OFF-ROAD ADVENTURES
BLACK HILLS MOTORIZED TRAIL GUIDE
OFF-ROAD ADVENTURES
START EXPLORING
One of the best ways to explore the vast landscapes of Black Hill National Forest is behind the wheel of an Off-Highway Vehicle.
The Black Hills National Forest boasts one of the largest motorized trail systems in a national forest open to vehicles no more than 62 inches wide. It consists of over 3,800 miles of open roads — over 700 miles are designated trails for all types of OHVs. Start your ride from any of the 21 designated motorized trailheads.
The trails are made up of 90 miles of single-track trails for motorcycles, 397 miles of trails in South Dakota for vehicles 62 inches or less in width, and 72 miles of trails in Wyoming for vehicles 50 inches or less in width. There are also 148 miles of trails open to all vehicles.
You’ll find welcoming towns across the region loaded with restaurants, lodging and amenities. The best part — you can easily access epic riding and iconic attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Custer State Park wherever you choose to stay.
Contact local rental companies to see how they can transform your adventure into memories that last a lifetime.
It’s bigger than a state. It’s a state of mind. For those bold enough to follow our trails, smart enough to follow our code: Of exploring this state. Enjoying this state. Embracing this state. Respecting this state. To set a fire in your soul, but extinguish the one on your campground. To leave nothing behind but boot prints, and bring back only the dirt under your nails. To explore all points on the map, and not overcrowd just a few of them. To travel far, but shop local. To embrace the moment, but respect the past. To let the wild be wild, and keep nature in nature. To give just as much to the 605 state as this place will give to you. To forever be curious. Forever be adventurous. Forever wild. Forever proud. Forever 605.
BE PREPARED
• Bring the basics: food, water and a bag to pack out trash. Packing things like sunscreen, extra layers, a first aid kit, rain gear, and a map is always a safe bet.
• Always wear the appropriate safety gear — helmet, eye protection, pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and over-the-ankle boots.
• Be aware of current trail conditions and weather before heading out. For specific trail concerns, call the Ranger District office before you ride.
STICK TO TRAILS
• Avoid wet, muddy areas. They are more susceptible to erosion. If you encounter a wet area or a stream crossing, drive slowly through it. Do not make a new route around it.
• Ride over obstacles, not around them. Going around obstacles widens trails, damages vegetation and causes erosion.
LEAVE IT AS YOU FOUND IT
• Leave plants, rocks, and historical items as you find them.
• Carving or hacking plants and trees may kill or disfigure them.
• Take home memories instead of souvenirs.
PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT
• Leave the area better than you found it.
• Pick up all your trash and pack it out or dispose of it in a trash can.
• Natural items can take years to decompose. Pack those out too. Food scraps attract and harm wildlife, which can put people at risk.
RESPECT WILDLIFE
• Observe wildlife from a distance.
• Help prevent new infestations and avoid spreading invasive species. Wash dirt and seeds from motorized vehicles before riding.
SHARE THE TRAIL
• Yield the right-of-way to non-motorized trail users. Pull over and shut off your engine when encountering hikers, bikers, or horses on the trail. Let them pass out of sight before restarting.
• Slow down to reduce noise and dust when riding near a parking lot or camping area.
• Always yield to users who are traveling uphill, including motorized users.
RIDE RESPONSIBLY
• One rider per seat. Do not exceed passenger capacity for OHVs unless equipment is added.
• Know your limitations. For your safety and others, never attempt anything beyond your skill level.
• Close all gates that you open.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
CROSS-COUNTRY TRAVEL
The forest is closed to cross-country travel except for the open roads and motorized trails shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM).
CELL SERVICE
Cell service is limited in many areas. Alternative forms of communication are recommended in the event of an emergency.
SIGNAGE
Routes designated for motorized use are not always signed. It’s your responsibility to use the MVUM to determine if you’re on a route designated for the motor vehicle being used.
ROAD VS TRAIL
Roads are governed by state law and are posted on brown signs with three numbers followed by a point and a number or letter. Trails are governed by national forest rules and are posted on brown signs with four numbers below “TR.” The numbers correspond with the MVUM.
MAPS & GPS
The MVUM is a free map that identifies the roads, trails and areas open to motor vehicle use in the national forest. Download for free and view the MVUM using a GPS app, such as Avenza Maps. Cellular service is not required for GPS navigation once you download the map. Paper copies are available at forest service offices.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Monument Health provides 24/7 emergency medical services at hospitals in Custer, Lead-Deadwood, Rapid City, Spearfish and Sturgis. For cases that do not require an emergency response, Monument Health has a network of Urgent Care Clinics and clinic-based Urgent Care Services throughout the Black Hills.
SOUTH DAKOTA OHV RULES & REGULATIONS
OHVs are strictly prohibited from driving
PURCHASING PERMITS WHERE TO PLACE PERMITS
A Black Hills Motorized Trail Permit is required to access the South Dakota portion of the motorized trail system and when riding an unlicensed OHV on a forest road designated “open to all vehicles.”
Purchase permits from Black Hills National Forest Service offices, local vendors, or the Black Hills Visitor Information Center off I-90, Exit 61 in Rapid City. The visitor center is open seven days a week, year-round.
Permits are also available to purchase at BlackHillsBadlands.com/BHVIC.
Please note that a separate permit is required when operating an OHV in Wyoming. There is no reciprocity for out-of-state registrations.
Permits need to be affixed in the proper locations and visible to oncoming vehicles to be valid.
ATVS/UTVS
Place the permit on the front left external wheel panel.
MOTORCYCLES
Affix the permit on the front center fork or the top of the fender.
ROAD LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
OHVs must be registered and licensed to be used on public highways and some forest service roads. If you live in a state where they cannot be licensed for road use or your vehicle is not licensed, you must obtain a special road travel permit at a SD county treasurer’s office or online. Scan here or call 605-773-3541 for more information.
VEHICLES WITH WINDSHIELDS
Place the permit on the driver’s side on the front windshield.
SCAN TO PURCHASE PERMITS
TRAIL RIDING AREAS
CHOOSE YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE
BEARLODGE RANGER DISTRICT
The Bearlodge Ranger District encompasses the Northern Black Hills in Wyoming. *Requires a Wyoming ORV permit
• Trails: 73 miles (50”)
• Roads: 236 miles
• Points of Interest: water features, fire tower, old miner’s grave, creeks, evergreen forests, scenic vistas
SEASONAL TRAILS
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. Reference the MVUM for seasonal designations.
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.
NORTHERN HILLS RANGER DISTRICT
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: waterfalls, abandoned gold mines, boulder fields, old logging roads, vistas, meadows, aspen groves, caves, ghost towns
HELL CANYON RANGER DISTRICT
The Hell Canyon Ranger District is in the southern part of the Black Hills National Forest.
• Trails: 101 miles
• Roads: 1,086 miles
• Points of Interest: ghost towns, limestone canyons, old stagecoach stops, ranches, caves, monoliths
MYSTIC RANGER DISTRICT
The Mystic Ranger District is 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, ghost towns, waterfalls, abandoned gold mines, limestone plateaus, streams, aspen groves, meadows, sandstone ridge
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, at the Pactola Visitor Center and from local vendors.
BEARLODGE RANGER DISTRICT
101 S 21ST ST, SUNDANCE, WY
307-283-1361
OPEN: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday – Friday
HELL
CANYON RANGER DISTRICT
1019 N 5TH ST, CUSTER, SD
Located north of Custer, west side of Hwy 16
605-673-9200
Forest Supervisor’s Office
OPEN: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday – Friday
1225 WASHINGTON BLVD, NEWCASTLE, WY
307-746-2782
OPEN: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday – Friday
MYSTIC RANGER DISTRICT
8221 S HWY 16, RAPID CITY, SD 605-343-1567
OPEN: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday – Friday
NORTHERN HILLS
RANGER DISTRICT
2014 N MAIN ST, SPEARFISH, SD 605-642-4622
OPEN: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday – Friday
PACTOLA VISITOR CENTER
22995 HWY 385, RAPID CITY, SD West of Rapid City, on Hwy 385, at Pactola Reservoir 605-343-8755
OPEN: Daily, Memorial Day – Labor Day Call for hours
NORTHERN HILLS
DEADWOOD GULCH RESORT
304 CLIFF ST, DEADWOOD, SD
605-578-1294 • DEADWOODGULCHRESORT.COM
Nestled along Whitewood Creek, our newly remodeled hotel and casino offers a comfortable atmosphere, Boston’s Restaurant and friendly staff. You’ll find free on-site parking with plenty of room for trailers. It’s the perfect place to explore the BH trails from, then come back to - and relax.
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!
NO NAME CITY RESORT
20899 PLEASANT VALLEY DR. EXIT 34, STURGIS, SD 605-347-8891 • NoNameCity.com
Our full-service resort offers 25 cabins, 50 big-rig RV sites, heated pool, hot tub, high-speed wi-fi, pool table, bar/ pavilion, 2 laundromats and private showers. Just off I-90 with easy access to Bulldog Trail and the BH National Forest! Ask about group/reunion rates and special amenities.
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 & TRADING POST
21399 US HWY 385, DEADWOOD, SD 605-578-9767 • SteelWheelCampground.com
Just South of Deadwood on the Black Hills National Forest UTV/ATV trail system. RV sites for all sizes, cabins, lake access, oversize trailer parking, gas, propane, diesel, gift shop, and groceries. Open all year!
STURGIS BUFFALO CHIP — GET ON! ADV FEST
20622 FT. MEADE WAY, STURGIS, SD
605-347-9000 • GETONADVFEST.COM
Four days of camping, community, and adventure riding in SD’s beautiful backcountry. PLUS test rides, seminars, entertainment, awards, and the latest riding gear and accessories.
VISIT SPEARFISH
603 N MAIN ST, SPEARFISH, SD 605-717-9294 • VisitSpearfish.com
Limestone walls, waterfalls and pristine beauty make Spearfish an outdoor sanctuary. Enjoy miles of trails and top off your day at one of nearly 50 restaurants and 3 breweries. Find the perfect overnight stay with year-round accommodationsincluding hotels, campgrounds, and specialty lodging.
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. Free services include expert trip planning, maps and brochures. Open year-round. Motorized Trail Permits available for purchase online or in person.
ELK CREEK RESORT
8220 ELK CREEK RD, PIEDMONT, SD
605-787-4884 • ElkCreekResort.net
Off I-90 in beautiful Elk Creek Valley. Shady tent sites, full hookup RV sites, vacation homes, cabins, and motel. Good base station, 1 mile from BH Forest trails. Return to swim and relax with panoramic views. Visit the on-site “Petrified Forest” to hike and learn about the area. 150 acres of all you need!
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.
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.
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
605-394-2693 • 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.
CENTRAL HILLS
ADVENTURE RENTALS – HILL CITY
12670 ROBINS ROOST RD, HILL CITY, SD 866-445-5386 • AdventureRentalsSD.com
Explore the BH on an ATV! We’re centrally located in the Heart of the Hills! Our ATV’s are street and highway legal with park passes and forest permits on each of the units. Discover hidden treasures and scenic vistas around every corner of almost 4,000 miles of roads and trails.
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!
MT. MEADOW STORE & CAMPGROUND
11321 GILLETTE PRAIRIE RD, HILL CITY, SD 605-574-2636 • MtMeadow.com
Bring your machine and explore miles of US Forest Service trails directly accessible from the campground — near Deerfield Lake in the Heart of the Black Hills. Stay in a cabin or at our full-service RV campground. Visit the café and convenience store, and fill up your tank at our 24-hour gas pumps.
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!
