Bull Gap ORV Trail, Hard 4x4 trail in Rose City, MI
    Hard
    Trail
    4.4

    Bull Gap ORV Trail

    Rose City, MI•Midwest

    Bull Gap ORV Trail is a hard 25+ miles off-road trail near Rose City, MI. It requires a properly built 4x4 with 33"+ mud-terrain tires, 3"+ lift kit, 4WD with lockers and is best run May - October. Stock trucks and Jeeps are not recommended; plan on the required modifications before attempting it.

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    Bull Gap ORV Trail is Michigan's ultimate test piece, a 25+ mile network of deep mud pits, steep hill climbs, and technical obstacles that push both driver skill and vehicle capability to their limits. Located in the northern Lower Peninsula near Rose City, this trail system has earned a legendary reputation among Midwest wheelers as the place to prove your build. Spring conditions create the deepest mud, while summer dries out some sections but opens new technical challenges.

    Fun Facts

    #1

    Bull Gap is known as Michigan's toughest ORV trail, earning a reputation across the Midwest.

    #2

    The trail system was carved from logging roads but has been deepened by decades of ORV use.

    #3

    Some mud pits on the trail are rumored to be bottomless during spring thaw.

    Length
    25+ miles
    Elevation
    800 - 1,200 ft
    Best Season
    May - October
    Permit
    Required
    Deep mud pitsHill climbsTechnical obstaclesBuilt rig terrainChallenge trail

    🛞 Tires

    required
    33"+ mud-terrain tires
    Deep mud demands aggressive tread

    🔧 Suspension

    required
    3"+ lift kit
    Ground clearance for deep ruts

    ⚙️ Drivetrain

    required
    4WD with lockers

    🪢 Recovery

    required
    Winch (9,500+ lb)
    required
    Recovery straps

    🛡️ Protection

    required
    Rock sliders
    required
    Skid plates
    1
    Bull Gap Trailhead
    44.3978, -84.0234
    2
    Mud Pit Section
    44.4123, -84.0345

    Where to Camp

    GPS Coordinates

    44.3978, -84.0234

    Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin

    Map of Rose City, MI

    5-Day Forecast

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    Planning Your Trip?

    Check out our gear guides and trip planning resources.

    Gear Guides
    Hard Trail

    WHAT YOU'LL NEED

    This trail rewards preparation. Run these tools before you load up, the numbers matter.

    Tire Size Calculator

    Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.

    Running 35s or 37s? Confirm fitment and sidewall height before you go.

    Use Tool

    Gear Ratio Calculator

    Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.

    Low-range crawl ratio is everything on technical terrain, calculate yours first.

    Use Tool

    Wheel Fitment Calculator

    Calculate backspacing and offset so wider wheels clear your suspension.

    Extra wheel width = extra clearance on tight lines. Check offset before buying.

    Use Tool

    MPG Calculator

    Estimate fuel economy after a tire upgrade, important for remote runs.

    Bigger tires cut MPG. Plan your fuel stops for this trail.

    Use Tool

    Trail Matchmaker

    Not sure this trail matches your rig's current build? Find out fast.

    Answer 6 questions and confirm Bull Gap ORV Trail is right for your setup, or find a better match.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

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