How about both, as they were equally awesome?
Thanks!
First off, my best advice to you is to learn as you go along. I came from a CR-V and I still started at the stuff I was doing in that to what I'm doing now when I first got the 4R. Didn't want to get myself into something I wasn't comfortable with.
If you can, go with a couple of people who know how to off-road and will help guide and spot you along the way when necessary. I did that with some of the OC Overland guys and it really helped me learn how to navigate on the trail better.
As for the trails they carry different ratings per books, if I'm going off my own, I would rate Laurel Lakes a 4 and Buttermilks a 2.
Laurel is definitely the hardest of the two I posted, but there's not really anything technical about the trail. There are a few spots where you need to drive over rocks correctly (I'm stock so had to do that a few times), but otherwise it's pretty simple.
I'd say the hardest part about the trail besides it being single lane with minimal turnouts, is the switchback portion. That first switchback is very sharp, like a V, and for 4Runners you have to do a fair amount of turns to get down. Keep in mind you're on a big drop off so if you mess up down you go. On the way up I hit three wheels because there's a big drop off on the inner corner. Panicking there could cause issues.
Buttermilks needless to say is simple and easy. Flat for most of the trail minus areas where water runs causing ruts and leaving rocks. I did this at the end of snowmelt, but during peak in Spring that one water crossing can be over a foot deep.
I'm still learning so maybe down the road these will be nothing to me, or maybe I don't find them as scary as others do.
For what it's worth Laurel Lakes is considered Moderate and Buttermilks Easy in my off-roading book.
