Every off-roader has their trophies, but few are as universally respected as the Jeep Badge of Honor (BOH). These aren't just patches; they're battle scars you earn, proof that your rig is built for more than a dirt road. In Arkansas, the ultimate testing site is legendary: Hot Springs Off-Road Park (HSORP).

HSORP is one of the premier off-road parks in the nation, and it’s a required stop on the BOH trail list. Completing these trails is about more than just checking a box on an app; it's about pushing your rig, trusting your spotter, and earning that authentic pride you feel when you slap a hard-won durable sticker on your fender. This is where you grab the ultimate trail marker and cement your place in the off-road community.

We're calling this the Arkansas Gauntlet. We're breaking down the four BOH trails at HSORP—their requirements, their risks, and the epic rewards. If you've got the gear and the guts, it’s time to send it and claim your hardware. Here is the direct intel you need to conquer your next adventure.

The Arkansas Gauntlet: BOH Trail Breakdown

Hot Springs ORV Park is known for its clear diamond-rating system (1 to 5), and the BOH trails here sit squarely in the difficult and advanced categories. You need to approach these with a confident plan and the right setup. Don't be the guy who shows up unprepared—gear up properly and you'll have a blast.

1. Rubicon Ridge (Difficulty: Advanced / Extreme)

If you're looking for the heaviest hitters in the park, you start here. Rubicon Ridge is a brutal run defined by massive, uneven ledges and a steep, loose descent. It’s short, punchy, and relentless—a technical monster that pulls no punches. This is the trail that immediately challenges the limits of your suspension and the integrity of your armor.

Scout’s Report: The Point of No Return

The defining feature of Rubicon Ridge is the initial, thrilling downhill descent—the "Drop-In." It’s a steep, loose rock section with ledges that hit one to two feet. It’s a point of no return that immediately tests your brakes and your driver confidence. Once you drop in, there’s no easy way back. I remember spotting a guy in a highly modified rig here. He was paralyzed by fear, tapping his brakes way too hard. I had to direct him: "Slow hands, slow feet! Trust the gears! You built this quality machine for this moment!" He finally let the rig work, and the look of pure stoked achievement when he reached the first flat section was priceless.

To succeed here, your rig needs to be built right. This trail quickly exposes the weakness in a build. A simple control arm mount break or a bent tie rod from a poor line choice is common. Quality skid plates and rocker protection are not optional; they are your life insurance on this trail.

• The Challenge: Initial, thrilling downhill descent over large, loose rocks—the "Drop-In."
• Must-Haves: Minimum 35-inch tires (37s recommended), front and rear lockers (mandatory for the hard lines), and heavy-duty armor.
• The Reward: Making it through is a testament to your preparation. The BOH is truly earned here.

Audience Question: Can a stock Rubicon make the main line? A stock Rubicon on 33-inch tires can tackle the bypasses and likely survive the main line when dry, but you’ll be abusing your skid plates and relying heavily on a spotter and your lockers. To conquer it with confidence, mods are required.

2. Snake (Difficulty: Moderate / Difficult)

The name Snake is perfect—this trail winds, twists, and squeezes its way through the dense Arkansas woods. It’s not just about one massive obstacle; it’s a long, winding gauntlet that tests your precision driving and endurance over raw technical difficulty. The terrain is a mixed bag of rock, clay, and tight trees.

Scout’s Report: The Endurance Test

This trail is long, requiring constant attention. The terrain is a constant series of exposed roots, off-camber sections, and slick clay when wet. The tight turns mean you’ll be constantly checking your mirrors and worrying about your quarter panels. I’ve seen more pin-striping earned on this trail than almost any other—a reminder that you’re truly out in the wild. But that’s what makes the victory so sweet.

Snake's difficulty level changes dramatically depending on the weather. After a rainstorm, the clay becomes like black ice over rock, turning a difficult run into an extreme one. I once ran Snake after a flash flood, and the creek bed sections were raging. We were pulling winch lines for traction in places that were usually simple drives. It taught me that on a trail like Snake, preparation means more than just a built rig—it means understanding the terrain and knowing when to use your recovery gear for preventative measures, not just when you’re stuck.

• The Terrain: Clay, rock, tight turns, and extreme pin-striping potential.
• The Risk: Hidden obstacles and off-camber sections that demand precision.
• Logistics: Great for connecting to other trails, but its length requires planning.

Audience Question: Is it worth airing down aggressively for the clay and loose rocks on Snake? Absolutely. On clay and loose rock, dropping your tires to 12-15 PSI is critical. You need that extra surface area to grab the terrain and allow the tire tread to clean out the sticky clay.

3. Fun Run (Difficulty: Intermediate / Difficult)

Don't let the name fool you. While Fun Run does offer scenic adventure, it earns its BOH status with a signature obstacle: a massive granite Rock Slab climb and several steep inclines. It’s short, exhilarating, and a required challenge to round out your BOH collection.

Scout’s Report: The Throttle Discipline

The star of Fun Run is that long, steep granite slab. It's often damp or dusty, which makes traction a huge problem. This obstacle demands throttle discipline, high clearance, and a perfect line. If you stop halfway up, you're usually sliding back down to the bottom. I watched a driver try to conquer it with too little air in his tires and he just spun. We aired him up slightly to 20 PSI, told him to disconnect his sway bar, and gave him a single command: "Steady throttle, and just go. Don't look down! Send it!" He walked right up. The solution wasn't more power; it was better gear setup.

The distinction between the bypasses and the hard line on the Rock Slab is crucial for earning the BOH check-in. This trail forces you to make a choice: take the easy route and miss the reward, or commit to the authentic challenge. It’s a perfect test of your confidence and your willingness to trust your rig’s capability.

• The Feature: The famous, slick, steep granite "Rock Slab" climb.
• The Line Choice: You must take the hard line to legitimately earn the BOH badge.
• Prep Tip: Disconnect your sway bar to maximize articulation and keep those tires firmly planted on the uneven slab surface.

Audience Question: What single piece of recovery gear (besides a winch) is mandatory for this specific obstacle? Skid plates. The rock slab is unforgiving, and even with the best line, your belly will likely take a hit. Quality underbody armor is essential to protect your transfer case and oil pan.

4. The Mystery Badge (The Confidence Booster)

While the first three are the mainstays, Hot Springs ORV Park often rotates a fourth trail or features one that is slightly easier to welcome the new enthusiast to the challenge. This trail—often a slightly tamer route like the Grand Cherokee Challenge or an introductory segment of another line—is the perfect confidence booster before you leave the park.

Scout’s Report: The Gateway BOH

This fourth trail is designed to be the gateway BOH. It focuses on large ruts, hill climbs, and simple rock obstacles, rather than the extreme articulation of Rubicon Ridge. It’s generally accessible to a near-stock rig running 33-inch tires and just one locker (usually the rear). It’s a lower-stakes run that still nets you that coveted badge. It proves you don't need a built buggy for every BOH trail.

I advise every rig I guide to approach the park store first, check the current BOH app, and confirm which four trails are active. That mini-quest to confirm the trail details is part of the fun! It's an adventure that requires you to engage with the park staff and the local tribe before you hit the trail. Use this opportunity to practice your map reading and trail confirmation skills—they are just as important as your driving skill.

• Focus: Large ruts and simple rock obstacles—a focus on large-scale resilient handling.
• Vehicle: Ideal for a near-stock rig with 33-inch tires and one locker.
• The Mission: Encourage the reader to explore and confirm the current BOH trail on the app, making it a scavenger hunt.

Audience Question: If I only have one day, which two BOH trails should I prioritize? If you're skilled and well-equipped, go for Rubicon Ridge for the challenge and Fun Run for the feature. If you're newer and want a guaranteed win, pair the "Mystery Badge" with Snake for the sheer length and varied terrain experience.

Claim Your Hardware: The Final Send-Off

You’ve got the intel. You’ve got the trail map in your head. The four BOH trails at Hot Springs Off-Road Park are waiting to test your rig, your resolve, and your prep. This is a crucial stop on your journey to becoming a top-tier adventurer, offering epic challenges that give you stories to tell and a badge to showcase.

Don't just look at these trails. Conquer them. Check your gear, download the BOH app, and hit the throttle. Your rig is built for this adventure. It’s time to send it and claim your hardware.

The physical badge is cool, but the story is priceless. Rep your rig with the proof of your skill. Grab your Tred Cred patches and stick them next to that BOH badge you just earned!