Find your line when off-roading and navigate obstacles like a pro with these driving techniques.
Off-road driving is not for the faint of heart. It requires confidence, skill, and more creative thinking than you might realize. Sure, modern 4WD vehicles make it easier than ever before, but smart trail riding requires more than just holding on tight.
It’s critical that you understand the terrain, as well as your vehicle’s capabilities, and that you can make calculated decisions to safely and effectively overcome obstacles. In other words, you need to master purposeful navigation—and a major part of that is knowing how to find your line.
Off-Road Line Choice
“Finding your line" in off-roading refers to selecting the best route or path to navigate through challenging terrain. This may sound straightforward – and it largely is – except when you’re actually outside, crawling over rocks or pushing through mud. Sometimes, the optimal line isn’t straight ahead; it’s around or over.
Off-road line choice involves considering multiple factors from approach angle and vehicle clearance, to the type of terrain you’re traveling and any potential obstacles along the way. Mastering this skill not only minimizes the risk of getting stuck, but can also ensure you don’t encounter any dangerous situations or damage your vehicle (or both).
Let’s break down some of these main factors, what you need to know about them, and how they can impact your off-road driving techniques.
Vehicle Capability
Your vehicle's capabilities play a significant role in determining the most suitable line off-road. Different vehicles have varying levels of ground clearance, approach angle, traction, suspension articulation, and drive systems, all of which impact how they perform in different types of terrain.
For example, a vehicle with high ground clearance and aggressive off-road tires will be able to tackle larger obstacles and steeper inclines than a rig with lower ground clearance, or one with stock rubber. Same goes for vehicles equipped with differential lockers, 4WD, a high/low transfer case, upgraded sway bars, trail armor, or other off-road accessories.
That doesn’t mean that a stock vehicle can’t head off-road, and it certainly doesn’t mean that highly-modified rigs will never get stuck. It simply means that your vehicle's strengths and limitations play a big role in finding the right line, because the way forward (or through) might not look the same for each rider on the trail.
Terrain Variance
The beauty of nature is its unparalleled uniqueness—which, let’s be honest, also makes it fun to drive over. Every type of terrain encountered off-road presents a dynamic array of challenges, each requiring a nuanced approach in order to find your line. This is because every type of off-road terrain consists of different surfaces, and material makeup provides varying levels of grip and traction.
Mud
When tackling muddy terrain, you might see various tire ruts from prior vehicles. There are two trains of thought here. For one, if you see a pair of ruts or even multiple ruts, then obviously someone has made it through, and maybe you can follow the tracks and do the same. Even better, you’ll be sticking to TREAD Lightly principles by not carving a new trail cut.
On the other hand, those ruts can be deceiving in their depth and could potentially commit you to a line you don’t want or even cause your vehicle to high-center. In that case, it might be better to skirt the sides and aim for higher ground with firmer traction (keeping your vehicle clearance in mind, of course).
Before deciding whether to go through or around mud, it’s best to assess its depth and consistency. Get out of your rig and inspect the muddy section, looking for any obvious signs of depth, such as the aforementioned tire tracks or partially-submerged debris. If none are present, grab a stick to probe the mud's depth. Does it sink right in or meet resistance? Is the mud clay-like or soupy? If it’s safe, try walking on the mud. These quick tests will give you a better idea of how your vehicle will manage and if you should find an alternate route.
Snow
Snow is a tricky terrain, largely because there are so many different kinds of it. Is it that light and fluffy snow that almost seems dry? Or is it the wet and heavy kind that compacts and sticks to everything? Is there a layer of crunchy ice on top? Is there a layer of ice on the bottom?
With temperature and moisture having such a major impact on its consistency, no two snowfalls are ever really the same. This, combined with the fact that snow can disguise a pathway and hide obstacles, makes finding your line when off-roading on this terrain an exercise in caution.
With snow, prioritize staying on established trails to minimize the risk of getting stuck or causing environmental damage. Keep an eye out for subtle clues, such as tire tracks or compacted snow, indicating areas of firmer traction. Also, if you are in a wooded area, consider the tree lines and that the trail will likely be nearer the center of the tree opening.
Opt for the smoothest, most level, and least steep paths to maintain momentum and reduce the likelihood of sliding or getting bogged down. Additionally, be mindful of potential obstacles hidden beneath the snow, such as rocks or tree stumps, and adjust your line accordingly to avoid them.
Some vehicles are simply better equipped than others for this terrain, but use gentle inputs when steering, braking, and accelerating to maintain control. Take it slow and always be prepared to adapt your line as conditions change. And for Pete’s sake, keep some traction boards on hand.
Rocks
Finding your line when off-roading in rocky and uneven terrain is a fun challenge because these obstacles can flex out your suspension. Depending on the type of rock material, the surface can be smooth, or coarse and rough. Keep in mind that smooth rock will provide fewer traction opportunities than coarse rock. Wet weather conditions will also affect how much traction is available.
In rocky terrain, prioritize finding the most level path to minimize the amount of “work” your vehicle has to do. Approach obstacles with only one tire at a time so that the other three tires are stable with solid traction. If and when you are climbing over one obstacle to another, try to find lines that provide the easiest transition and the best four-wheel traction. Look for signs of other vehicle traffic, such as tire marks, cut rocks from bumpers, and undercarriage skid marks, and then make the appropriate maneuvers to pass through.
Off-road driving techniques like low speed, two-foot pedaling, heavy braking, and visibility are paramount here. Use the lowest gear and 4-wheel-low if you have it. A knowledgeable spotter with appropriate communication and signals is also advised. Make sure you and the spotter are on the same page with a total understanding of what means what.
Sand
Sand is perhaps the trickiest of all terrains. It can be so hard-packed and feature a crust that won’t even absorb a footprint, or it can be so soft that it will swallow you up to your knees. Sand can also be completely flat or very steep. Just remember that the steeper the sand dune, the softer the sand.
The key to off-roading in sand is to seek out and follow the packed tracks, as this will help you find your line. It’s important to read the terrain far in advance before you are over that piece of earth.
If you are driving untouched sand with no tracks to follow, stick to the flat side of the ridge even if that route takes you a short distance out of the way of your intended direction. Once you are ready and do intend to cut a ridge and cross over a steep dune, cut it mostly at a 90-degree angle and drive down straight so that you are pointing straight down.
This same off-road driving technique also applies to driving up a dune—with one caveat. Once you crest the hill, steer the vehicle 90 degrees to the left or right and keep driving at a safe speed so you don’t get stuck. This is done so that you can become oriented and observe around you what was previously unknown. (Most of the time, from down below, you cannot see what is on the other side on top.)
Several other tips for driving in the sand are to maintain momentum and avoid bogging down. If the vehicle does begin to lose momentum, that means the tires are losing traction and sinking in soft sand. If this happens, abandon the line and aim for hard-pack or flat ground. Lastly, never park in the flat. If you are going to make a stop, always position the vehicle so the nose is facing downhill.
Recognizing Natural Paths and Clues
Just like a wild animal or flowing water will take the line of least resistance, so too do many off-road trails. A keen eye for reading the terrain is indispensable when it comes to finding your line off-road. Look for signs like tire marks, scratches on rocks, or burnt-in lines left by previous vehicles. These indicators can guide you toward the main line, offering valuable insights to navigate obstacles safely.
Additionally, pay attention to the natural contours of the terrain, such as dips, ridges, and slopes. Aim your vehicle so that it may remain as level as possible. These features will often dictate the most efficient route, allowing you to conserve energy and maintain control over your vehicle.
Mastering Line Execution
Executing your chosen line with precision is the final piece of the off-road driving puzzle. Keep these tips in mind to ensure you navigate off-road obstacles with confidence and finesse.
- Pay attention to approach, break-over, and departure angles to ensure clearance over obstacles.
- Maintain a steady pace that allows for controlled maneuvering, avoiding abrupt acceleration or braking that can disrupt traction.
- When it comes to tire placement, aim to position your wheels on stable surfaces to maximize traction and stability.
- Utilize precision steering and purposeful off-road driving techniques to navigate tight turns and obstacles.
- Engage in effective communication with spotters.
Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination—so embrace the adventure and explore the path-less-traveled with confidence and skill!