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Recreation Region: Buffalo Gap National Grassland

Baja OHV Travel Management Area

Located on the Wall Ranger District of Buffalo Gap National Grassland, the Baja OHV Area covers approximately 1,335 acres and is open to motorized cross-country travel. The terrain is made up of smooth, rock-covered hills and badlands formations. The area is popular for camping, hiking, 4x4 recreation, and rock collecting. The area can be muddy and slippery when wet. Watch for ruts. Be mindful of cattle grazing operations from June to October and close all gates you open. 

Conata Basin Trail system is connected from the Baja Area to the north. Please stay on designated trails once you leave the boundary of Baja OHV Area.

Image of part of the landscape of Baja OHV Area mainly showing light colored dirt and patches of rocks. Badlands formations are in the background and are tan in color. The sky is blue with some white clouds.
Image of part of the landscape of Baja OHV Area mainly showing light colored dirt and patches of rocks. Badlands formations are in the background and are tan in color. The sky is blue with some white clouds.
Image of part of the landscape of Baja OHV Area mainly showing light colored dirt and patches of rocks. Badlands formations are in the background and are tan in color. The sky is blue with some white clouds.
Image shows a woman looking at a trailhead kiosk for Baja OHV Riding Area. The kiosk sign is brwon with a green roof. The background is dirt and badlands formations that are tan in color with a blue sky.
Brown and green kiosk sign located at the Baja OHV Area trailhead. The background is tan dirt with a blue sky.

General Information

Open year-round

Open year round.

NO FEE REQUIRED

Dogs are to be leashed or under strict voice control. There are active prairie dog colonies in the area. Be aware of the potential for plague and keep dogs away from prairie dog colonies, ensure flea and tick prevention, and seek veterinary care if your dog shows signs of illness. 

Contact Phone: 605-279-2125

A picture of the Wall Ranger District's office.

Wall Ranger District

Address: 710 Main Street Wall, SD 57790
Phone: 605-279-2126
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday (mountain time). Hours vary so please call ahead. (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 43.71126666

Longitude: -102.10081388

Directions

Located approximately 25 miles from Wall, SD or 7.2 miles from Interior, SD off of Highway 44. 

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Other Other Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)

RockhoundingRockhounding

Rockhounding Info

Rockhounding is a popular activity throughout Buffalo Gap National Grassland and especially at Baja OHV Area. Follow these rules and regulations when out rockhounding: 

  • Rockhounding is restricted to surface-collection only, no digging.
  • A visitor is allowed to collect up to 25 pounds of rock per day or 250 pounds per year.
  • No collecting of vertebrate fossils, remains of animals with backbones (fish, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, etc.)
  • Collecting of common and abundant invertebrate fossils, remains of animals without backbones (shells, ammonites, baculites, clams, insects, corals, etc) is allowed for personal use and cannot be bartered or sold.
  • No collecting of prehistoric, historic, and archaeological resources such as artifacts. 

To learn more view the UDSA Forest Service Rockhounding Guide found here. Or call your local USDA Forest Service office. 

 

OHV Open Area RidingOHV Open Area Riding

OHV Open Area Riding Info

Baja OHV Area is an open riding area. 

Last updated April 30th, 2025

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