Black Hills Snowmobile Network

BLACK HILLS Snowmobile Network: Network 350

MILES

of TRAILS

inter in the Black Hills means many visitors will traverse the 350-mile Black Hills snowmobile trail network. It features parking, pit stops, and warming shelters and is ranked as one of the nation’s top 10 riding places.

Very few locations are unavailable for riding, but there are four restricted areas: wildlife winter ranges/habitat, private property, cross country skiing complexes, and active logging areas.

Some trails lead up through deep canyons, weave through pine forests, and ascend to summit lookouts. Others open onto untracked meadows and play areas.

Full-time staff grooms the trails nightly. Snow and trail conditions are available by calling the South Dakota Sno-Wats phone service at 1-800-4453474.

Trails officially open Dec. 15 and will stay open through March 31. Crews do not groom the trails until at least 12 inches of snow are on the ground.

Grooming stops after March 31.

South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks District Park manager Shannon Percy said snowmobilers may still ride on Black Hills National Forest land after that date, but agreements with private landowners expire. Northern routes along the system tend to have the most snow.

The southern areas near Moon (close to Hill City) also boast quite a bit of snow. Percy said the trails would feature one very minor reroute this season due to logging activities. He encourages all snowmobilers to pick up a current map, which is free and available at trailheads and vendors listed on the maps. Representatives of the Forest Service, Game, Fish, and Parks, and logging interests meet every year to discuss timber sales and how trails will be affected. Several local retailers offer snowmobile rentals. Local snowmobile service and guides are also available. Snowmobile licenses may be purchased at any county treasurer’s office. A resident license costs $10 per year, with a temporary five-day permit costing $40. The permits are available at the Black Hills Trails office and vendors listed on the maps. W Numbers from the 2020-21 season were down because of the lack of snowfall. However, Percy said they are hopeful that mother nature will bless the Black Hills with lots of snow this winter. Non-resident snowmobiles that are validly licensed in another state may be legally operated in South Dakota. Residents and non-residents may purchase a special five-day temporary permit for unlicensed snowmobiles. This permit is available online and at many trailside vendors. Percy would also like the public to know that OHV use on the snowmobile trails is not allowed. Wheeled vehicles are prohibited on snowmobile trails. A motorcycle may be converted to fit the definition of a snowmobile. This permit costs $20 and is valid from Dec. 1 through March 31. Call the Black Hills Trails Office at (605) 584-3896 to purchase a pass. Snowmobilers operating in road rights-of-way and/or public snowmobile trails must show proof of final responsibility (liability insurance).

Outlaw Square is Historic Deadwood’s year-round, family-friendly gathering space and entertainment venue on Main Street. This outdoor pavilion in the heart of all things Deadwood will accommodate a variety of events including concerts, ice skating, history presentations and reenactments, movie nights, craft fairs, holiday and sporting events and much more!

Rent the Square

When Outlaw Square is not being used for internally-produced events, the space is available for the use of the general public. For rental application, space availability, costs and additional information, please call 605-578-1876, ext 4 or e-mail bobby@outlawsquare.com

Fun on the glice!

Skating opens mid-November and continues into April. Outlaw Square uses Glice, a synthetic ice material designed to skate like real ice while allowing for skating on warm days unlike traditional rinks. Skate rentals are available in sizes for tots up to adults. New this year, Ice Bumper Cars! For rates and hours of operation visit OutlawSquare.com