National Park Service Tells Subaru Crosstrek To Get Off Our Trail

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Beware if you take your Subaru Crosstrek, Outback, or Forester off-road. You could face a $5,000 fine or imprisonment from the National Park Service. Here's one Crosstrek owner's experience. 

All you want to do in this heat is get out of the city. 

Imagine taking your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness out on a weekend excursion to a National Park to have fun. You want to get out of the city heat and get off the beaten path to go camping, hiking, mountain biking, or kayaking. 

That is why you bought your new Subaru Crosstrek. Subaru says, "We hope you get out and explore a little this weekend." 

That's what you do: explore.

Your weekend trip is fun as you head up a National Park trail that is difficult for many SUVs but not your Crosstrek Wilderness. Your Subaru all-wheel-drive vehicle can handle the rough terrain with little difficulty.  

Weekend vibes turn sour.

Your weekend trip takes a turn for the worse after you get home. A letter from the National Park Service is in your mailbox. A user in Reddit’s National Parks subreddit posted this letter.

July 13, 2024

Reference Case: (blacked out in letter)

To: (blacked out in letter)

On June 22, 2024, at approximately 4:51 P.M., a vehicle registered to you and to this address operated on the Colorado River Overlook Road in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park in violation of the Superintendent's Compendium. That road is restricted to four-wheel-drive vehicles, while the vehicle registered to you is an all-wheel-drive vehicle. The vehicle was an orange Subaru Crosstrek. Bearing a license plate (blacked out in the letter.) 

36 CFR1,5(f): Closures and public use limited.Violating a closure, designation, use, or activity restriction or condition. Schedule of visiting hours or public use limited is prohibited. 

As stated in the Superintendent's Compendium:

"High clearance four-wheel-drive is required on motor vehicles traveling on the following roads: Elephant Hill, Sale Creek, Horse Canyon, Lavender Canyon, Lockhart Canyon, and Colorado Overlook Road. 

Future violations may incur collateral forfeiture, a fine up to $5,000, up to six months imprisonment, and/or other penalties. Your cooperation is appreciated. 

Respectfully

(Blacked out in letter)

Needles District

Canyonlands National Park

National Park Service

I would be shocked to receive this letter. You were fine navigating the steep and rocky terrain in your Subaru Crosstrek. You had a good time and returned safely with no incidents on the trail. 

The Crosstrek owner says, "A few have asked how my vehicle fared on the road. I am definitely not recommending others with similar vehicles go down this road, especially with the apparent enforcement, but my car did just fine. There were some technical spots that a less experienced driver might have run into trouble with, but I never felt any of the challenges were specific to my vehicle. I had a great time, and Canyon Land is a beautiful park (maybe my favorite)! I highly recommend you all visit."

What's the National Park Service's problem? 

The National Park Service says the Subaru vehicle didn't have the appropriate drive system for the Colorado River Overlook Road.    

There is a distinct difference between All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) on the Subaru Crosstrek and Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD). Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is full-time, and you don't have to lock in the wheels manually. 

A Four-Wheel-Drive system is manually engaged, and you lock in all four wheels for maximum traction when traveling off-road or when you are on loose or wet surfaces. When you are on the road (dry pavement), you can disengage the system when you don't need it. 

Subaru has X-Mode

However, the Crosstrek, Outback, and Forester also have X-Mode and dual-function X-Mode on Wilderness trims for more severe terrain when you need more traction. That system needs to be manually engaged. 

Subaru says, "X-Mode optimizes engine output and transmission ratio, increases all-wheel drive system engagement, and uses enhanced control of the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system to reduce individual wheelspin, providing optimal traction on low-friction surfaces. Sport, Limited, and Wilderness models include dual-function X-Mode with Deep Snow/Mud setting."

The National Park Service infers the Subaru Crosstrek does not have enough ground clearance for the Colorado River Overlook Road.

All Subaru SUVs have 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is enough for most trails you'll encounter off-road. The Crosstrek Wilderness has a raised suspension with 9.3 inches of ground clearance, offering more off-road capability.

Outback Wilderness has 9.4 inches, and Forester Wilderness has 9.2 inches of rock clearing ground clearance. All three Wilderness trims also have Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires for additional traction. 

I think the National Park Service is putting the Subaru Crosstrek in the same category as all the other all-wheel-drive SUVs on the market. They must be informed that the standard Crosstrek with X-Mode will handle the rough terrain on the Colorado River Overlook Road.

The Crosstrek and other Wilderness trims can handle even more than the standard model. 

So, continue to have fun on the weekend in your Subaru Crosstrek. Just be mindful that until the National Park Service recognizes the unique capabilities of Subaru SUVs, you should be aware of the potential to be fined or imprisoned if you violate section 36 CFR1,5(f): Closures and public use limited. 

Let us know if you've experienced anything like this in National Park. If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and join the conversation.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReportAll Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierlFacebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Adventure Subaru via @nickcarsonphotos

Submitted by Steve (not verified) on August 18, 2024 - 5:07PM

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I have a Chevy Colorado ZR2 and a Subaru Crosstrek PHEV which has the increased lift and XDrive. In the past I have owned Jeep Cherokee and Liberty and a number of Ford Superduty 4x4 trucks.
The NPS apparently doesn't really understand how 4x4 and modern AWD vehicles work.
My 1986 F350 Diesel 4x4 had the standard 2 speed transfer case with high and low range. It did not have limited slip or locking differentials so was fairly easy to get stuck in mud or slippery surfaces. Same with the Cherokee. The Liberty did have limited slip on the rear, but also had full time 4x4 labeled AWD along with low and high. The Subaru even without XDrive applies power to the wheel with traction. You can see videos of Subarus with 1 wheel on the ground still moving forward.
The ZR2 which is VERY 4x4 has an automatic 4x4 position that senses slip and engages axel as required more like the Subaru than the F350.
Subaru isn't the only one with very capable AWD and not every 4WD truck can get out of 1/4 inch of mud. Ask me how I know.

Submitted by Johnathan Lemons (not verified) on August 18, 2024 - 7:13PM

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This must just be a NPS thing. I checked with my local USFS office and they had no issues with all wheel drives on 4WD roads...but they reminded me it would costly and I might incur a fine if I got stuck.

Submitted by Stephen (not verified) on August 18, 2024 - 8:04PM

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As I recall from the comments in the Reddit post, the OP did not drive a Wilderness edition Crosstrek. Reading elsewhere, I think I saw the NPS listed a minimum of 9" of clearance was part of their requirements. The Wilderness would have passed the clearance requirement, but the non-Wilderness trims fail that.

That said, without something equivalent to 4-low, our bone stock favorite CVT equipped AWD can't go as many places, even in Wilderness trim.

Submitted by Graham (not verified) on August 19, 2024 - 12:04AM

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White Rim at Canyonlands. Last year, eight friends and I arrived in Canyonlands with six 4Runners, one Jeep, and my Subaru Outback Wilderness (which I had lifted to give 10.7 inches of ground clearance) to camp along the White Rim Trail. When we went to collect our camping permits, I was informed that my car wasn’t allowed on the trail and that I couldn’t get a permit. I explained my experience and was about to mention X-Mode, but the ranger cut me off, saying, ‘X-Mode doesn’t matter. You need 4-wheel drive.’ They also warned me that if I went onto the trail, I could be fined $1,000.

Submitted by Uri rapoport (not verified) on August 19, 2024 - 12:04AM

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I drove it with my Tacoma and I know that my second new Outback Wilderness will do a better job than the Tacoma. It is an easy off-road path for the Wilderness

Submitted by JD (not verified) on August 19, 2024 - 9:58AM

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The problem Subaru drivers are to have is the nps is not going to take the time to make signs saying "except special versions of Subaru" when posting limitations on trails. A blanket statement of "no AWD" or "4wd only" is to be it. It's like camp grounds using the 10 year rule. There may be nice exceptions that are older but they're not going to check every one.

The issue here is that such trails as the ones through canyonlands are remote and the rescue efforts can often be disastrous and tragic. Your Subaru has an off-road capability that is really fit for loose gravel trails with the potential for potholes. Do t believe me .. check the owners manual. The high clearance mandate is to protect you and your passengers, and prevent the need for tragic, disastrous rescue effors. I have a 4Runner, which has hefty clearance and offload capability, and it does fine in most parts of canyonlands NP. I wouldn't feel comfortable though traveling much of the park alone or without a sister vehicle that could winch or tow me out of being high centered. And while I consider myself an above average off-road driver, I wouldn't even consider something such as hells revenge because my vehicle just wasn't built for that.

Submitted by Chris Irish (not verified) on August 19, 2024 - 2:03PM

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The NPS in Coloroado is a bit overzealous at times, as I experienced a time when I was kicked out of Estes Park with my son after finding a cozy campsite one evening. He said the camp site, which had a fire ring and a tent spot closed at 11pm….hmm, but to be the devil’s advocate, I’m sure they have had to rescue people on the off-road trails that got in over their heads on more than one occasion.
I can see having a general rule, such as 4x4s strongly encouraged or even 4x4s only except for *current list of approved vehicles (list is updated online annually), and hopefully they are flexible enough to make these exceptions, especially for the more capable AWD vehicles like the Subaru Wilderness X-drive models.

Come on, let’s get real. The cross trek and outback are light duty off road vehicles. They have too little ground clearance. The suspension components are exposed and easily damaged. Front and rear overhang is excessive. They cannot cross steep dips without damaging front and bumpers. Worst of all they don’t have enough power for crawling up rock strewn tracks, especially at high altitude.
NPS is right to keep these timid vehicles off difficult routes. After all they must answer distress call for stuck vehicles.

Submitted by Carol coffey (not verified) on August 19, 2024 - 2:11PM

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If the laws say 4 wheel drive only, then that's what it means. Too many times folks want an "exception".
That's why we are in the mess we have in USA now. BTW I drive an outback.

Yes! Correct! There is no true 4-wheel drive vehicle unless you have a locking differential which is rare for most "4x4" or "AWD" vehicles. A basic 4x4 (AWD) vehicle (without a locking differential) only utilizes one tire in the front and one tire in the back.

I have to mention, and I am not certain about this, but apparently, Subaru's X-mode will utilize a braking system for whichever tire is needed to boost the grip of one that might be spinning. That's pretty dang cool. But again, it is not a true 4x4 (AWD) system, like most "4x4" trucks etc.

Submitted by Stephen Wood (not verified) on August 19, 2024 - 3:25PM

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Every park ranger I've ever meet thinks it's their own private hunting club. We the people own that land, not them. Pull that shit in Idaho and they will bury you right there. 12 years ago those assholes were going down left and right. These Park rangers need a reality check.

Submitted by Chad C Shuman (not verified) on August 19, 2024 - 4:35PM

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So the new ford raptor, which is considered to be one if the best "stock" off road vehicles on the market, comes in awd, does that mean it is not allowed on these trails?....?

Submitted by BFNastali (not verified) on August 22, 2024 - 10:35AM

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Having owned a stock '07 FJ with locking diffs and upgraded off-roadish tires, and owning several older true off-road SUVs and trucks (pointing that out as many modern day SUVs and trucks are definitely tarmac queens), in addition to owning an Outback XT (with mods similar to a Wilderness edition, including Geos) and an Impreza with mods similar to a Crosstrek and a WRX, I have a decent amount of off-tarmac experience. While, from an engineering standpoint, there is a difference between 4WD and AWD, it does not mean one is automaticly more capable than the other...especially in modern days. As another poster stated, they have a 4x4 that will get stuck easily. If the 4x4 doesn't have limited or locking diffs (front, back, center) and/or electronic control, the vehicle can easily get stuck in uneven and/or loose conditions. Suspension has a huge impact on agility and traction, again a 4x4 with stock suspension, especially modern ones tuned for the tarmac, is more likely to have issues. Clearance...clearance is clearance, whether RWD, FWD, AWD, or 4WD. I am just as confident in my Outback and the FJ and several of my older true off-road SUVs in most situations.

We did talk to a NPS ranger that manages a National Monument out west (we lived in Utah for the last 3 years until we moved back to the Midwest) about "road" conditions in a National Monument that is entirely 4WD High Clearance. He was aware we were using our Outback, didn't make a peep about it. He did advise a few routes to avoid, with any vehicle, complained about have a few weeks of recovering vehicles, both 4WD and FWD and a few AWD (he specifically mentioned Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V), and mentioned it's really expensive to recover a vehicle.

We enjoyed our time there, that included a nice section of steps, that we navigated easily to the dismay of a group of Jeep/Toyota/GMC trucks that had some difficulty. We ended the trip in a section with deep dips, so we had to use engineering to overcome those obstacles without damaging our front and rear numbers...did I mention, we saw a 4x4 with a rear bumper pushed up after passing through the same section? 😂 And it had way more clearance than we did.

Submitted by George Haeh (not verified) on August 25, 2024 - 9:51PM

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Let me throw a skunk in the 4WD, AWD, NPS garden party. My old Renault 5 was a terrific off road vehicle and I suspect that a Citroën 2CV would be even better. A Volkswagen Bug is pretty decent too.

The advantages: both cars are small and light. In a tight corner a few strong folks can pick up the rear end and swivel it past an obstacle, or push it out. Being narrow allows you to pick your track.

On one Quebec back road, we got bounced around in a slow going heavy duty pre SUV. Coming back with four people in my Renault 5, we zipped along in comfort.

I'm more cautious off road in my 2006 Forester XS than I would be in my R5 before it rusted out.