Need Black Hills riding info

[Pro-8250]

We have never ridden the Black Hills and would like some help. We have 2- 2011 Pro RMK's. A 155" and a 163" We normally ride in Montana, and Idaho at
8000'-10000'. What is the elevation there and is there off trail riding. We are not interested in trail riding other than getting to the off trail riding. Is there lodging where you ride or do you have to trailer to the riding areas? What about out of state sled license. And most important is there snow there now? We are looking at Christmas through New Years. Thanks for any help.

 

[polaris dude]

Well, I'll go ahead and tell you your probably not going to find any challenge to riding in the black hills. There isn't much snow compared to montana and idaho, and its not particularly steep. The elevation is from around 3500 to about 6000(correct me if im wrong) and for lodging there is spearfish canyon lodge which is in the northeastern part of the hills, where you can ride right from your lodging, as well as some cabins at trailshead. You technically could ride from deadwood, but the snow there is typically pretty marginal, and with your sleds you would probz have some heating issues and it would take forever to get to the good stuff, so if you stay in dead wood I would recommend trailering to trailshead.

for the licensing I think SD accepts out of state licenses, but I can't remember so wait till snocop gets on here and he can tell you, but at worst you might have to buy a weekend pass. As of right now, the snow is essentially a good base at this point, what really matters now is if there is a good dump before christmas(there usually is but idk what its looking like this year). I know even in wyoming it isn't even that great at this point in time.

So basically don't expect to get stuck too often or anything. I got an iq 600 155 and last year I didn't get stuck at all . The one thing I will say is that last year I didn't time any of my trips well and the snow was typically set up when I would get there, but if you time it right the snow conditions can be great, so lets hope it snows on christmas day!

 

[Pro-8250]

Well, I'll go ahead and tell you your probably not going to find any challenge to riding in the black hills. There isn't much snow compared to montana and idaho, and its not particularly steep. The elevation is from around 3500 to about 6000(correct me if im wrong) and for lodging there is spearfish canyon lodge which is in the northeastern part of the hills, where you can ride right from your lodging, as well as some cabins at trailshead. You technically could ride from deadwood, but the snow there is typically pretty marginal, and with your sleds you would probz have some heating issues and it would take forever to get to the good stuff, so if you stay in dead wood I would recommend trailering to trailshead.

for the licensing I think SD accepts out of state licenses, but I can't remember so wait till snocop gets on here and he can tell you, but at worst you might have to buy a weekend pass. As of right now, the snow is essentially a good base at this point, what really matters now is if there is a good dump before christmas(there usually is but idk what its looking like this year). I know even in wyoming it isn't even that great at this point in time.

So basically don't expect to get stuck too often or anything. I got an iq 600 155 and last year I didn't get stuck at all . The one thing I will say is that last year I didn't time any of my trips well and the snow was typically set up when I would get there, but if you time it right the snow conditions can be great, so lets hope it snows on christmas day!

Thanks for the info. Can you ride anywhere or is it trails only. On the Weather Channel today it said Lead already has received 201" of snow this season.
Hancock Michigan 212".

 

[cacsrx1]

Year to date might be 201"....I would bet there is 18" on the ground now.

 

[polaris dude]

Thanks for the info. Can you ride anywhere or is it trails only. On the Weather Channel today it said Lead already has received 201" of snow this season.
Hancock Michigan 212".

You can ride off trail anywhere there isn't signs that say to stay on the trail. There are a few spots where the trail goes onto private land which leases the land for trail use only. I would ask that you respect the rules and stay on the trail in those areas. There are a lot of diptards that don't but what can ya do...

so yes, those places are pretty small and well marked so I wouldn't give it too much thought. But as cacsrx1 said, no there is not 201 inches of snow on the ground right now . That has to be a year to date measurement, cuz they've got maybe a foot and a half at this point.

But chit I wish they had that much!

 

[wag13]

On the Weather Channel today it said Lead already has received 201" of snow this season.
Hancock Michigan 212".

POLARIS DUDE

but chit I wish they had that much!

 

[Sledbrain2]

6 to 7000 ft, no steep but you can have a blast picking your way through trees and ravines. I would either stay at trailshead or trailer there. You can find some good snow near recreational springs on occasion but usually trailshead near oniel pass is where most of the snow will be. Its pretty much ride where you can see other than marked areas, of if you cross a fence you are on private property.

 

[clodhopper]

Your state reg is honored in sd. There is a big parking spot across the road from trailshead (trailshead is a spot on Hwy 85 where you can get gas & food). alot of people just leave their trailer there and drive into deadwood for the night. I've never had any trouble with anyone bothering it - but maybe I've been lucky. Or you can stay at spearfish and trailer down spearfish canyon road to the trail. Either way it's about a half hour drive from town to the trailer parking. No, it's not the mountains, but if the snow is good you can have a good time. It seems the southern end (the hill city area) gets the least amout of snow, at least in my experience.

 

[sdsnocop]

201 inches may be a typical winter season snowfall but not this early in the season. Total snowfall received so far this season is 36-40 inches with a current snowpack most places 8-14 inches. If your sled is currently licensed in your home state you can ride in SD. That may change next season. SD does not honor other states non-resident passes just other states registrations. 5 day temporary permits are also available at most lodges for $40. Off trail riding usually is questionable during the Christmas holidays. Off trail riding usually starts to get good mid January. You should jet and clutch for 6000-7000 feet. The Black Hills system is open to off trail riding unless posted closed or obviously fenced to keep people out. Some closed area for wildlife winter range and cross country ski areas. They are indicated on the trail maps.

 

[sdsnocop]

Your state reg is honored in sd. There is a big parking spot across the road from trailshead (trailshead is a spot on Hwy 85 where you can get gas & food). alot of people just leave their trailer there and drive into deadwood for the night. I've never had any trouble with anyone bothering it - but maybe I've been lucky. Or you can stay at spearfish and trailer down spearfish canyon road to the trail. Either way it's about a half hour drive from town to the trailer parking. No, it's not the mountains, but if the snow is good you can have a good time. It seems the southern end (the hill city area) gets the least amout of snow, at least in my experience.

Actually at this time the snow is better to the South (trail 1 and 9 west and south) than it is around Trailshead.

 

[Pro-8250]

Thanks for all the help everyone! I think we will stick to our plan for Cooke City Christmas to New Years and shoot for the Black Hills for Mid January. We will check back with you guys before that. Thanks again!