Hal Johns

Hal Johns, one of the best-known rock-crawling trails in the Black Hills, can be found off Boulder Canyon Road in the Camp 5 area, west of the city of Sturgis. Hal Johns runs the creek bed adjacent to the main Camp 5 trail, crossing Camp 5 many times and at points running the same track. The Camp 5 crossings are what divide Hal Johns into its 16 separate sections.

Those visiting Hal Johns should expect boulders up to the size of a kitchen refrigerator, tight squeezes, steep climbs and descents, and pinstriping foliage throughout. Hal Johns can be tackled section by section, as Camp 5 is never far away to bail out or skip harder areas. Buck and rail block a section from private land near the northern end, so follow the posted signage and make sure not to follow the tire tracks off the legal trail.

Although each section varies in difficulty, the entire trail should only be attempted in purpose-built rock crawling vehicles equipped with large tires, lockers, heavy-duty skid plates, and winches. Body damage is a high probability, and mechanical failures are common.

The best camping can be found at the beginning of Camp 5 for numerous large vehicles and trailers.