4 Wheeling
Off-road adventures in the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota can be as simple as exploring an out-of-the-way dirt road in your 4x4 that leads high into the hills, or as extreme as “rock crawling” some of the most rugged and highest rated, winch-mandatory trails in the region.
In the Black Hills National Forest, hundreds of miles of primitive roads are ideal for off-roading. Generally, you can travel anywhere in the BHNF, guided by the “open-unless-closed” principle. That means areas where you should not travel will be posted or gated. But be careful, because hundreds of acres of private property are intertwined among the Forest Service land. An official Forest Service map shows not only public and private land, but also trails, tracks, mines, springs, fire lookouts, etc.
In some special portions of the Forest, travel management rules prohibit off-roading to protect soils and other natural features. Please remember that over-aggressive driving can cause resource damage or wildlife disturbances.
Local 4x4 clubs such as the Black Hills 4 Wheelers Club, Dakota Territory Cruisers and the Toyota Land Cruiser Association sponsor runs throughout the year, and some annual events like the Black Hills Jeep Jamboree every fall offer organized off-roading.
Here in the Black Hills and Badlands, you’re guaranteed some of the best backcountry sightseeing you’ll ever find, regardless of your route or abilities. Bring along a camera and lots of film, because you’re sure to spot breathtaking photo opportunities and probably some wildlife.
Just by the names of some of the more extreme 4x4 trails, you know you’re in for an adventure. Test your skills in Calamity or Lost Soldier Canyon. How about Twister or Kong? The Badlands Boogie sounds a bit less intimidating.
Local Forest Service officials and off-road enthusiasts are working on preliminary plans for an established trail system for 4x4 and ATV use which they hope to have in progress in the next couple of years. Progress updates will be reported as they become available.
A free Travel Information Map with roads, trails and areas designated and restrictions marked can be picked up at the Black Hills Visitor Information Center and Forest Service Offices.
