Trail Etiquette (Uphill vs Downhill)

[modelbuilder]

Took a recent trip in my Grand Cherokee and went up a very steep and narrow dirt path along the edge of a cliff no turn outs at all.

I started wondering what would happen if I found another 4x4 coming down the path as I was driving up.

To back down I would risk tipping over and trying to navigate the harsh curves would be impossible. The power required for the driver to reverse back up the path would be extremely difficult too.

What do you do in this situation? One coming up and one going down...steep and narrow....large cliff...not turn outs....

 

[Connie]

I believe the rule is that the person going downhill should yield to the person going uphill, just as on a paved road. (of course this assumes that the person going downhill is also aware of this)

 

[Redline]

Both parties being courteous helps as does seeing each other before you're too close to each other and have fewer options. ☺

I have always read and subscribed to the idea that the uphill vehicle has the right-of-way. But I'm quick to pull over, even if I'm the one headed up hill, if I have the space to do so.

 

[MaddBaggins]

I've always heard the same thing, uphill has the right a way.
I always pull over if I have space, regardless if I am uphill or downhill.

 

[Steve Curren]

X2,what Alvin said..

 

[spressomon]

X2,what Alvin said..

Ditto. We were climbing a section of Class III trail a couple months ago and while on a long stretch of uphill with a nice drop-off we came upon a group of 4-rental Jeeps coming down trail our way. Knowing they probably didn't have a clue we squeezed over to the wall side and let them pass. It was kinda nice that they thanked me!

Uphill has the right of way all things being equal. Applies to hiking, backpacking and mountain biking too ;-)

 

[VikingVince]

As others have said, uphill has the right of way. The general logic behind that is there's more control backing uphill than backing downhill.

 

[goodtimes]

I've always heard the same thing, uphill has the right a way.

Yup, and for good reason. When you are backing uphill, you are transferring weight to the front [steering] tires, so it is easier to control. When backing down hill, the front end slides around easier with the combination of gravity pushing you downhill and less weight on the steering tires.

Obviously, the steeper the hill is, the more pronounced this is.

Like others, if I can get off to the side to let someone pass easily, I do it regardless of who has the right of way.

 

[xcmountain80]

Uphill has the right of way all things being equal. Applies to hiking, backpacking and mountain biking too ;-)

Yeah that my work in some situations but if someone is coming up a downhill track they should undoubtedly be knocked out for stupidity. Of course on regular trails downhill yeilder will apply.


Aaron

 

[kellymoe]

Yeah that my work in some situations but if someone is coming up a downhill track they should undoubtedly be knocked out for stupidity. Of course on regular trails downhill yeilder will apply.


Aaron

Whats a downhill track? Isnt a trail a trail for both uphill and downhill?

 

[sandalscout]

Some trails are one way only.

 

[Tucson T4R]

I thought the person with th larger caliber hand gun always has the right of way?? :gunt:

 

[xcmountain80]

Whats a downhill track? Isnt a trail a trail for both uphill and downhill?

OH no no no!


Aaron

 

[kellymoe]

OH no no no!


Aaron

I guess I have some things to learn. Out west where I do my traveling all the trails or roads are two way.

 

[xcmountain80]

I guess I have some things to learn. Out west where I do my traveling all the trails or roads are two way.

I meant mountain bike trails not OHV's though Ive been on a few OHV trails that should be one way!