Trail Etiquette 101

Muddy Buddys Off‑Road Club – Safety & Etiquette Guide

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1. Pre‑Trip Planning

• Never ride alone

• Tell someone where you’re going and for how long

• Plan lodging, clothing, and food

• Ensure your Jeep is trail‑ready (no known issues)

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2. Trail‑Ready Minimum Gear

Vehicle & Safety

• Working Jeep with no known issues

• Front & rear tow points

• Fire extinguisher

• First aid kit

• Tow strap

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Personal Gear

• Good shoes/boots

• Gloves

• Water

• Fill your gas tank before arriving

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Parking Lot Etiquette

• Keep speeds low

• Don’t block trailers or vehicles

• Lock valuables

• Disconnect sway bars

• Air down tires

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3. Group Organization

Trail Guide

• Chosen before event day

• Should know trails and spotting basics

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Group Size

• Break large groups into smaller ones

• Mix experienced and new drivers

• Never trail ride alone

• Ensure everyone has communication

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4. Trail Guide Responsibilities

• Hold a driver meeting before the ride

• Review rules, expectations, and driver experience

• No one gets left behind

• If leaving the group, notify the guide

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5. Radio Use

• Club uses Baofeng UV‑5R

• Tell others if you don’t have a radio

• Keep channels clear

• No cursing (family club)

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6. Following & Being Followed

• Keep the Jeep behind you in sight

• Stop if you lose visual contact

• No one gets left behind

• Slow down in dusty conditions

• If lost: STOP, radio, honk, listen, stay calm

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7. Hills & Obstacles

Going Up

• Wait until the Jeep ahead is clear

• If uncomfortable, ask for winch or bypass

• 3 attempts max before asking for help

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Going Down

• Ensure the Jeep ahead is well clear

• Use low gears

• Avoid locking brakes

• Watch blind spots

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8. Passing Etiquette

Flat Ground

• Stay right when possible

• More maneuverable or more experienced driver yields

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On Hills

• Uphill vehicle has right of way

• Do not drive off‑trail to pass

• Move to a safe area when possible

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9. Pathways & Right of Way

• Respect private property

• Be courteous and quiet

• Don’t block trails

• Slow near homes, campgrounds, hikers

• Avoid dusting others

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Horses

• Yield

• Stop calmly

• Speak softly

• Follow rider instructions

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10. Spotting, Hand Signals & Commands

When on obstacles:

• Turn off distractions

• Listen to ONE spotter

• Use “Stop,” not “Whoa”

• Use “driver” / “passenger” instead of left/right

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Common Hand Signals

• Stop/Hold: Closed fist raised

• More Coming: Hold up number of vehicles

• Start Engines / Turn Around: Arm out, finger twirl

• Slow Down: Arm at 45°, hand patting motion

• Tighten Up: Arm up, pulling motion

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11. Pack It In / Pack It Out

• Bring a trash container

• Never litter

• Pack out more than you brought

• Quietly pick up others’ litter

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12. Environment Awareness

• Large vehicles can damage terrain

• Stay on established trails

• Avoid spinning tires

• Avoid rooster tails

• Respect protected areas

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13. Rocks & Obstacles

• If you stack rocks, put them back

• Rock movement affects ecosystems

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14. Ego Check

• Leave ego at home

• Know your limits

• Never attempt something you’re uncomfortable with

• “No” means NO

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15. Wildlife

• Don’t disturb animals

• Stop and shut off engine if needed

• Give wildlife space

• Never follow them

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16. Speed & Water

• Slow down

• Enjoy the scenery

• High speed increases risk

• Enter standing water slowly

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17. Be a Good Muddy Buddy

• Represent the club positively

• Your actions reflect on all riders

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Ride Difficulty Levels

Newbie

• Easy–moderate

• Requires 4‑Low

• Mud, rocks, water crossings

• Full guidance provided

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Easy

• Similar to Newbie

• Guidance as needed

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Medium

• More challenging

• Larger obstacles

• Lift + larger tires recommended

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Hard

• For experienced drivers

• Recommended: 35” tires, lockers, lift, winch, armor

• Weather may change difficulty

• Damage possible at all levels

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Trail Gear Checklist

Minimum Required

• Fire extinguisher

• First aid kit

• Front & rear tow points

• Gloves

• Water

• Tow strap

• Toilet paper

• Wet wipes

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Recommended Recovery & Safety Gear

• Shovel

• Hatchet

• Air compressor

• Blanket

• Bungee cords

• Cell phone

• CB/Baofeng radio

• Jump starter

• Extra fluids

• Fire‑starting supplies

• Food/snacks

• GPS/compass

• Hi‑Lift or hydraulic jack

• Multi‑fit hoses

• Paper towels

• Pen & paper

• Rope

• Extra clothes

• Tarp

• Winch kit (D‑rings, snatch block, tree saver)

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Tools

• Tire gauge

• Allen wrenches

• Bailing wire

• Duct/electrical tape

• Flashlight

• Hammer

• Knife

• Full toolbox

• Super glue/epoxy

• Tire plug kit

• Vise grips

• Cutters/crimpers

• WD‑40

• Zip ties

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