If you travel in mud, snow, steep hills, then any 4wd or AWD is probably helpful.
If you travel roads that are not graded, meaning that there are some large rocks to deal with, then make sure you have enough ground clearance to drive over the rocks. Have skid plates in case you guess wrong. Of course it is better to go around rocks if you can.
If you are new to driving 4wd in a rocky environment one trick is to not allow the rock to go through the center of your vehicle. Drive with the wheels on one side going on top of the rock. This will lift you up, avoiding "high center" problems.
If you are tempted travel solo, make sure you understand the limits of your vehicle and your skill. Have a winch and the appropriate accessories (tree strap, stakes, snatch blocks, high lift jack, etc.)
If you are traveling solo and have no experience in the conditions you encounter, then don't go there. Gain the experience while traveling with someone that does have the experience.
I got my experience in the Boy Scouts.
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