Quick info:
Nearest Town?: Whitehall Open Dates?: Year round
Trail Rating: Class 1+ (SUV friendly) Length?: 4.6 Miles from interstate
High-Clearance Required?: No...but it helps Wide/Long Vehicles?: No issues
Type?: Same way in & out for most
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Musical Rocks:
The rocks in this unique geologic area chime when tapped lightly with a hammer. It is believed that the ringing is a combination of the composition of the rock and the way the joining patterns have developed as the rocks have eroded away, if a boulder is removed from the pile, it doesn't ring. Please don't disturb this natural phenomenon!
If you are looking for some fancy touring attraction, this probably is not it. If you are looking for a nice ride in the mountains with an interesting spot along the way, this may be a good day trip for you.
The kids always seem to enjoy this site. What's not to like, they get to climb on big rocks and hit them with a hammer. So it is pretty much, kid heaven. Though, I have on several occasions, met a group of senior citizens that visit and play tunes on the rocks. Really! They make music with them.
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The off-road community stops there often as it is close to many trails we use as part of the Pipestone OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) area. While the road is not particularly suitable for most standard passenger cars, a careful driver in your average SUV can do the trip during most summer months.
Note, the road can get quite interesting when muddy and it does rut when it rains. So keep that in mind when you are thinking about heading out. The BLM has made some recent efforts to mark the road better, which is nice.
The last 100 yards or so to the site can be the most interesting. There is parking right at the site but some might want to park at the parking area at the base of the last hill before Ringing Rocks due to the rougher road for the last 100 yards or so.
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| The last 100 yards looks like this |
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| A trail head parking area below Ringing Rocks |
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We start at exit 241 on I-90. Here is a Google Pin for those who prefer that: CLICK HERE. That is 8 miles west of Whitehall or 18 miles east of Butte. It is the Pipestone Exit. When you take the exit from the interstate, head just slightly north. Take the very first right. This is BLM Trail #2. This runs, for a short time, parallel to I-90. This turns into a winding, northerly route of about 4.6 miles. Here is a Google Pin for Ringing rocks: CLICK HERE About the time you are questioning where you could have taken a wrong turn...you will be there. Take is slow, drive carefully and you should be able to get there without issue. I advise against trying this, in a 2 wheel drive car, when it is wet or snowy. (Full Google Maps rouite: CLICK HERE)
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NOTE: We are simply describing a 4x4 route. We accept no responsibility for your decisions. 4x4 off-roading can be great fun but it can also be dangerous. People can get hurt and vehicles can get stuck and/or damaged. Trail conditions can, do, and will, change at any time. Road conditions may no longer be accurately reflected in this or any trail description. Only you can decide what trails or obstacles your experience and vehicle can safely navigate. When in doubt, turn around. Wheel Safe!!
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