Overview

What better way to explore the scenic byways of the Black Hills than from the saddle of a motorcycle as you cruise the open roads.  A popular summertime touring desination, this region features National and State Scenic Byways and the town of Sturgis and its famous rally.

The State of South Dakota requires persons under the age of 18 to wear a helmet. Check regulations for further motorcycle laws.

National Scenic Byways:

Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway
Pass through Black Hills National Forest on this tour, featuring rock tunnels, granite spires, mountains and several awe-inspiring works of sculpture, including Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Monument. Need a saddle break? Park your bike at Big Pine Trailhead and stretch your legs on a section of the Centennial Trail. This scenic drive encompasses two smaller featured drives: Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road.

• Area - southwestern South Dakota
• Length - 68 miles
• Cruise Time - 4 hours drive (not including stops)
• Entry Point(s) - Start at the intersection of St. Joseph St and Mt Rushmore Rd, in Rapid City, SD.  Begin east of Custer and head north on 89, or continue east on 16A. Begin south of Keystone, and join 16A.
• Highlights -Mt. Rushmore, Harney Peak, Needle's Eye, Crazy Horse Monument, Sylvan Lake, and wildlife including bison, deer, and more.  

Native American Scenic Byway
Learn about Lakota Sioux history as you traverse the reservations of four of their tribes: Crow Creek, Lower Brule, Cheyenne River, and Standing Rock. This north-south running highway passes through green grasslands and rolling prairies, with historic markers, monuments, museums and sacred sites.

• Area - North and South Dakota
• Length - 357 miles
• Cruise Time - 5 -6 hours (one-way)
• Termination Points - South: start near Chamberlain, SD, off I-90. North: start near Cannon Ball, ND, east of Lake Oahe.
• Highlights - Lake Sharpe and Lake Oahe, Site of Massacre at Wounded Knee, Standing Rock (Sitting Bull’s final resting place).

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
Travel 19 unforgettable miles through narrow Spearfish Gorge featuring 1000-ft limestone pinnacles, waterfalls, and hiking trail access.

• Length - 20 miles (one way)
• Cruise Time - 1 hour
• Termination Points - Take exit 10 or exit 14 off I-90 in Spearfish (canyon entrance near Spearfish Canyon Country Club) or turn at Cheyenne Crossing outside of Lead, at Hwy 85.
• Highlights - Bridal Veil and Roughlock Falls, hiking trails through Iron Creek and Eleventh Hour Gulch. Many Dances with Wolves scenes were shot in this canyon.

Badlands Loop Road (HWY 240)

• Entry Point(s) – Exit 110 or exit 131 off I-90
• Length – 35 miles
• Highlights – Pull off at one of 30 overlooks, plentiful wildlife, hiking trail access.

Even more scenic drives include Black Hills Parkway (HWY 385) and Rimrock Highway (HWY 44).

Sturgis Rally

Every August, thousands of bikers head to Sturgis for the premiere Black Hills motorcycle event. Make it a point to visit this area during the annual rally and enjoy group rides, food, entertainment and more.