Iron Range OHV
Iron Range OHV is a moderate 40+ miles off-road trail near Gilbert, MN, best run May - October. The gear list marks All-terrain tires, 4WD with low range and Tow strap as required, and 2" lift kit and Skid plates as recommended. A stock high-clearance 4x4 can run it; check the gear list before you go.
Trail Conditions
No reports yet
Minnesota's Iron Range OHV system transforms the legacy of a century of iron mining into a unique off-road adventure. Former mine pits with red iron-stained walls create terrain unlike anything else in the Midwest. Deep mine lakes fill old excavations with surprisingly clear water, while spoil piles of crushed rock provide technical riding terrain. The surrounding boreal forest of birch and pine adds northern Minnesota atmosphere, and the region's mining history permeates every aspect of the experience. This is industrial heritage meets outdoor recreation in a landscape found nowhere else on Earth.
Fun Facts
The Mesabi Iron Range produced 75% of the iron ore used by the US during World War II.
Open-pit mines here are so large they can be seen from space.
The Hull-Rust-Mahoning Mine near Hibbing is the largest open-pit iron mine in the world.
Bob Dylan grew up in Hibbing, within the Iron Range.
🛞 Tires
🔧 Suspension
⚙️ Drivetrain
🪢 Recovery
🛡️ Protection
Closest campgrounds to Iron Range OHV:
- Pfeiffer Lake Campground · Babbitt · 18 mi (straight-line)
- Whiteface Reservoir Campground · Makinen · 18 mi (straight-line)
- Cadotte Lake Campground · Bassett · 27 mi (straight-line)
- Hinsdale Island Campsites · Cook · 28 mi (straight-line)
- Wakemup Bay Campground · Cook · 29 mi (straight-line)
- McCarthy Beach State Park · Side Lake · 29 mi (straight-line)
Straight-line distance. Check the map for drive time.
Where to Camp
6 campgrounds within 30 miles of this trail
GPS Coordinates
Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin
Map of Gilbert, MN
5-Day Forecast
Nearby Trails
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
A mild lift, all-terrain tires, and correct gear ratio will get you through this trail confidently.
Tire Size Calculator
Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.
Size up correctly, 33s vs 35s matters on moderate terrain.
Gear Ratio Calculator
Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.
Re-gear after a tire upgrade to restore trail torque and MPG.
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.
MPG Calculator
Estimate fuel economy after a tire upgrade, important for remote runs.
Bigger tires cut MPG. Plan your fuel stops for this trail.