A Subaru Crosstrek driver was surprised to receive a letter in their mailbox from the National Park Service issuing a formal warning for driving an all wheel drive (AWD) vehicle on a trail in Utah’s Canyonlands National Park reserved for “high clearance four-wheel-drive” vehicles only. While this was only a warning the letter does state that “any further violations may incur a collateral forfeiture, a fine of up to $5000, up to six months imprisonment, and/or other penalties.”
One might assume all wheel drive would be the same thing as four wheel drive (all four wheels) but there are distinct differences in the vehicle types. 4WD systems typically use a transfer case that controls the amount of power to both the front and rear axles. The driver can manually engage or disengage 4WD locking the front and rear driveshafts together to keep the front and rear axles spinning at the same speed. AWD uses a center differential to distribute torque between the front and rear axles, an operation typically managed by a computer.
The exact definition of high clearance isn’t specified Canyonland’s policies but Mojave National Preserve in California has a clearer definition of high clearance can provide context:
“High Clearance: Any factory stock full or mid-size 4×4 pickup or SUV. Running boards, step bars, and plastic bumpers can get ripped off when going over rough sections. Moderate-clearance crossover vehicles as well as some station wagons designed for off-pavement used would be considered Medium Clearance and can travel many Preserve roads so long as they are equipped with off-pavement tires.“
The year of the Crosstrek in question is not known but Subaru describes the 2024 model as the following:
“The 2024 Crosstrek goes big on capability in a compact SUV package thanks to the legendary traction of standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.“
Four-Wheel-Drive Roads in The Needles:
About 50 miles of challenging backcountry roads lead to campsites, trailheads, and many natural and cultural features. All of these roads require high-clearance, low range four-wheel-drive vehicles. Inexperienced drivers should not attempt these roads. There is a high risk of vehicle damage, and towing costs usually exceed $1,500.
If you plan to explore The Needles’ four-wheel-drive roads, remember:
- You must have a high-clearance, low range four-wheel-drive vehicle for all Needles backcountry roads.
- All vehicles, bikes, and e-bikes must remain on designated roads.
- Vehicles (or a combination of vehicles and trailers) that exceed 21 feet in overall length are prohibited from traveling on Elephant Hill Access Road and the Elephant Hill road system at The Needles.
- ATVs, UTVs, and OHVs are not permitted. Motorbikes must be equipped and licensed for interstate travel.
- Pets are not permitted, even in vehicles.
- All vehicles must be registered and operated by a licensed driver.
- Poor driving conditions and flooding may make roads impassable.
