Many find off-roading to be an extreme vehicle challenge, but even seasoned enthusiasts glance sideways at rock crawling. The epitome of extreme off-roading, rock crawling takes serious skill, funds, and guts. And one thing is abundantly clear: the right tires are essential.
Choosing the right rock crawling tires is essential for your safety and experience. Although this can be intimidating, we’ve got your back with a list of some of the best rock crawler tires for 2025 to get you started.
(Looking for more conventional all-terrain or mud terrain tires instead?)
What Makes a Good Rock-Crawling Tire?
The name of the game for rock crawling tires is traction–specifically traction on rocks.
Here are some key factors of a good rock crawling tire:
Traction on rocky surfaces: Rock surfaces can be slippery, rough, bumpy, smooth and anything in between. They are also usually vertical, or at least extremely steep. Traction is achieved via taller lugs and softer rubber compounds compared to typical all-terrain tires. They grip, instead of slip!
Durability: This seems obvious but one that many overlook. A rock crawler tire carcass must withstand harsh conditions like sharp edges that can puncture or tear sidewalls and tread.
Self-cleaning capability: A high-void tread pattern is super important in cleaning out mud, dirt, and other debris that can clog the tread and interfere with the contact patch.
Versatility: Although designed specifically for rocks, you also want a tire that can handle anything that crops up like mud, sand, dirt, or other obstacles.
Something to note about rock crawler tires: softer treads are harder to steer and will wear more quickly than ordinary all-terrain or mud tires.
Also, most tires will not note if they’re specifically for rock crawling so you’ll need to pay attention to the tread and details. Our list below is an excellent place to start.
Top Rock-Crawling Tires for 2025
BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3
Starting off our list of the best rock crawling tires is the BFGoodrich Mud Terrain T/A KM3, which also is a best seller on our Best Mudding Tires blog. The aspects that make the KM3 such a great mudder also make it an excellent rock crawler.
Key features include:
Krawl-Tek Compound grips slick surfaces and even difficult, clay-like mud.
Terrain Attack tread design features massive tread blocks for superior grip from any angle, making it versatile and dependable in nearly any terrain.
BFG’s CoreGuard Sidewall for 27% tougher (than previous KM series tires) sidewall.
Goodyear Wrangler Boulder MT
Next up is the Goodyear Wrangler Boulder MT. Like its name suggests, it’s a great option for overcoming boulders and other rocky obstacles. Big, bad and bold–this isn’t an ordinary mud tire.
This tire is tough and long-lasting, so the fun doesn’t end (prematurely, anyway)!
Key features include:
Aggressive side walls offer better grip in both mud and rocks.
Three-ply Duraply Technology™ delivers confidence and damage resistance.
Large void tread design with built-in stone ejectors protect the carcass against stone drilling.
This tire is available in a huge range of sizes to fit your favorite off-road rides like Jeep Wrangler, Toyota Tacoma and the Ford Bronco.
Cooper Discoverer STT PRO
The Cooper Discoverer STT PRO is a M+S rated tire with maximum traction needed for any adventure. It’s well-known for its super strong tread paired with surprisingly mild on-road manners, perfect for flexibly when shifting gears from work to fun.
Key features include:
Armor-Tek3 technology boosts carcass strength utilizing a third ply running at a different angle from the previous two, tightening up any weak points.
High-void tread pattern with mud-release dimples clean mud and debris away for consistent traction.
Stabilized on-road handling via a 3-2 block tread pattern.
Anti-stone retention ribs enhance resistance to rock and stone damage.
The Cooper STT PRO is a solid choice for rock crawlers looking for versatility and capability in one package.
Mickey Thompson Baja Boss M/T
No rock crawling tire list would be complete without an option from Mickey Thompson, and here it is: the Baja Boss M/T which is also featured in our Mickey Thompson Buyer’s Guide.
WIth serious off-road clout and backed by the PowerPly XD construction, you’ll experience unmatched off-road reliability. The Baja Boss M/T doesn’t pull any punches–it withstands them (repeatedly).
Key features include:
Angled shoulder scallops and mud scoops offer reliable self-cleaning traction.
Stone ejector ribs prevent damage to the tread.
Reinforced silica compound resists chipping and uneven wear.
Exceptional asymmetrical tread pattern for well-mannered pavement performance.
Although it does not feature a severe weather designation, customers tell us that it handles fine in snow. The across-the-board capability means that should you meet with the unexpected (like snow, mud, dirt, sand, whatever), you’re covered in all categories.
Why Invest in Rock-Crawling Tires?
Extreme all-terrain tires like rock crawling tires are specifically designed to handle the unique demands of vertical climbing steep, rocky obstacles and terrain. There’s a few reasons they are worth the investment:
Safety: The right tires allow for maximum grip and stability on treacherous surfaces, reducing the risk of accidents.
Vehicle protection: Durable, well designed tires can help prevent damage to your vehicle’s suspension, axles, and other components. Also, of course: specialized tires are less likely to fail and cause accidents.
Performance: Rock crawling tires deliver the grip and strength you need to overcome obstacles. Don’t eke through (if you even can) with substandard options.
Choosing the Right Tires for Your Rig
Off-road rigs are highly customized and varied, so it’s important to consider your vehicle’s specific needs when selecting tires. Here’s our tips:
Shop for your vehicle: Match your tire size and load rating to your vehicle’s requirements.
Keep terrain in mind: Choose a tire that can handle the terrain you tackle most frequently, or pick something that has lots of flexibility.
Test your tires: Pay attention to your rig’s handling during its first outing and make adjustments as needed.
Ready to Upgrade?
Choosing the right rock crawling tire can be stressful. Your safety and the sanctity of your recreational fun are on the line, after all.
If you’re still not sure, give us a ring or drop in and we’ll help you get the best option possible for you and your vehicle.
Walk-ins are always welcome but we encourage you to buy and make your appointment online first. Buy and book online to save some time!
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