Giant’s Ridge Iron Mine Historic Circuit

The Giant’s Ridge area near Biwabik sits atop some of the Mesabi Iron Range’s deepest excavations, where century-old open pit mines created a moonscape of red rock walls, flooded pits, and rusted machinery that’ll humble your 4×4. This technical loop drops into the old Biwabik Mine through a series of shelf roads carved into iron ore tailings, passing massive steam shovels abandoned in place when the ore ran out in 1979. The descent into Pit 7 requires careful line choice through loose rock and around washouts that’ll swallow a wheel if you’re not paying attention.

This is expert-level terrain demanding rock sliders, skid plates, and a spotter for the steepest sections. The iron ore tailings turn to slick clay when wet, making this a dry-weather-only proposition from June through September. No permits required, but respect private mining claims and stay on established routes. The old Biwabik Mine Office has trail maps and local knowledge. Water and fuel available in nearby Virginia or Hibbing. Camp at Bear Head Lake State Park or find primitive spots along the Embarrass River, but watch for unstable mine edges and deep water-filled pits.