Trail Overview
This one-way trail begins with a manageable dirt base, making it feel fairly easy at first. As you progress, small rocks begin to appear more frequently, gradually increasing in size and difficulty. Eventually, the trail transitions into a full rock garden with boulders reaching up to 3 feet tall in certain areas. These larger rocks require precise tire placement and adequate ground clearance. Near the end of the trail, there is a steep incline that becomes significantly more difficult when wet, as the dirt turns to slick mud, reducing traction.
Difficulty
This one-way trail starts easy with a dirt base but gets more difficult as it transitions into a rock garden with boulders up to 3 feet tall. The final steep hill climb becomes slick when wet, requiring good traction and careful tire placement. Skid plates and a decent amount of suspension flex are recommended.
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.
