Don’t miss the Northern Hills Ride! Locally known as the “Canyon Ride” as it takes you through Boulder Canyon, Spearfish Canyon and Vanocker Canyon on a 2 ½ hour.
100 mile loop which begins and ends on Main Street Sturgis.
Click Here for 20 years of Spearfish Canyon Fall colors photos.
According to veteran riders, this may well be one of the most picturesque rides in the country. The diversity of this route is what makes the veteran riders refer to it as one of the best 100 miles of motorcycle riding in the country.
Starting in Sturgis -
Take Boulder Canyon (Alt 14) to Hwy 85 North.
Take I-90 West until you reach exit 14.
Go left a few hundred feet and take a right on Colorado Blvd.
(Watch for the Spearfish Canyon signs, 14A.)
There are 3 Waterfalls in the Spearfish Canyon. Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Falls, and Roughlock Falls (There are 2 small easy hikes to see both Spearfish and Roghlock Falls). Cheyenne Crossing is at the end of Hwy 14A.
Turn east on Hwy 85 to wards Lead and Deadwood.
Turn Right on Hwy 385 South.
Turn Right onto Nemo Road. A mile outside of Nemo is the turnoff to Vanocker Canyon.
This road will bring you right back to Sturgis at exit 32
The Iron Mountain Road then Mt Rushmore and finally Crazy Horse
17 MILES 314 CURVES
14 SWITCHBACKS
3 PIGTAILS
3 TUNNELS
4 PRESIDENTS
2 SPLITS
If you want to change the google map below, here are the directions we used.
Google Map: 999 Main St, Sturgis, SD 57785 3 US-385, Deadwood, SD 57732 Keystone, South Dakota 57751 US-16 Scenic, Keystone, SD 57751 24600-24602 Iron Mountain Rd, Custer, SD 57730 US-16 Scenic, Custer, SD 57730 US-16 Scenic, Custer, SD 57730 Custer, South Dakota 57730 Hill City, South Dakota 57745 23821 US-385, Hill City, SD 57745
Hill City, South Dakota 57745
Sylvan Lake Rd, Custer, SD 57730
26611 US-385, Hot Springs, SD 57747
US-16 Scenic, Custer, SD 57730
US-16 Scenic, Custer, SD 57730
Iron Mountain Rd, Custer, SD 57730
SD-87, Custer, SD 57730
SD-87, Custer, SD 57730
Sturgis -> Belle Fourche -> Aladdin -> Hulett - Devils Tower -> Sundance -> Spearfish -> Deadwood -> Sturgis
Starting in Rapid City, Head East on High 44 past the Regional Airport.
Go through Scenic and on to Interior and Cedar Pass.
You will pick up Hwy 240 called the Bandlands Loop and exit on I-90 (Exit 110 at Wall)
I90 Westbound riders are so eager to get to Sturgis or the Black Hills they don't take the time to see the Bandlands. This is a mistake. The whole loop takes only an hour and brings you right back to I-90.
1. The Roads are paved 2 lane highways with some gentle curves, nothing too challenging.
2. There aren't many trees and it can get hot in the summer. Bring along plenty of water.
3. Other than Interior there aren't any town in the National Park. Fill up with Gas at Rapid City, Interior, or Wall.
4. There is lodging in the park at Cedar Pass, Interior, or Wall.
5. There are 4 scenic overlooks and several scenic pull offs and some short walking trails near the visitors center.
Motorcyclists are a more curious lot though and I expect you'll stop and take more of the beauty than the typical car traveler.
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum -> Belle Fourche -> Fruitdale -> Nisland -> Vale -> Bear Butte -> Buffalo Chip -> Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Hwy 44 West, better known as Rimrock Highway is full of twists and elevation changes. You will see limestone canyon walls as you begin a two mile ascent bringing you from Rapid City's elevation of 3400 ft to nearly 4500 ft. 5 Miles into your time you will enter The Black Hills National Forest.
This is no place to take your eyes off of the road. There are plenty of turnouts where you can stop, lookaround, and get your bearings.
A few more miles up the road you will find Hisega. A quaint town named after Helen, Ida, Sadie, Ethel, Grace, and Ada. The wives of 6 men who built the first BnB in the county. Another 3 miles along Rimrock, you'll be at Johnson Siding.
The Norris Peak Road begins at Johnson Siding and runs north to Nemo Road. Stay on Nemo road until you reach Highway 385.
This is a beautiful road bordered by broad lush valleys and spurts of open road. The intersection 'T" on Hwy 385 is a great place to stretch your legs and gather your thoughts.
Turn left on Hwy 385. In just a couple of miles, you'll see Pactola Lake -- the second largest of many lakes in the Black Hills. Three Forks is just ahead.
You've only gone 27 miles. Now you get to see the geological changes as you enter the Central Hills, This is called Black Hills Crystalline Core. Hang right on Hwy 16 at Three Forks. This takes you to Hill City, the second oldest mining town in the Hills. As you ride into Hill City, you'll see an interesting side road to Deerfield Lake, Rochford, and Mystic.
The Black Hills are only 120 miles long. It's not very far to anyplace. As you leave Hill City take a left on Hwy 224 toward Mt Rushmore. The Cathedral Spires welcome you to the center of the Hills, Standing guard over the four presidents.
This road is busy and requires some concentration. But there are plenty of pull off spots to take a break and enjoy the views. Hwy 40 intersects Hwy 16 toward Rockerville and Rapid City. But a quick detour towards Keystone on 16A is worth the extra few minutes.
Sturgis -> Sundance -> Inya Kara -> Four Corners -> Newcastle - Custer -> Hill City -> Rapid City -> Sturgis
A great ride to just ride and enjoy all the Black Hills has to offer from top to bottom.
Sturgis → Spearfish → Belle Fourche → Aladdin → Hulett
Devils Tower → Sundance → Inyan Kara → Newcastle
Edgemont → Hot Springs → Wind Cave
Pringle → Custer → Crazy Horse → Custer State Park
Keystone → Mt Rushmore → Hill City → Deadwood
Google says 494.6 miles,and 9 hours, 30 minutes. If you can do it all in 9 1/2 hours, you're gonna miss some great stuff!
Google Map Route
SD-240, Philip, SD 57567
Scenic, South Dakota 57780
Rapid City, South Dakota
CrossRoads, 20622 Fort Meade Way, Sturgis, SD 57785
Belle Fourche, South Dakota 57717
Alzada, Montana 59311
Sundance, Wyoming 82729
Hot Springs, South Dakota 57747
Custer, South Dakota 57730
US-16 Scenic, Custer, SD 57730
Keystone, South Dakota 57751
Deadwood, South Dakota 57732
Sturgis, South Dakota 57785
176 Miles and gorgeous scenery the whole way through!
5 paved miles to Silver City from Hwy 385, half uphill and half down.
You can find the Silver City Turnoff on Hwy 385 about 1.3 miles north of the Hwy 44/385 junction or 3 miles North of Pactola Lake.
The first 2 1/2 miles are uphill with one blind curve after another. There may be a little loose sand-sized gravel on some of the curves. Once you peak at Deer Creek, the next 1.5 miles are downhill.
Galena is a best kept secret in the Black Hills. It was an old mining town and is still home for several families.
Bear Butte Creek Guides you to this historical Place Starting in Deadwood on Main St. Follow Hwy 85 West to Hwy 385 between Deadwood and Lead. Turn left.
About 7 miles over Strawberry Mountain, you'll see Wild Bill's Campground on your left along with a sign saying 4 Miles to Galena.
This is a wide compacted gravel road, well-maintained, and very accommodating to the motorcycle rider. This road is curvy, but wide and easily ridden. It follows Bear Butte Creek from the campground into Galena.
Participate in an exhilarating and unrivaled rally tradition on Monday, Aug. 09, 2021: the 14th annual Legends Ride!
THE KICK OFF, RIDE AND CONCERTS
Walk in the footsteps of Wild West legends down Deadwood's beautiful cobblestone Main Street as you meet other riders, rub elbows with celebrities and check out all the bikes.
Here, the Legends Ride invites you take part in an unparalleled live custom motorcycle auction right in front of the historic Franklin Hotel.
Following the auction, riders will enjoy a self-guided, scenic ride through the beautiful Black Hills alongside hundreds of fellow Legends Riders.
Riders will reconvene at the Buffalo Chip to attend a special riders-only reception complete with complimentary food, drinks and live entertainment.
Following the reception those with passes into the campground (call them concert tickets, if you like) are entitled to admittance into the Buffalo Chip amphitheater to experience a legendary double headliner performance on the Buffalo Chip main stage that ends with rock superstars.
Click here to PURCHASE YOUR CONCERT TICKET to join the Best Party Anywhere.
Join the Ride that Rocks during the rally by reserving now! Reserve Now https://www.legendsride.com/
2020 INFO Coming Soon - Last Year's info below
August 6, 2019
REGISTER AT VFW POST 3442
721 Mt Rushmore Rd. in Custer
https://www.custercruisin.com/events.html
Photos credit: Ann Morrow - Green Owl Media & Photography
Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021 8:00 a.m. – 2 p.m
Experience the freedom of the open road next to your heroes, mentors and friends old and new on the Biker Belles Ride Tuesday, Aug. 10!
The “Morning Ride” from Deadwood to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip will be a show of force and solidarity this year!
The Morning Ride™ will depart from the The Lodge at Deadwod in the morning with registration open at 8:00 and the ride departure at 9:00 a.m. The breathtaking journey, will travel through Hwy 385, Nemo Road and Vanocker Canyon before ending at at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads.
Following the ride you'll be invited to take part in the festivities taking place including the symposium, luncheon, Women & Wheels™ Bike Show and the Team Diva Comfort Zone
J.C. “Pappy” Hoel hosted a dirt track race called the "Black Hills Classic" which consisted of a single race with nine participants and a small audience. This race set a course in Sturgis history.
Today, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has evolved into South Dakota’s largest tourism event and the world’s largest motorcycle rally. Pappy formed the “Jackpine Gypsies” in Sturgis in 1936 and he was inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame in 1998.
Join us to honor Pappy Hoel and the legacy he built during the annual Pappy Hoel Ride on Wednesday morning of the rally. Click here to register!
2021 INFO Coming Soon
The Peace*Love*Happiness Charity Motorcycle Ride was conceived in 2002 while two bikers were riding through the Texas Hill Country.
During a pit-stop at Poodies Hill Top, John Paul Dejoria, "Captain of Industry" and "Steward of the Planet", along with his long time friend and riding buddy, Gary Spellman, decided to take a stand after hearing how horribly an Austin Police Officer was being criticized for risking his life to save another.
That day, the Peace*Love*Happiness was born. They would go on to create an event that helped and supported the families of fallen peace officers and any and all abused and neglected children. Since then, the event has gone on to support not only the 100 Club of Central Texas but global causes as well, such as The Water Keepers Alliance. Unshared success is failure...
2021 INFO Coming
Join us for the 4th Annual Rushmore Veterans Ride! Riders will enjoy scenic views as you ride through the Black Hills, past Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, and back to Rapid City. As part of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, this ride is to honor our military veterans and active military personnel. All riders welcome.
8:00 am – Registration begins
9:30 am – Welcome Program and Ride Kick-Off at Main Street Square
10:15 am – Ride Departs Main Street Square
12:00 pm – Ride ends Downtown Rapid City
Tuesday, August 11 at 8:00am to 12:00pm
Main Street Square
512 Main St. Rapid City, SD 57701
Info coming for 2021
Ride with one of NASCAR’s most famous faces and his celebrity friends while raising funds for charity on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021!
Your contribution gets you a pass that includes: Special Kick-Off Party at Black Hills Harley Davidson, ride from black Hills Harley Davidson to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, Live NASCAR memorabilia and special race event auction Ride T-Shirt Meet-and-greet opportunities with some of NASCAR’s most famous celebrities.
Entry to the private Ride reception at the Buffalo Chip - hors d’oeuvres, beer and non-alcoholic beverages Silent auction at the Buffalo Chip and lots of Sponsor Swag!
Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021 10:00 a.m.
Ride alongside local historian Paul Mitchell as he takes you and your friends on a ride back in time from the legendary Buffalo Chip Campground to the gravesite of Jonathon “Buffalo Chips” White, the campground’s namesake and protégé of Buffalo Bill Cody.
Each ride will offer you the chance to experience history hands on with activities including rifle and pistol shooting experiences, and a four-hour motorcycle expedition to the site of the Great Sioux Nation Battle at Slim Buttes.
The Western Heritage Motorcycle Rides will take place during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally on Sunday, Aug. 4 and Thursday, Aug. 8. Each ride is limited to 20 participants.
As you ride through the scenic foothills north of the Black Hills, listen and learn the unique history of the area as Mitchell shares the fascinating stories of Chief American Horse, Jonathon “Buffalo Chips” White, and the Battle of Slim Buttes. You’ll also learn about the US Cavalry, Cavalry scouts, several other instrumental Sioux Chiefs, Buffalo Bill Cody, Hugh Glass, the history of Pony Express, and much more!
Morning Meet Up (8 a.m.)
Meet at the Buffalo Chip’s Rifle Range at the east end of the campground and for a short orientation of the day’s activities.
Continental Breakfast
Enjoy a breakfast at the range. Paul Mitchell will share a brief history of the area as you eat.
Antique Rifle Shooting
Test out your skills shooting antique rifles like those used by the US Cavalry. The ride will depart from here.
Kickstands Up for the First Leg
Travel north on SD-79 past sacred Bear Butte, Scoop Town historical marker, Bismark Trail historical marker and the winding Belle Fourche River.
Hoover, SD
After 53 miles, you’ll be able to stretch your legs and hear historical remarks during a stop at the Hoover General Store on the Grand River, famous for its connection with Hugh Glass and the movie The Reverent.
Slim Buttes Overlook
At your next stop at a scenic overlook of Slim Buttes, you’ll hear tales of the surrounding Native American encampments and dinosaurs that roamed the area.
Reva Store
A stop at the Reva Store in the historic community of Reva, SD will allow you to fuel up, use the restroom and grab your sack lunch. The community bears the name of Reva Bonniwell, the daughter of the first settler.
Gravesites of Buffalo Chips and American Horse
Four miles outside Reva, you’ll come upon a small cemetery that serves as the final resting place for Buffalo Chips. He and Chief American Horse, both died in the battle of Slim Buttes. Here, you will enjoy your sack lunch before heading back south to the Spur Creek Soon.
Spur Creek Saloon
On the way back to the Chip, you’ll stop at the rustic Spur Creek Saloon for refreshments, photo opportunities and more historical narrative. From here you’ll depart back to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip.
Pistol Shooting
Reconvene at the Buffalo Chip Shooting Range to finish off the day with pistol shooting and a group photo.
There’s no other place in the world that lets you experience this fascinating history atop a steel horse, so don’t miss your opportunity during the 2019 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Spaces on each tour are extremely limited.
2021 INFO Coming Soon
REGISTER AT VFW POST 3442
721 Mt Rushmore Rd.
https://www.custercruisin.com/events.html
Ann Morrow - Green Owl Media & Photography
2021 INFO Coming Soon
Veterans Charity Ride (VCR) is a non-profit organization that uses Motorcycle Therapy and other life changing, life saving holistic programs that provide uplifting and healing experiences for wounded, severely injured and amputee veterans from all branches of service.
We provide our veterans with Indian Motorcycles, custom built Champion Sidecars and Trikes, to ride through the most beautiful scenic backroads of this great country, exploring America, getting our veterans outdoors, back into the environment, and connecting veterans with Mentors and other veterans, groups and supporters. https://www.veteranscharityride.org/
2021 INFO Coming Soon
WHAT IS GOOD RIDE RALLY?
IT REALLY ISN'T ABOUT WHAT WE DO, IT'S WHO WE DO IT FOR.
Good Ride is a motorcycle charity ride that focuses on what motorcycles are all about - getting out on the open road with your friends and checking out new destinations - all for good causes.
Good Ride is a 501(c)(3) charity that was started by freestyle motocross rider, turned street bike builder and hooligan racer, Carey Hart that focuses on key charities close to Carey’s heart. The intention of Good Ride is to give back while doing what he loves to do - ride motorcycles!
We are proud to continue our work with Infinite Hero, a military charity that gives back 100%. Proceeds from our Good Ride rallies will go directly to helping veterans in need.
This ride is for ANYONE who loves to ride motorcycles and raise money for a good cause.
This year will see the return of Good Ride in Arizona, Sturgis and Las Vegas.
We look forward to riding with you!
- CAREY HART
STURGIS INDIAN Sign-in starts at 8:30AM, Kickstands up at 10:00AM
INFO coming for 2021 - check back closer to Rally Time for more.
FireFightes withPTSD August 11th, 2020
