Trail Overview

A short, fun trail that has a variety of obstacles. It includes a water crossing that ranges from 1 to 3 feet depending on the time of year. The the trail will have snow into the early summer on some shadier, higher sections. Most obstacles have a bypass, but there's one tight squeeze that full-size SUVs or trucks have the potential to scrape on either side. There's a steep, technical wash that has three-wheel potential at the bottom, but just requires good spotting. It has a bypass for those who aren't as experienced. There are also usually cows on the trail, so make sure to close gates as necessary. The trail can be run either direction, and has minimal cell phone service. 80% of the trail is correctly rated (4) but the last couple miles gets significantly more difficult. There are big obstacles and tight squeezes that make this trail at least a 6.

Photos of Ringing Rocks Trail

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Difficulty

Most of the trail is easy, but the water crossing gets very deep and the tight squeeze requires some finesse. In late spring/early summer it will be fairly easy, but runoff fuels the water crossing and it can get very deep.

Technical Rating

Phoebe Lard

May 10, 2026

Open

They have definitely worked on the road, they've clear trees and rocks, they've flattened it out. It is MUCH easier to get to, and not a ton of obstacles unless you go off the path.

Dale Dale

Feb 28, 2026

Open

Mainly snow free. All rock obstacles snow free. North facing has a couple inches max. The steep hill north of squeeze rock is terrifyingly slick - went for a sled ride to the bottom from about halfway down. I don’t think full size can climb up it without winching (went south to north so didn’t try). Some mud at north end but not bad.

Gage Campbell

Dec 26, 2025

Open

Muddy with lots of snowy/icy spots. Good ride. Some dry spots.

Jillian Perez

Oct 05, 2025

Open

Accessed through OHV trails from central Pipestone. Didn’t go any farther north on the trail than Ringing Rocks. Left out southern end, newly restored gravel trail.

Tyler Ferryman

Sep 09, 2025

Open

The souther entrance from whitehall is closed on this route. You can still get to ringing rocks through the pipestone ohv area and the rest of the trail north of ringing rocks is open and very fun.

Avery Summerfield

Oct 19, 2024

Open

Thad Catlin

Sep 01, 2024

Open

If your coming from four corners you can only go a little further across the river and the fence with gate till you hit the barrier as shown in photo. The other side I have no idea.

Monica Denny

Jun 22, 2024

Open

Great trail, lots of different routes you can take and explore!

Michael Varner

May 10, 2024

Open

The ringing rocks themselves come up super early in the trail with a tiny amount of rock crawling to get there. However the rest is an awesome trail with lots of variety: rock crawling, short and easy water crossings, dirt roads with some whoops and bulls that you can let loose on. I would say some parts of this are a bit more than moderate, but should be manageable with enough vehicle clearance and a good spotter. There are a couple of spots that are a lot tougher than the rest of the trail would suggest, including some pretty steep descents and a couple of really tight squeezes (you will have to fold in your mirrors, and possibly take some bumper/fender damage if you’re not extremely careful). Made for a great day of wheeling, just a bit more involved and longer than expected. Thank god my wife is super patient and an excellent spotter! A couple of motorcycles and one jeep, but pretty much had the trail to ourselves all day! Being water and snacks.

Doug Christensen

Sep 03, 2023

Open

Martin Hargett

Apr 09, 2023

Open