Top 13 Riding Routes at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

• Table of Contents
• 1. Spearfish Canyon Ride:
• 2. Vanocker Canyon Ride:
• 3. Hot Springs Ride:
• 4. Nemo Road Ride:
• 5. Devils Tower Ride:
• 6. Needles Highway Ride:
• 7. The Badlands Ride:
• 8. Bear Butte Ride:
• 9. Playhouse Road Ride:
• 10. Alzada Road Ride:
• 11. Sundance Road Ride:
• 12. Rochford Road Ride:
• 13. Jewel Cave Ride:

Although, Sturgis is synonymous with the motorcycle culture. It is self-evident that no biker can keep his breath for long without crashing into the long, winding roads of Sturgis. The following are some of Sturgis most popular and thrilling motorcycle riding routes, but don’t forget to carry your riding essentials:

1. Spearfish Canyon Ride:

It is presumed the most scenic ride in the Black Hills region. Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Falls, Little Crow Peak, Homestake Gold Mine, Black Hills Mining Museum, The Hippie Hole, and the "must-see" Devil’s Bathtub are only a few of the attractions.

The most well-known Spearfish Canyon Riding route is around 50 miles in length. The distance traveled by the Spearfish Canyon Ride takes about 2.5 hours.

2. Vanocker Canyon Ride:

Leave the masses behind on this secret gem, which others claim is even better than Tennessee's "Dragons Tail." This ride has some enjoyable twists and turns, but it is not as narrow as some others in the Black Hills, allowing you to take in some of the breathtaking scenery. This route also takes you to Rapid City's western outskirts. Along with Sheridan Lake Road, it also takes you through historical Deadwood.

Vanocker Canyon Ride is about 80 miles long and takes almost 2 hours to complete.

3. Hot Springs Ride:

This route is less hilly, but it is just as lovely and full of prehistoric wonders. There are many obstacles to overcome as you go south from Stockade Lake via Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park to Highway 385. With its winding curves and a few places to open it up a little, the rest of the trip is equally enjoyable.

 

This spectacular and prehistoric ride is approximately 75 miles long and takes about 3.5 hours to complete, depending on the stops you make.

4. Nemo Road Ride:

Between Sturgis and Deadwood, this route includes a spectacular ride. Through Boulder Canyon, an exciting excursion down Nemo Road to the little resort town of Nemo.

Along the way, you can also pass through Roubaix's old mining "Ghost Town." Your riding skills will be put to the test on Norris Peak Road and Rim Rock Highway. The small towns of Blackhawk, Summerset, and Piedmont provide opportunities for pit stops.

A 90-mile ride will take approximately 2 hours to complete.

5. Devils Tower Ride:

One of the most famous rides in the Black Hills is this one. Devils Tower is arguably one of the world's most well-known and iconic natural landmarks. There are numerous beautiful stops along the route, and the ride itself is full of long, sweeping bends.

A trip of approximately 110 miles takes the rider nearly 2.5 hours to complete.

6. Needles Highway Ride:

This breathtaking ride is perhaps the most popular in the Black Hills region. Based on your riding experiences, it is undoubtedly one of the best. It is packed with switchbacks, tight curves, and pigtails as it climbs and descends nearly 2,000 feet. There are 314 bends, 14 switchbacks, 3 pigtails, and 3 tunnels that frame Mount Rushmore on the approximately 17-mile Iron Mountain Road segment.

Needles Highway Riding Route is approximately 67 miles long and takes about 3.5 hours to complete.

7. The Badlands Ride:

With dense forests and tall rock formations, Badlands National Park features some of the most stunning scenery in the Black Hills. This ride will take you through the National Grasslands of Rapid City, Wall, and Buffalo Gap.

 

A long riding path is approximately 162 miles long, with many stops along the way, and it takes about 4.5 hours to complete.

8. Bear Butte Ride:

Bear Butte State Park, a significant historical landmark for both Native Americans and early European explorers, is included in this scenic journey. A spectacular mountain path leads to the 4,426-foot summit of Bear Butte State Park. The Rocky Point State Recreation Area at the Belle Fourche Reservoir is also a fragment of this ride. Along the way, there are several places to stop, including the towns of Nisland and the Belle Fourche River.

It is a 3.5-hour ride with multiple stops that covers approximately 85 miles.

9. Playhouse Road Ride:

This ride takes you through some back roads in the Hill City, Keystone, and Rockerville areas. It also includes a pleasant stroll down Playhouse Road, which has just the right amount of curves and hills to keep things interesting. Rockville's old mining ghost town and Sitting Bull Crystal Caverns are worth a visit. A stop at Center Lake is a must if you are looking for a fast swim.

The Playhouse Road Ride is approximately 88 miles long and takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

10. Alzada Road Ride:

A nice little trip through all three different landscapes of the city. The Mountains of the Bear Lodge, some beautiful hills, and some traditional plain cover the landscape over which you will ride. This journey leads you to Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota. It is not too busy, usually.

This motorcycle-riding route spans a distance of about 120 miles and takes about 2.5 hours to complete.

11. Sundance Road Ride:

The journey passes through Lead and Central city's historic gold mining cities. The Spearfish, SD, and some other places like Horton, Four Corners, and Buckhorn are also winding up there. However, the destination is Sundance's friendly small town, WY.

The route is 118 miles long and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

 

12. Rochford Road Ride:

Half of this well-traveled 385 Hwy is so beautiful that it is almost impossible to see the same thing twice. The other half is less busy but has a fantastic landscape that runs from Rochford to Deerfield – 7 miles away from a gravel road, so take your time and be careful.

Rochford Road Riding is a 75-mile route that takes 2 hours to complete.

 

13. Jewel Cave Ride:

Since this route is one of the longest, it is less crowded and makes a great, peaceful, and quiet whole day trip. You will evidence through riding the towns of Crazy Horse Memorial and Jewel Cave National Monument in Buckhorn, WY, New Castle, WY, Custer City, SD, Hilltown, and SD.

This ride has a mileage of approximately 146 miles and takes the rider nearly 4.5 hours to complete. The riders will be required to make several stops along this route.

Don’t forget to carry riding gear or some extra pairs of riding essentials in your Motorcycle Saddlebags. Viking Bags has a unique and quality collection of Saddlebags. Shop here.