safe and sustainable off-roading, including Tread Lightly!, a non-profit that works to protect public lands and encourage responsible recreation. Learn more at treadlightly.org.
Trail Ratings
Trail difficulty is relative. What feels like a challenge for one driver might be a breeze for another. New off-roaders often overestimate their skill and end up damaging their vehicle. Be honest with yourself, and your rig.
Weather can change things fast. A trail that’s usually tame can turn into a real challenge with a little rain or mud.
Some trails follow formal rating systems. For example, Jeep Jamboree USA uses numbered trails with color-coded shapes to show how difficult a trail may be.
Note: Ratings are general and conditions can change. Stay alert, reassess the trail as you drive, and make choices based on your real-time skill and confidence.
Hills
You might expect trail challenges to come from deep ruts or loose gravel, but hills can be more intimidating than they look, especially in the backcountry. Know your limits. If you’re unsure about your ability or your vehicle’s capability, it’s better to wait than risk it. The goal is simple: keep your tires down and your roof up.
Preparing for the Ascent
Hike up the hill first and scout what’s on the other side. Visibility matters.
Lock your differentials, traction is key.
Use the approach to build controlled momentum before you begin the climb.
Pro Tip
Clearance angles count here. Before you charge the hill, ask yourself: will your front end hit first? If so, take an angled approach, one tire at a time. Once you're partway up, square the vehicle and continue straight up the slope.
Scout the terrain. Surprises happen, but planning gives you the upper hand.
Rocks
Rocky sections are tough, unpredictable, and harsh on both driver and vehicle. That’s why slow, calculated movement is your best strategy.
Crawling across rocks should be done in low gear, at very slow speeds, usually just 1 to 3 km/h. Torque matters more than power, and finesse matters more than force.
Stay controlled. Use a steady throttle and avoid jerky braking. In rocky terrain, rushing leads to damage.
Know your clearance. An 8-inch ride height won’t clear a 25 cm rock. Choose your route based on tire positioning, not lowest elevation.
Surprisingly, the safest line through a tough rock section may involve climbing higher rocks to keep all four wheels planted and balanced.
Equipment Check
Rock protection: If you’re hitting rocky trails or planning to crawl over challenging terrain, equip your vehicle with rock rails and skid plates to shield key underbody areas. Aftermarket bumpers offer extra defense and are often built for durability in rugged conditions.
Types of Rock
The rock you’ll face can range from loose shale to massive prehistoric boulders.
Loose rock behaves like gravel or other loose soil. You’ll need steady momentum to climb through it. Throttle control is essential, ease into it and keep your wheels turning to stay moving.
Boulders are next-level. Tackling them takes more than stock gear. You’ll want a lifted vehicle with large tires, locking differentials, and solid ground clearance. Without those upgrades, your vehicle could take a beating, or worse, get stuck.
Watch Your Differential
Don’t straddle rocks that come close to your ground clearance. It’s easy to damage the differential housing or get high-centered with all wheels off the ground. Better to pick a tire line that avoids the risk entirely.
Solid Front Axle
With a solid front axle, you get consistent clearance across both front wheels. When possible, drive your tires directly onto obstacles, this keeps your axle and underbody components safe.
Independent Front Suspension (IFS)
An IFS system gives each front wheel independent movement. While that improves ride comfort, it doesn’t raise the entire front end when a single wheel climbs. Always be aware of how your rear axle behaves too, it’s likely not independent and may catch on large obstacles.
High-Center the Vehicle
If your vehicle gets stuck on a rock or ridge with the wheels lifted and the undercarriage grounded, you’ve high-centered, and recovery won’t be easy. Avoid this by knowing your clearance and keeping your tires on solid footing.
Solid Front Axle
With a solid front axle, drive your tires onto the highest parts of the trail surface. This approach helps you avoid dragging key components underneath the vehicle across sharp or uneven terrain.
No Shame in a Spotter
Picking the right line can be tough from the driver’s seat. That’s where a spotter comes in. A good spotter can prevent expensive mistakes, protect your gear, and keep you out of danger.
Use hand signals instead of yelling. Engine noise, wind, or nearby vehicles can make it hard to hear. Agree on a simple set of signals before you start. And when things get technical, focus only on your designated spotter. Ignore everyone else.
If you’re the one spotting, stay alert and keep your distance. Don’t stand where a sudden jolt or slip could put you at risk.
Sand
Sand may look smooth and soft, but it’s one of the toughest surfaces to drive on. Beneath that surface is more loose material, and little to no traction.
Driving on sandy beaches or dunes demands light throttle, proper tire pressure, and good planning. If you bury the tires too deep, you’re going nowhere.
Sure, cruising the shoreline sounds like freedom. But if you get stuck as the tide comes in, you could be the next internet fail video.
Don’t take the risk lightly. Plan ahead, air down, and know your recovery options.
Preparing for Sand
When driving on sand, flotation is everything. The wider your tire’s footprint, the better your vehicle will stay above the surface. This is why lowering your tire pressure before heading out is so important, it spreads out the contact patch and reduces the chance of getting bogged down.
The right pressure depends on your vehicle, load, and the sand itself.
All-terrain tires generally perform well, but wide mud-terrain tires can also work like paddles when aired down properly. While tire selection matters, it’s your air pressure, throttle control, and momentum that make the biggest difference.
Tip: Walk the sand first. If your foot sinks, your rig will sink deeper.
Trail Tips
Air down your tires to improve flotation and reduce wheel spin.
Loose sand drains traction fast. Keep steady momentum to avoid getting stuck.
Use the highest gear you're comfortable with once in motion, it helps preserve momentum.
Stop in spots where you’ll be able to roll out easily, like a slight downhill grade.
Avoid tight turns, they cause tires to dig in.
If you start to bog down, do not mash the throttle. Stop immediately.
Try reversing slowly to regain traction. If wheels spin, it’s time to dig.
If you’re without a shovel, improvise with hub caps, a flat rock, or floor mats.
Dampening the sand in front of the tires can improve grip and help get you moving again.
Equipment Check
Dune Flag: If you're driving in dunes or sandy hills, especially in open areas like Alberta or BC's interior, install a dune flag or whip light on your vehicle. It gives oncoming drivers a visual cue, helping avoid collisions when cresting blind slopes.
Mud
There’s a saying: “mud maketh man.” But more often than not, it just makes a mess. Sure, it’s a badge of honor after a day on the trail, but navigating mud comes with its own set of hazards. Before you turn your 4x4 into a mobile mud pit, take a step back and prepare.
Preparing for Mud
Approach with a clear head, not just confidence. Ask yourself whether crossing that muddy stretch is truly necessary. If the answer is yes, gather some intel first.
Check for signs of success. Are there tire tracks in and out? If there are only entry tracks, someone likely didn’t make it.
Measure the depth before diving in. Use a stick, a shovel, or any tool you’ve got to figure out how deep it really is.
Equipment Check
Mud-Terrain Tires: Tire choice is crucial in muddy conditions. Wide mud-terrains with aggressive tread patterns perform best, thanks to their self-cleaning abilities. Most average all-terrains can’t shed mud fast enough and end up spinning uselessly. Make sure your tires are made for this kind of mess.
Getting to the Other Side
You’ve done the groundwork, your rig is ready, and now it’s time to power through the mud. To get across without getting stuck, or laughed at, follow these proven tips:
Engage both lockers and shift into 4WD before entering muddy terrain.
Stay out of ruts when you can. They lower your clearance and increase the chance of bottoming out.
Enter the mud with enough momentum and use light throttle to stay moving.
Pick a line and stick to it. Second-guessing mid-run can leave you stranded.
Don’t hit the brakes, you’ll lose momentum fast.
If you start to lose traction, quickly turn the wheel left and right. This allows your sidewalls to act like paddles and gain traction off the rut walls.
Post-Mud Bath
After tearing through muddy trails, take the time to check your vehicle thoroughly. Inspect your differentials, transfer case, brakes, and transmission for any signs of damage or dislodged components.
Wash the undercarriage, brakes, and wheels with a high-pressure hose. Packed, dried mud can throw off wheel balance and seriously reduce braking power once you're back on the road.
Pro Tip
A light coat of nonstick cooking spray (yes, the kitchen kind) on your undercarriage before hitting the trail can make post-ride cleanup a lot easier.
Crossing Streams
Eventually, you’ll face water. It’s part of the journey. The most important thing is knowing your vehicle’s water-crossing limit. Stock numbers are in your owner’s manual, but a lift or other mods will change that. Always understand your current fording depth before entering any stream or water crossing.
Preparing to Cross
At some point, you’ll need to cross a stream. It’s not optional, it’s inevitable. So make sure you're prepared. The number one thing to know is your vehicle’s fording depth. Check your owner’s manual for stock specs. If your rig is lifted or has been modified, your limits will change.
Golden rule:
If you wouldn’t wade through it on foot, don’t drive through it.
Test the depth before crossing, especially in muddy or unclear water. The ground underneath can be just as problematic as the water above it.
Fast-moving water often means a rock base, which may offer some traction but can damage tires if you can’t see sharp edges.
Still or slow water usually hides a muddy base, which can reduce traction and increase the chance of getting stuck.
Reminder: Calm water is often the deepest.
Driving Across
If it’s safe to cross, stick to these fundamentals:
Enter slowly to avoid creating a splash that could flood your air intake.
Use low range and gear. Do not shift while in the water.
Enter the current diagonally to reduce pressure on the vehicle.
Keep a steady pace while watching for submerged obstacles.
If your engine stalls, especially in deeper water, do not attempt to restart.
On a soft bottom, quickly turn your wheels left and right to help regain traction.
Safety Tip:
Remove your seat belt before entering deep water. Keep your window open and belt off, this gives you the best chance of exiting safely if something goes wrong.
Post-Cross
Once you’re out of the water, give your rig a good once-over. Check the underbody for damage or debris caught underneath. Back on dry land, test your brakes. They’ll be wet, a few firm stops will generate heat and help dry them faster.
Snow and Ice
Snow driving is a lot like mud or sand, only colder and often more unpredictable. Momentum matters, if you slow down too much, you could end up stuck. But if you spin your tires, you’ll only dig yourself deeper.
In winter, trails hide more than just ruts and rocks. Snow covers everything, and unless you know the trail well, proceed with caution.
If snow builds up under your vehicle, you’re at risk of high-centering, and once that happens, traction won’t help you.
Avoid slamming your brakes. If you start to slide, ease off the pedal and gently steer into the skid. Don’t overcorrect, that’s how you lose control.
Are Your Tires Winter-Rated?
All-terrain tires are typically better suited to packed snow and icy roads thanks to their siping and tighter tread design. But in deep, loose snow, mud-terrain tires can give you the edge.
To be sure your tires are ready for true Canadian winters, look for the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol on your BFGoodrich tires. This means they’re officially winter-rated.
Ruts and Gullies
If you’ve made it this far into the guide, you’re clearly not out here looking for smooth pavement. Wherever you explore in Canada, forest roads, logging trails, or alpine passes, you’ll find ruts and gullies. Every trip. Learn to read them and handle them with skill, and they’ll become just another part of the adventure.
Limited Clearance
How you approach a rut or gully depends on how much clearance your vehicle has.
With enough ground clearance, driving straight into the obstacle gives you the most traction.
If clearance is limited, approach diagonally to reduce how much space you need under your rig, but be aware this can affect traction.
Understanding your vehicle’s dimensions is critical. Choose the angle that keeps you moving safely.
Straddling
When your vehicle is wide enough, straddling a rut or gully is usually the best call.
Move slowly and stay alert. One wheel slipping into a trench could throw off your balance or cause a rollover.
Straddling helps keep the vehicle stable and improves your view of the trail ahead, especially important on narrow, forested tracks.
3-Point Turn
Sooner or later, you’ll hit a trail you can’t finish, maybe due to flooding, rockfall, or impassable snow. A tight 3-point turn on a narrow mountain path might be your only way out.
Knowing how to safely perform a 3-point turn in these conditions isn’t just smart, it could be lifesaving.
Practice the technique in open space so you're ready when the trail demands it.
Obstacles
Off-roading in Canada means stunning views, and plenty of obstacles. Whether it’s a fallen tree in the Rockies or a snow-covered stump in the boreal forest, you’re bound to run into something blocking your way.
If your vehicle has the clearance, try crawling over it with care. If not, don’t panic, you still have options.
Clear a path manually or with gear.
Use your winch to move a tree or debris safely.
Refer to the Recovery Techniques section to use your winch properly and avoid injury.
A smart trail rider doesn’t just go over everything, they know when and how to go around or through.
Cross the log at an angle, one tire at a time. This will decrease the clearance needed to cross.
If the log is still too big, build a simple ramp using nearby materials, fallen branches, rocks, or dirt can make the difference.
If you can’t drive over it, make room by pulling the obstacle aside with your winch.
Reminder: Refer to the Recovery Techniques section to ensure you’re using your winch safely and effectively. Proper technique matters.
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