Rocky Start

Trail Overview

This trail is very rocky, narrow, and geared toward more experienced drivers with well-equipped vehicles. Right from the start, you'll encounter several mud holes that can quickly cause you to lose traction--especially after rainfall. The tight nature of the trail adds to the challenge, as it leaves little room for error and increases the risk of body damage if you're not precise with your line choice. As you continue, large boulders become a regular feature, some of which can pose a serious clearance issue for rigs without sufficient lift or larger tires. Careful spotting, proper tire placement, and vehicle protection (like skid plates and sliders) are highly recommended. This trail is not suitable for stock vehicles.

Photos of Rocky Start

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Difficulty

This is a challenging, technical trail intended for built rigs and confident drivers. Expect a tight, rocky route with minimal room for error. Mud holes near the start can get slick fast, and poor traction combined with the narrow trail corridor makes body damage a real possibility. Further in, you'll hit several large boulders that demand high clearance and aggressive tires--this isn't a trail for stock setups. If you don't have a lift, lockers, and solid armor, you're likely to get hung up or worse. Spotting is recommended, and slow, deliberate driving is key to making it through unscathed.

History

The Iron Range OHV Recreation Area was built on reclaimed mining land, once part of the rich Mesabi Iron Range that fueled U.S. steel production for over a century. Today, this 1,200+ acre site blends industrial history with outdoor adventure, offering a rare chance to ride through the remnants of Minnesota's mining legacy.

Technical Rating

Rocky Start can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV