The freedom of the open road awaits for motorcyclists visiting the Black Hills and Badlands. The region offers sweeping overlooks of pinnacles and granite spires to towering granite canyon walls, where every twist and turn leads to adventure.
The best ways to view the Black Hills and Badlands is on the open road. We’re here to share day trips along some of the most scenic routes and must-sees in the region.
The Black Hills and Badlands are divided into five regions that span into Wyoming. Heading west into the Black Hills from Interstate 90, you will encounter an unearthly landscape and geological wonder with Badlands National Park. The Central and Southern Hills take you along stretches of winding roadway through pines and granite spires that pierce the summer sky. Traveling into the Northern Black Hills from Sturgis to Lead, Deadwood, and Spearfish, the pine clad rolling hills will lead you through towering canyon walls to waterfalls and roadways that run parallel to singing creeks. Further west, the Black Hills of Wyoming encompasses Old West communities like Sundance, Hulett, and Newcastle, where you can find vast views, open prairies, and Western culture.
No matter which region you choose, let adventure guide you!
Central Black Hills
Starting from Rapid City, the Central Black Hills provides several quick, yet stunning, routes connecting riders to Southern and Northern Black Hills destinations.
Start the day with breakfast in Rapid City and take Nemo Road, a 13-mile paved highway west of Rapid City that winds through rolling hills and quiet pine forests before reconnecting with Highway 385 just 16 miles north of Lake Pactola. Once you connect with Highway 385, you have the option to head North or South to explore more of the Black Hills regions. Cruising north will take you to regional communities like Lead, Deadwood and Spearfish, while heading along Highway 385 South will take you to Hill City and Custer.
Another option is to turn off Nemo Road after 8.5 miles and cruise north along Vanocker Canyon, a stunning, yet quieter 16-mille route that takes you to Sturgis and its Legendary Main Street.
Highway 44, west of Rapid City, is a 24.5-mile pine-clad roadway that connects one and a half miles north of Lake Pactola at Highway 385. The route takes you to two great hikes - Buzzard’s Roost and Falling Rock - which offer sweeping panoramic views of the Black Hills.
A third route in the Central Hills takes you along Highway 16 through Rockerville toward Keystone or Hill City. A 13.1-mile stretch, you will find popular attractions, animal adventures, and great views.
Southern Black Hills
The Southern Black Hills offers breathtaking views along the open road. Starting in Keystone, take Iron Mountain Road for 14.4 miles and wind through the pigtail bridges and pines to Custer State Park. Ride along the 18-mile Wildlife loop where bison herds and begging burro roam along the landscape. You’ll pass Legion Lake and connect to Needles Highway, a 14-mile must-ride route. You’ll be awestruck with the granite spires towering over you as wind along the blacktop. Needles Highway takes you to Sylvan Lake, where you can take a hike on one of the many popular trails or rest at picnic area. Head back onto Highway 16 north for 3.5 miles to Hill City and end the day with dinner and a visit to a local brewery or winery.
If you start in Custer, a ride south for 20.4 miles along Highway 385 will take you to Wind Cave National Park, where can view sweeping prairies and abundant wildlife. Stretch your legs on a cave tour. Leaving Wind Cave National Park, take Highway 87 4.9 miles north to Custer State Park’s Wildlife Loop Road. You can take the 18-mile loop around the park, or continue 9.9 miles north to Needles Highway.
Heading east along Highway 16 from Custer, you will ride into the Black Hills of Wyoming and Newcastle. Along the 36.9 mile route, visit Jewel Cave Monument, one of the world’s longest cave systems. Once in Newcastle, refuel and grab a bite to eat. You can hop on Highway 85 for 43.2 miles to Highway 14A and then decide if you want to ride to Spearfish via Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway for 22 miles or continue 28.5 miles to Lead, Deadwood, and eventually Sturgis. Both routes boast stunning views.
Northern Black Hills
Start the day in Sturgis and take Highway 14A through Boulder Canyon to Lead. Lead is reminiscent of its mining past. You will want to stop at the Sanford Homestake Visitor Center and Open Cut, one of the largest former gold mines in the Western Hemisphere. Downtown Lead also offers great dining and shopping to stretch the legs. Continue on Highway 14A and you will find yourself winding through the towering limestone canyon walls of the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. The 19-mile route runs parallel to Spearfish Creek, where you will see waterfalls, luscious greenery, and if you’re lucky a few mountain goats. Stop at Roughlock and Bridal Veil Falls for a quick photo before venturing into Spearfish where you can fuel up the bike and yourself before hitting the road.
From Spearfish, take I-90 and Highway 85 for a quick 15-mile cruise into Deadwood where you can end the day, park your bike to show it off along Deadwood’s historic Main Street, and enjoy dinner and entertainment.
Badlands
Badlands National Park is a must-stop destination and it’s even more enchanting from the bike. From Rapid City, take Highway 44 Southeast of Rapid City across Buffalo Gap Grassland and Sage Creek Wilderness Area for 62 miles before entering Badlands National Park. Connect with Highway 240, or Badlands Scenic Byway, a 39-mile route that winds through the stunning views of the Park. Stop at various lookout points along the route like Big Badlands and Pinnacle Overlooks to grab the perfect shot of the one-of-a-kind landscape.
If traveling to Badlands National Park along I-90 East from Rapid City, take Exit 110 and travel south along Highway 240 to access the Badlands Scenic Byway. You have the option to go north and reconnect with I-90 for 20 miles and visit the Minuteman Missile Historic Site, or travel west along Highway 44 back to Rapid City.
In Wall, you can stop for lunch and check out shops like the world-famous Wall Drug Store before hopping on I-90 West to head back to the Black Hills or extend your stay by spending a night under the stars or at a hotel in the Badlands region.
Black Hills Of Wyoming
Start the day in Belle Fourche and visit the Geographical Center of the Nation and grabbing coffee and breakfast before heading west on Highway 34 toward Devils Tower National Monument. The 42.4-mile route takes you across the Bear Lodge Mountains and sweeping prairies before reaching Hulett, Wyo. Take Highway 24 10 miles south to Devils Tower National Monument, a true geological wonder and the nation’s first national monument. Stretch your legs with one of several short hikes around the Monument and browse the exhibits and visitor center. Stop for lunch or cool off with a sweet ice cream treat at the Devils Tower Trading Post. From the trading post, take Highway 14A for 27 miles to Sundance, Wyo., a route that will not disappoint with views and greet you with and Old West charm. From Sundance, take I-90 west for 15 miles and stop at the Vore Buffalo Jump, a 40-foot deep sinkhole the Native Americans used to drive bison into. The site reflects the Native American culture and history of the region. Continue along I-90 and stop in Beulah for dinner or continue for 18 miles to Spearfish.
Download A Map
To learn more about routes throughout the Black Hills and Badlands, download the 2025 Motorcycle Map here, offering routes rated by difficulty and popular attractions, restaurants, and other destinations in the region.