From the quaint, historic town of Keystone, past world famous Mount Rushmore, through scenic Custer State park, this route packs more scenery per mile than arguably any other road in the world. Plan to stop often so you can enjoy the view safely, and for heaven’s sake don't forget your camera!
Motorcycle
Road Quality:
This route is a motorcyclists dream. Incredible twisties, switch backs, pigtail bridges hills and valleys, and even a few short tunnels, all complimented by excellent pavement that is well maintained through the non-winter months.
Some of these roads are narrow with tight turns and many elevation changes. It may not be well suited for beginner riders. Riding this loop in reverse is a nice alternative the second time!
Notice George Washington's profile at the top of the photo.
Motorcycle
Roadside Amenities:
Check out the shops in Keystone, visit Mount Rushmore, camp/hike/fish in Custer State Park or several other locations along the way.
Photo contributed by a visitor in July 09: "The Needles Hwy tunnel."
Photo contributed by a visitor in July 09: "Some tight turns on Iron Mt.Rd."
This route begins and ends in Keystone, SD. Begin by taking Hwy. 244 west toward Mount Rushmore (also called Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway). After about 10 miles, this road ends at Highway 385 where you will turn left (South) for a few hundred yards and make another left onto Hwy. 87 toward Custer State Park. Follow 87 about 5 miles to a "Y" in the road (Jct. 89). Turn left here to continue following Hwy. 87 and enter the park. Ride past Sylvan Lake and continue on 87 (also called Needles Highway). After about 15 miles, Hwy. 87 ends at Hwy. 16. Turn left (East) and follow Hwy. 16 for about 8 miles to Iron Mountain Road (Hwy. 16 North). Turn left and follow Iron Mountain Road all the way back to Keystone (approx 16 miles).
Additional
Information:
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View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo
weather.
Do you have any pictures of this area? Contribute a photo and show other riders what they’ll see along the way.
Have you ever filmed video along this ride or in the area? Contribute the video and show riders what the area looks like.
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Roger Merriman - 2005 Harley-Davidson
Posted 696 days ago
I did this route on an Electra Glide the week before this year's Black Hills Ralley. Spectacular scenery and good road surface but the rider doesn't get a whole lot of time to enjoy it as absolute concentration is required. The Iron Mountain Road section is very challenging, particularly the 1st gear switchbacks. This ride might be a bit too much for a new rider. Sure would be fun on a Ducati 996 though.
Just finished a 2,700 mile journey from Chicago to the Black Hills. I ran this route a few times during my stay in SD. Words cannot express the beauty of the scenery alolng this entire route.
Just finished a 2000 mile trek from Minneapolis to the Black Hills and back in 10 days. Most breath taking scenery imaginable. The only real way to see it is on a bike.
This user rated the route: 9 out of 10
Posted 87 days ago
My partner and i attended the Sturgis Rally in 2009 as part of our 12000 mile road trip around the US, without a doubt the Black Hills was a highlight of the trip that we will remember for years to come. Stunning scenery and outrides, even in our home country of South Africa we would be hard pressed to find a comparison.
