Hal Johns Bypass

Paralleling the most extreme southern sections of the Hal Johns trail, Hal Johns Bypass is a short connector trail from Camp 5 to Galena Road. 99% of this trail is easy, with a hard-packed surface, gentle grades, and a few watery mudholes. However, the moderate rating comes from one short section at the northern end of the trail, at the intersection with Camp 5, Calamity Canyon, and Hal Johns. At this intersection, you are required to traverse a rutty and chunky rock climb out of Bear Butte Creek, with rocks up to 10''-12" in size. The northern quarter of Hal Johns Bypass is trail 8045, which requires a motorized trail permit. The southern three-quarters changes road numbers to 170.4C and offers several connection points to Hal Johns, Fullsize, and Kong. The southern end of the road has some of the best scenery you will find in the Camp 5 area, with several wide-open meadow views. At the southern intersection with Galena Road, you can find a small staging/camping area good for airing up or leaving trucks and trailers. Please remember, per Forest Order BKF-146-2019, campfires are strictly prohibited in the Black Hills.

This trail is suitable for any high clearance vehicle and drivers of any experience level.