Black Hills National Forest Mystic Road
Granite hell with Black Hills payoff
Mystic Road threads through some of the Black Hills’ roughest granite country, linking the ghost town remains of Mystic with the old mining camps scattered across Harney Peak’s eastern slopes. This 14-mile route starts innocently enough on Forest Service Road 110 but quickly deteriorates into loose granite climbs and tight boulder gardens that demand precise wheel placement — the infamous Devil’s Bathtub section alone has claimed more skid plates than a Moab slickrock trail.
Expect expert-level technical challenges requiring lifted vehicles with armor, winches, and experienced spotters. Summer’s your only realistic window, and even then afternoon thunderstorms turn granite into skating rinks. But push through the punishment and you’ll earn spectacular views of the Cathedral Spires, legitimate mining history at every turn, and some of the best high-altitude camping in South Dakota. Just bring spare parts — this road doesn’t forgive mechanical sympathy.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 14 mi / 22.5 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6800 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with armor |
| Nearest town | Hill City, South Dakota |
| Land manager | Black Hills National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler run Mystic Road, or does it need mods?
A stock Wrangler will get hurt on this trail. You need at minimum a skid plate setup, rock sliders, and a lift with aggressive all-terrain or mud-terrain tires — the granite ledges and shelf sections will tear up unprotected underbodies fast.
When does Mystic Road actually open each year, and is snow a real concern?
June through September is your window. Snow can linger into late May at the higher elevations near 6,800 ft, and early October storms are not uncommon — check current conditions with Black Hills National Forest before you roll out.
Do you need a permit or pay any fees to run this trail?
No permit is required for the trail itself, but if you're entering through certain Black Hills National Forest recreation areas, the America the Beautiful pass or a $5 daily vehicle pass may apply at the gate — carry one to avoid hassle.
What's the hardest section, and what actually makes it dangerous?
The technical granite shelf climbs mid-route are the crux — steep, loose-edged granite slabs with off-camber exposure and limited room for error. A slip here risks a vehicle rollover with no easy recovery access, so a spotter and a solid anchor point are not optional.
Is there any water available on trail, and how does dispersed camping work out here?
There are stream crossings that can be used as a water source if you're filtering, but don't count on them in a dry year — carry what you need. Dispersed camping is permitted throughout Black Hills National Forest; just stay 100 ft from water sources and established roads, and pack out everything.
Trail track
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