OFF-ROAD ADVENTURES BLACK HILLS ATV / UTV RECREATION GUIDE
WHAT’S INSIDE :
MAP / REGIONAL INFORMATION / SERVICES / LODGING / RENTALS KNOW BEFORE YOU GO / OHV RULES & REGULATIONS
BlackHillsBadlands .com
BLACK H I LLS & BADLANDS 2021–22 OFF–ROAD RECREATION GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS For advertising information, call 605-355-3600. Cover photo courtesy of South Dakota Department of Tourism. The information contained in this publication is not designed for navigational purposes. Its intent is to inform and provide additional sources of information for recreational opportunities. BH&B will be in no way liable for injuries, personal or otherwise, as a result of any and all activities pertaining to ATV/UTV use and the information contained herein. Listings in this publication are based on information provided by Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association members as of September 2020. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. This publication is paid for in part by funding from the South Dakota Department of Tourism. For more information and travel ideas, visit BlackHillsBadlands.com.
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2. . . . . . . . . . . OFF–ROAD ADVENTURES 3. . . . . . . . . . . KNOW BEFORE YOU GO RULES & REGULATIONS
4. . . . . . . . . . . PERMIT PLACEMENT
OPEN/CLOSE TRAIL DATES
5. . . . . . . . . . . RIDE RESPONSIBLY 6. . . . . . . . . . . SHARE THE TRAIL
POINTS OF INTEREST
7.. . . . . . . . . . . SERVICES MAP 10. . . . . . . . . RANGER DISTRICTS 11-15. . . SERVICE PROVIDERS
OFF-ROAD ADVENTURES START EXPLORING
The Black Hills National Forest boasts one of the largest motorized trail systems in a National Forest that is open to vehicles 62 inches or less in width. It currently consists of more than 3,600 miles of open roads—over 650 miles are designated trails for all types of Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)—and has 21 designated motorized trailheads. Included are90 miles of singletrack trails for motorcycles, 3 47 miles of trails for vehicles 62 inches or less in width in South Dakota, and 72 miles of trails for vehicles 50 inches or less in width in Wyoming. There are also 148 miles of trails open to all. The system incorporates a large number of looped trails and has parking access from 20 trailheads. A Black Hills Motorized Trail Permit is required to access the SD portion of the motorized trail system and when riding an unlicensed OHV on a forest road designated “open to all vehicles.” Permits are available as a sevenday consecutive pass ($20) or an annual pass ($25). Prices are subject to change. Permits may be purchased online at BlackHillsBadlands.com/permits, or any of the forest service offices (Page 10). They may also be purchased at the Black Hills Visitor Information Center, conveniently located off Interstate 90 at Exit 61 in Rapid City. The visitor center is open seven days a week, yearround, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers extended summer hours. Please note that the State of Wyoming requires a separate permit when operating an OHV in Wyoming. There is no reciprocity for out-of-state registrations. The forest is closed to cross-country travel, except for the open roads and motorized trails, as shown on the free Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) provided with trail permits and available online or at forest service offices. ATVs/UTVs may be used on most roads and highways, as long as they are registered and licensed. If you live in a state where ATVs/UTVs cannot be licensed for road use, you may not ride on roads in South Dakota unless you obtain a special road travel permit, available at any county courthouse in South Dakota. BlackHillsBadlands .com
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KNOW BEFO KNOW THE LAW
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In South Dakota, state motorcycle law governs ATVs and UTVs.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
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There is no minimum age or license requirement for off-road drivers on trails. However, please follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on age and size requirements.
MAPS & GPS
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Download and view the MVUM on your mobile device using GPS apps, such as Avenza Maps. Cellular service is not required for GPS navigation once you download the map. Visitors are responsible for using the information on these maps, and knowing which roads and trails are open for various motorized use types.
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FOREST SERVICE TRAILS
All Forest Service trails on the Northern and Southern Black Hills maps are well maintained.
CELL SERVICE
Cell service is limited in many areas. Walkie-talkies or alternative forms of communication between riders are recommended in the event of an emergency.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
In case of a medical emergency, Monument Health provides 24/7 emergency medical services at hospitals in Custer, LeadDeadwood, Rapid City, Spearfish and Sturgis. For cases that do not require a full emergency response, Monument Health has a network of Urgent Care Clinics and clinicbased Urgent Care Services throughout the Black Hills.
SOUTH DAKOTA OHV RULES & REGULATIONS
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On-the-road drivers need a licensed OHV, must be 14 years of age or older, and possess a valid driver’s license.
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ATV/UTV use is strictly prohibited on the interstate highway system at all times.
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Eye protection is required for ATV/UTV operators on all public roads unless a windshield is in place.
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Helmets are advised for all ATV/UTV operators and riders on all roads. Helmets are required by law for anyone under 18.
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Operators on roads must be able to provide registration and proof of insurance.
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ORE YOU GO PERMIT PLACEMENT MOTORCYCLES
The permit needs to be visible from the front of the left side.
ATVS/UTVS
Place the permit on the left front or left rear quadrant on permanent plastic or metal frame members visible to inspect from the front or left side.
VEHICLES WITH WINDSHIELDS
Place the permit on the lower left quadrant of the front windshield, visible from the front left side.
OPEN / CLOSE TRAIL DATES Black Hills National Forest Trails are designated as being open year-round or seasonally. Seasonal trails are generally open May 15 to Dec. 15, or Aug. 15 to Dec. 15. For the status of each trail, reference the MVUM. Trails may be closed due to activity during timber harvest. Closures are posted at trail entrances. Please obey closed signs and always be cautious of logging trucks on trails with shared use. Before riding, check with the local Ranger District on closures (Page 10). BlackHillsBadlands .com
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RIDE RESPONSIBLY FOLLOW THESE TIPS
SAFETY GEAR
Always wear the appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, shatter-resistant eye protection, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and over-the-ankle boots.
TRAIL CONDITIONS
Be aware of current trail conditions and act appropriately. For specific trail concerns, call the Ranger District office before you ride (Page 10).
TREAD LIGHTLY!®
Minimize your impact on the environment by traveling and riding responsibly, respecting others’ rights, educating yourself and avoiding sensitive areas.
AVOID WET, MUDDY AREAS
They are more susceptible to erosion. Meadows, lakeshores and vegetation are easily damaged. If you encounter a wet area or a stream crossing, drive slowly through it. Do not make a new route around it.
ONE RIDER PER SEAT
Do not exceed passenger capacity for OHVs unless equipment is added. 5
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KNOW YOUR LIMITATIONS
For your safety and others, never attempt anything that is beyond your skill level.
PREVENT INVASIVE SPECIES
Help prevent new infestations and avoid spreading invasive species. Remember to clean and wash dirt and seeds from motorized vehicles before riding.
ALWAYS USE CAUTION
Ride over obstacles, not around them. Going around obstacles widens trails, impacts vegetation and causes erosion.
ACT RESPONSIBLY
Close all gates that you open. Do not chase or harass area livestock or wildlife.
PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT
Do your part. Leave the area better than you found it.
SHARE THE TRAIL SAFETY FIRST
YIELD THE RIGHT-OF-WAY TO NON-MOTORIZED TRAIL USERS
When encountering hikers, bikers or horses on the trail, pull over and shut off your engine. Let them pass out of sight before restarting.
SLOW DOWN
When riding near a parking lot or camping area, slow down to reduce noise and dust.
ALWAYS YIELD
To any users who are traveling uphill, including motorized users.
SMILE
South Dakota is known for its “Great Faces.” Give everyone you meet a smile and a wave!
POINTS OF INTEREST BEARLODGE The Bearlodge Ranger District encompasses the Northern Black Hills on the Wyoming side. • Trails: 73 miles (50”) • Roads: 236 miles • Points of Interest: Warren Peak Lookout Tower and Devils Tower National Monument
MYSTIC The Mystic Ranger District is located in the central portion of the Black Hills National Forest. • Motorcycle Trails: 72 miles • Trails: 207 miles • Roads: 797 miles • Points of Interest: Caves, old cabins, waterfalls, abandoned mines
NORTHERN HILLS The Northern Hills Ranger District covers the northern portion of the Black Hills National Forest. • Motorcycle Trails: 26 miles • Trails: 209 miles • Roads: 628 miles • Points of Interest: Abandoned mines
HELL CANYON The Hell Canyon Ranger District is located in the southern third of the Black Hills National Forest. • Trails: 101 miles • Roads: 1,086 miles • Points of Interest: Ghost Towns
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Devils Tower National Monument
BEULAH 2
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ATV/UTV Map of Western South Dakota
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BELLE FOURCHE 85
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SPEARFISH EL3657
Spearfish Canyon Adventures
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SAVOY CHEYENNE CROSSING 85 O'Neill Pass EL.6689
LEAD Black Hills Adventure Lodging
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Mystic Trails Rentals
Trailshead Lodge Rentals
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Steel Wheel Campground & Convenience Store
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CENTRAL CITY
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STURGIS
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D&K ATV Rentals
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NEMO
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Rice’s Polaris Of The Black Hills
High Country Guest Ranch
Black Hills Wilderness Edge Adventures
DEERFIELD Deerfield Lake
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Hill City ATV Rentals At Visitor Information Center HILL CITY Mt Meadow EL4974 Resort Mt Rushmore KOA 16 At Palmer Gulch Crazy Horse Memorial ®
JOHNSON SIDING
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PARK ENTRANCE FEE
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Wind Cave National Park
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From Badlands Natʼl Park, Wall, Kadoka and Murdo 212 Rapid City Regional Airport
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KEYSTONE
Custer State Park
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Adventure Rentals
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From Badlands Natʼl Park and Scenic
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Fort Welikit Campground
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Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort
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Beaver Lake Campground
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Black Hills Outdoor Fun
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Rice’s Rapid Motorsports
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RANGER DISTRICTS BLACK HILLS OF SOUTH DAKOTA + WYOMING
Motorized Trail Permits are available to purchase at the Black Hills Visitor Information Center, any of the Forest Service Ranger Stations and at the Pactola Visitor Center.
BEARLODGE RANGER DISTRICT
101 S 21ST ST, SUNDANCE, WY 307-283-1361 HOURS: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday
BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST HEADQUARTERS/HELL CANYON RANGER DISTRICT
1019 N 5TH ST, CUSTER, SD 605-673-9200 • Supervisor’s Office HOURS: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday Located north of Custer, west side of Hwy 16
HELL CANYON RANGER DISTRICT
1225 WASHINGTON ST, NEWCASTLE, WY 307-746-2782 HOURS: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday
MYSTIC RANGER DISTRICT
8221 S HWY 16, RAPID CITY, SD 605-343-1567 HOURS: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday
NORTHERN HILLS RANGER DISTRICT
2014 N MAIN ST, SPEARFISH, SD 605-642-4622 HOURS: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday
PACTOLA VISITOR CENTER
605-343-8755 HOURS: Memorial Day to Labor Day, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Sunday West of Rapid City, on Hwy 385, at Pactola Lake. Call to confirm open dates and hours.
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RAPID CITY BLACK HILLS VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER
1851 DISCOVERY CIR, RAPID CITY, SD 605-355-3700 • BlackHillsBadlands.com/BHVIC Local experts will help you make the most of your trip. Call, stop by or visit our website for free information. Open year-round. Motorized Trail Permits available for purchase.
RICE’S POLARIS OF THE BLACK HILLS
11740 CONSTITUTION ST, SUMMERSET, SD 605-718-2290 • RrmWeSellFun.com We are your go-to Polaris store in the Black Hills. From tires to accessories, we have you covered. We welcome your trades. Come visit our all new 19,200 sq. ft. single line Polaris store. We are located just off I-90 at Exit 48 in Summerset, SD.
RICE’S RAPID MOTORSPORTS
3337 E MALL DR, RAPID CITY, SD 605-342-2242 • RrmWeSellFun.com Come visit our 58,000 sq. ft. superstore! Honda, Can-Am, CFMOTO, KTM, Suzuki, Triumph, Slingshot. We have one of the largest selections of new and used. We take trades! Just off of I-90 at Exit 61 in Rapid City, SD.
NORTHERN HILLS BLACK HILLS ADVENTURE LODGING
VACATION HOMES NEAR DEADWOOD, SD 605-490-9944 • BlackHillsAdventureLodging.com Bring your ATV/UTVs and stay together in a home with many amenities near scenic off-road trails. Plan a Black Hills adventure with your family, friends, or group! 11
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NORTHERN HILLS CONTINUED D & K ATV RENTALS
12737 GUEST RANCH LOOP, NEMO, SD 605-280-7934 • DK-ATVRentals.com Explore hidden areas of the Black Hills via ATV/UTV trails. Located at Nemo Guest Ranch, stop in to rent a single, 2- or 4-seater Polaris from us and let the fun begin!
MYSTIC TRAILS RENTALS
21766 CUSTER PEAK RD, DEADWOOD, SD 605-584-4794 • MysticHillsHideaway.com Behold beautiful backcountry vistas from an ATV/UTV! Rent yours here or bring your own. Near Custer Peak, map/directions provided. On-site camping, cabins, dining/bar.
SPEARFISH CANYON ADVENTURES
10619 ROUGHLOCK FALLS RD, LEAD, SD 605-584-3435 • SpfCanyon.com Explore Spearfish Canyon and beyond! Enjoy hundreds of off-road trails and miles of scenic drives in a UTV or Slingshot rental from here. On-site lodging, full bar, restaurant, and great packages. We have it all—call today!
STEEL WHEEL CAMPGROUND & CONVENIENCE STORE
21399 US HWY 385, DEADWOOD, SD 605-578-9767 • SteelWheelCampground.com Just south of Deadwood and right on the trail with easy access to everywhere! Big-rig friendly RV sites, cabins, gas and groceries. Bring your own play-toys or rent on-site. Open all year.
TRAILSHEAD LODGE RENTALS
22075 US HWY 85, LEAD, SD 605-584-3464 • TrailsheadLodge.com Offering tons of fun on a UTV! Get off the beaten path and explore the great outdoors in a side-by-side, multiple seater UTV. Cozy cabins, c-store, gasoline, dining/bar—all right here! BlackHillsBadlands .com
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CENTRAL HILLS
ATV & SNOWMOBILE RENTALS AT MT MEADOW RESORT
11321 GILLETTE PRAIRIE RD, HILL CITY, SD 605-574-2636 • MtMeadow.com Join us on the US Forest Service Trail System and discover a new adventure daily. Rent your ATV/UTV here or bring your own. Camping, cabins, gasoline, dining/bar on-site.
BLACK HILLS OUTDOOR FUN
12780 BLACK FOREST RD, RAPID CITY, SD 605-574-2430 • BlackHillsOutdoorFun.com Ditch the map! Follow local experts through Black Hills trails and explore scenic routes that others miss! Enjoy a guided 4-hour tour that ensures a safe, comfortable, and exciting adventure for all. Vacation home rentals available too!
BLACK HILLS WILDERNESS EDGE ADVENTURES
1315 OLD HILL CITY RD, KEYSTONE, SD 605-391-6551 • BlackHillsWildernessEdge.com Don’t just see the Black Hills—experience them! Rent your 2-4-or 6-seater UTV for a half or full day. On-site cabins, close to Mount Rushmore and miles of trails! 13
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YOUR OWN AND EXPLORE!
Hills’ best V from ore Resort ch.
HIGH COUNTRY GUEST RANCH
12138 RAY SMITH DR, HILL CITY, SD 605-574-9003 • HighCountryRanch.com Begin your off-road journey in the high-country! Bring your play toys, stay in a spacious vacation home or your RV. On-site convenience store and dining. In the heart of the Hills with miles of nearby trails to explore!
HILL CITY CHAMBER & VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER
23935 US HWY 385, HILL CITY, SD 605-574-2368 • VisitHillCitySD.com Off-road adventure fun starts here! Make Hill City FOUR FUN TRAILS RIGHT FROM OUR KOA TRAILHEAD. your vacation base camp for an amazing favorite getaway. Here you can stay, play, eat, enjoy AN EXPERIENCE YOU WON’T FORGET! friendly hospitality, explore and experience nearby rve your UTV early! We rent golf carts, too! Black Hills scenic trails at their best! resort guest? No problem! Rentals are for all to enjoy. your own UTV and let us be your jumping-off point.
MOUNT RUSHMORE KOA AT PALMER GULCH
12620 US HWY 244, HILL CITY, SD 800-562-8503 • MtRushmoreKOA.com Rent or bring your own ATV/UTVs, stay and play at our full-service resort. We offer memory-making opportunities for adventure right here and on near-by off-road trails! 12620 Highway 244 | P.O. Box 295 | Hill City, SD 57745
palmergulch. com
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SOUTHERN HILLS ADVENTURE RENTALS
444 MT RUSHMORE RD, CUSTER, SD 605-673-4540 • AdventureRentalsSD.com Sightseeing in the Black Hills like never before— on an ATV! Adventure Rentals is family owned and located in downtown Custer. Over 1.2 million Black Hills acres, almost 4,000 miles of roads and trails, hidden treasures and scenic vistas at every corner.
BEAVER LAKE CAMPGROUND
12005 US HWY 16, CUSTER, SD 605-673-2464 • BeaverLakeCampground.net Close to trailheads and all major attractions. Stay in your RV, tent or a cabin. Includes pool, waterslide, three bathhouses, two laundry facilities in the heart of the Black Hills National Forest.
BUFFALO RIDGE CAMP RESORT
245 CENTENNIAL DR, CUSTER, SD 605-673-4664 • CusterHospitality.com Elevate your outdoor getaway with Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort, a luxury resort that embraces modern style and convenience while celebrating escapes to nature. Deluxe cabins, luxury tents, teepees, treehouses, RV hookups, tent sites and camping cabins.
CUSTER STATE PARK
13329 US HWY 16A, CUSTER, SD 605-255-4515 • CusterStatePark.com Explore camping and lodging in a 71,000 acre vacation paradise featuring 1,400 free-roaming bison, mountain resorts, fresh-water lakes, streams, scenic drives and family friendly adventures.
FORT WELIKIT FAMILY CAMPGROUND
24992 SYLVAN LAKE RD, CUSTER, SD 888-946-2267 • FortWeLikit.com Spacious, quiet sites in the pines. Full hook-up RV sites including 50-amp and cable TV. Fullservice cabins, tent sites, and tipis. Free Wi-Fi. 15
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RENT YOUR OWN UTV AND EXPLORE! See the Black Hills’ best views on a UTV from Mount Rushmore Resort at Palmer Gulch.
CONNECT WITH FOUR FUN TRAILS RIGHT FROM OUR KOA TRAILHEAD. IT’S AN EXPERIENCE YOU WON’T FORGET! • Reserve your UTV early! We rent golf carts, too! • Not a resort guest? No problem! Rentals are for all to enjoy. • Bring your own UTV and let us be your jumping-off point.
800-562-8503 | 12620 Highway 244 | P.O. Box 295 | Hill City, SD 57745
palmergulch. com
