Sturgis and Black Hills Motorcycle Rides

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.

Join Sturgis Chief of Police Geody VanDewater on a guided ride through the Northern Hills.

Registration fee includes catered sandwich lunch, commemorative Rally challenge coin and a T-shirt. T-shirts not guaranteed after July 1. 100% of all proceeds from the ride go to the Chief’s choice of local charities. (A final designation of the organization has not been made by the Chief.)

Riders will depart from the tennis courts behind the Sturgis Community Center at 1401 Lazelle St at 9am sharp. Please arrive by 8:30am to meet the Chief, check-in and receive your ride instructions.

Participation limited to 25 bikes.  Register Here

Ride and rub elbows with some of the biggest names in the biz during the 17th annual Legends Ride presented by Progressive!

The Buffalo Chip’s Legends Ride is the heart of the motorcycle community in one big ride, raising charity funds for several area charities. The Ride that Rocks has hosted bikers from all over the world, including some of the biggest names in social media, television and streaming broadcasts, movies, music, motorcycling, and political leadership. Buffalo Chip charity events including the Legends Ride have raised more than $2.3 million for charity.

Who: The biggest names in television, film, music and motorcycling, and YOU!
What: The Ride that Rocks!™
When: Monday, Aug. 5, 2024 11:00 a.m.
Where: Belle Fourche, SD to the Legendary Buffalo Chip
Why: To raise significant funds for local charities

RESERVE NOW

THE KICK OFF, RIDE AND CONCERTS
Walk in the footsteps of legends as you meet other riders and rub elbows with celebrities at the Center of the Nation Monument in Belle Fourche, SD. The surrounding area will become a virtual bike show featuring the artistry of the most progressive bike builders in the world and license plates from all over the US.

From here, riders will enjoy a scenic escorted ride led by legendary celebrities and special guests through the beautiful Black Hills alongside hundreds of fellow Legends Riders.

Participants will then be treated to a Legends Riders-only reception in Buffalo Chip Gardens complete with complimentary food, drinks and entertainment. Here, the Legends Ride invites you to take part in an unparalleled live custom motorcycle and art auction that features a one-of-a-kind custom motorcycle going to the highest bidder.

SEE AND BE SEEN
The Legends Ride is truly iconic, having drawn celebrities like Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Journey’s Neal Schon, Orange County Choppers’ Paul Teutul, Sr., actor R. Lee Ermey, philanthropist John Paul DeJoria, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, and the Arlen Ness family, just to name a few.
This high-profile, celebrity appeal has been featured on CMT, the National Geographic Channel, the Tonight Show, FX Network and the Travel Channel, as well as in countless print, online and newspaper articles.

Don’t miss your chance to meet, ride and party with the stars, all while raising money for worthwhile charities. Join the Ride that Rocks during the rally by reserving now!

RESERVE NOW

https://www.legendsride.com/

Tuesday August 6th, 2024

Ride starts @ 10:00AM

Sign-Up 8:00- 9:30AM

To Sign-up email us at jpgmc36@gmail.com or call 605-347-6022.

Jack Daniel’s Presents the 22nd Anniversary Mayor’s Ride

The City of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is excited to be hosting the 22nd annual Sturgis Mayor’s Ride during the 84th Annual City of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally! This ride has been a special part of the City of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally for 22 years; not only for the amazing beauty of the Black Hills but that it brings people together from all over the word….and brings them back year after year! Proceeds from the ride will go to our local emergency services, supporting the men & woman who dedicate so much and keep us safe.

Enjoy a beautiful ride through the Black Hills led by Sturgis Mayor Angela Wilkerson along with the Rally’s Grand Marshal. We will be taking a different route this year due to road construction on US Hwy 385 by Pactola Lake. Our morning will include a break at Devil’s Tower for a group photo. We will continue through beautiful Wyoming where we will have lunch at the Stone House Saloon outside of Belle Fourche and an opportunity to visit with Mayor Wilkerson and local dignitaries.

Both rider and passengers will receive a souvenir pack including a commemorative bottle of Jack Daniel’s Single-Barrel signed by the mayor, a 2024 Challenge Coin, 22nd Annual Mayor’s ride shirt, a Custer State Park pass, and other collectibles provided by our sponsors. (Shirt size not guaranteed after June 4). Please register today to guarantee your spot; only 150 spaces available. Must be 21 or older to participate. Check-in starts at 7:00 am with a breakfast and then kickstands up at 9:00 am at the back parking lot of the Community Center located at 1401 Lazelle St.

Mayor’s Ride

Saturday, August 3, 2024

Cost: $150.00 for rider & $150.00 for passenger

Register Here

Mayor’s Ride

August 6th 2024

​REGISTER: 11am-1pm at TBD

Fee: $30.00 • Passenger $25.00
An Extra Poker Card Draw is $5.00.

FIRST 50 PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE:
Custer Cruisin’ T-Shirt & Dinner

For question please call Liliana: 605-673-4824

https://www.custercruisin.com/events.html

Photos credit: Ann Morrow – Green Owl Media & Photography

Experience a full day of events that celebrate women in motorcycling during the Sturgis Buffalo Chip®’s’ Biker Belles Women’s Day presented by Harley-Davidson.

On Tuesday, Aug. 6, you’re invited to join a day of relaxing and uplifting festivities that celebrate the fastest-growing segment in motorcycling—WOMEN!—while supporting organizations benefiting women’s causes.

Women riders, passengers and the friends who support them are invited to gather for any or all of the events. Join with friends old and new, featured moto-celebs influencers and the founders of this event for Biker Belles Women’s Day!

Who: YOU! Us & Harley-Davidson.
What: 16th Annual Biker Belles® Women’s Day Celebration at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip
When: Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Ride departs from The Lodge at Deadwood. Celebration & Coffee Clutch at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads.
Why: To celebrate women in riding and raise significant funds for local charities.

RESERVE NOW

GRAB LIFE BY THE HANDLEBARS
The Morning Ride™
The Biker Belles Morning Ride™ Sturgis presented by Harley-Davidson will take you on a guided journey through the beautiful Black Hills. The ride begins at The Lodge at Deadwood to a Coffee Clutch and reception at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads. Here, leading industry women will discuss their experiences with motorcycling during an inspiring Coffee Clutch.

UNWIND WITH YOUR WIND SISTERS
Comfort Zone Pampering
Pamper yourself at the reception by visiting the Comfort Zone by Team Diva. Take advantage of this well-deserved opportunity to discover and experience new beauty care, fashion wear and riding gear made specifically for women in this retreat area!

FEED YOUR HUNGER FOR KNOWLEDGE
Coffee Clutch Panelists
Enjoy a delicious brunch provided and coffee from Sturgis Coffee Company while taking in stories during the Coffee Clutch. You’ll hear from speakers as well as featured special guests. While you’re there, be sure to check out the phenomenal auction items and place your bids.

Biker Belles Women’s Bike Show Presented by Maiden Moto
You don’t have to have a fully custom built motorcycle to show it off – we want to see what you ride! Whether you’ve got a mile muncher covered in dirt, which may win the Dirtiest Bike award, or a really great story behind your ride, roll down on Tuesday to show it off at the Biker Belles Women’s Bike Show!

REAL DEAL REVOLUTION
Revolutionizing the perception of skilled trades…and women’s roles in them.
Join the hands-on fun as the REAL DEAL Workshoppes change the perception of skilled trades and women’s roles in them! Learn about welding, pin striping, leather stamping, jewelry making and more in these workshoppes taught by the Real Deal Revolution with support from The Jessi Combs Foundation.

2024 Workshoppes Include:
Welding
Pinstriping
Leather Work
Auto Parts Jewelry

BIKER BELLES RETAIL EXPERIENCE
Continue to support each other through women owned businesses and pop – ups, for a full “hang out”!

LIVE WITH PURPOSE
Charity Cause
The Sturgis Buffalo Chip created the Biker Belles for two complementary purposes.

To raise awareness of the passion, diversity and spirit of women in motorcycling, celebrating women’s role in shaping the culture, art and history of motorcycling.
To use the event to raise funds for local charities that would be of particular interest to these very women. This charity event has been raising money for worthy causes since its inception in 2009. Your contribution will help the Biker Belles continue its mission of charitable giving.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
All Are Welcome
All—men and women, riders and non-riders—are welcome to join this gathering of mentorship and sharing.

Participants are asked to make a $85 contribution to join the festivities, 100 percent of which directly benefit three South Dakota-based charities that benefit women-related causes, Laura Klock’s Helping with Horsepower, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, and the Jessi Combs Foundation.

Don’t miss your opportunity to gather, ride and share stories during the Biker Belles event. Reserve your place now!

PAY IT FORWARD PROGRAM Presented by Baker Drivetrain and Cris and Pat Simmons
If you’re unable to participate in Biker Belles due to financial hardship, you may request to receive a sponsored ride through the Pay It Forward Program Presented by Baker Drivetrain and Cris & Pat Simmons by emailing toni@buffalochip.com

The Pappy Hoel Memorial Ride will take place Wednesday August 7 2024. Register at 9:00 AM and the ride will leave the Full Throttle Saloon at 10am. Meet at the Pappy Hoel Campground Building (the big red building on the hill). There is a $50 per BIKE donation required and proceeds support local charities. Please select whether you have one or two riders. Lunch is provided.

On the ride this year celebrities will include Michael Ballard owner of the Full Throttle Saloon, Angie Ballard, Jesse James Dupree of Jackyl, Danny Koker from Counting Cars, DMC of RUN DMC, and others. You will not be shipped anything in the mail. Please bring your driver’s license that you checked out with, to confirm online registration.

Click Here to Register

Join us for the 2nd Annual Pearl’s Girls Ride, an All Women’s Ride that honors the legacy of Pearl Hoel, wife of Pappy Hoel, founder of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally! This ride honors Pearl, who stood alongside Pappy Hoel, helping plan and host the Rally in the early years. This all womens ride will take everyone on one of our favorite rides throughout the beautiful Black Hills.

Register Here

Riders and NASCAR fans, you’re invited to participate in the Buffalo Chip’s Rusty Wallace Charity Ride presented by Harley-Davidson on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025!

Meet and ride alongside Rusty Wallace, his celebrity NASCAR driver friends, actors, musicians and more on an incredible route chosen by Rusty to an exclusive reception.

This unforgettable experience supports worthwhile charities.

Who: The biggest names in NASCAR Racing and You!
What: The Rusty Wallace Charity Ride Presented by Harley-Davidson
When: Friday, Aug. 8, 2025
Where: The ride starts and ends at Outlaw Square and the Rocksino by Hard Rock Deadwood
Why: Have fun, meet NASCAR celebrities and raise significant funds for charity

Reserve Now

THE KICK OFF, AUCTION AND RIDE
The Rusty Wallace Charity Ride will kick off with a party at Outlaw Square and The Rocksino by Hard Rock Deadwood where you can meet NASCAR celebrities, motorcycle industry icons, actors and musicians. Get autographs and enjoy comradery of riders and NASCAR fans like you!

Get in on the opportunity to bid on incredible auction items including a Harley-Davidson motorcycle customized by Southern Country Customs, then join Rusty and friends for a ride through the beautiful Black Hills on a route Rusty has personally chosen.

All paid riders will reconvene back at The Rocksino by Hard Rock Deadwood for a private reception.

JOIN THE FASTEST PEOPLE ON THE PLANET

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.

We look forward to riding with you!

– CAREY HART

STURGIS INDIAN –  Sign-in starts at 8:30AM, Kickstands up at 10:00AM

Buy Your Ride Tickets Here

Time & Location
Aug 05, 2025, 8:30 AM

Spearfish, 1351 St Joe St, Spearfish, SD 57799, USA

About the event
The Jacket Ride is a motorcycle ride through the Northern Black Hills of South Dakota that takes place durig the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The ride is hosted by Black Hills State University and the proceeds benefit student veterans.

The 2025 Jacket Ride will be held Tuesday, August 5th. Registration begins at 8:30am at the Joy Center on the BHSU Campus. Kick stands up at 10:00am. Lunch will be served following the ride at Wareing Motors in Sturgis.

Register Now

https://www.bhsufoundation.org/jacketride