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Trail Rating System

BLACK HILLS JEEPS USES THE LOCAL TRAIL RATING SYSTEM ON ALL TRAILS IN THE BLACK HILLS AREA. ​

The Black Hills are filled with a wide variety of trail types. There is something for everyone here. Trails do change over time and due to winter weather, please check winter weather conditions.
Some trails are not for wheeled vehicles in the winter due to the snowmobile trail system, from December 15th to April 15th.
Some trails are closed seasonally from December 15th to May 15th due to local migratory patterns.
Please pack out what you pack in. We are very proud of our Black Hills and want to keep them clean!

rating: 1-3 (easy)

Listed as "Roads Open to All" or "Trails Open to All" the most fun four-wheeling you can expect to have in a stock four-wheeler; four-wheel drive is required occasionally, and some mud holes or rocks that would stop most other vehicles are traveled easily in 4WD.
For novice and experienced drivers alike.

rating: 4-5 (moderate)

Not advisable for novice drivers; potentially dangerous situations. Maximum ground clearance, lower gears, and minimum tire size of 33 inches is suggested. Recommended: limited slips, winches, and jacks advised due to moderate to large rocks and obstacles. Vehicle damage is possible. ​

rating: 6-7 (advanced)

​For the experienced driver; extremely dangerous situations. Maximum ground clearance, lowest gears, minimum tire size of 35 inches, two lockers, and winch are required. Full size vehicles limited to specific trails at this rating. Jacks and winches indispensable due to large boulders and steep inclines. Vehicle damage is likely.

rating: 8-9 (severe)

Maximum ground clearance and minimum tire size of 37 inches are required. Armor is strongly recommended. Lowest gears, front and rear lockers, winch, and skid plates are a must. For experienced drivers only. Large boulders, steep climbs, and off camber scenarios create extremely dangerous situations. ​Vehicle damage is likely.

rating: 10 (buggy only)

Buggy only. ​