Dakota Adventure Loop

The Big Picture

The Dakota Adventure Loop (DakAL) is a giant figure-eight route through western South Dakota, reaching from the Nebraska border to the North Dakota border. The total route is about 930 miles. The route can be ridden in several different sections, or enjoy the entire adventure in a multi-day trip. The views are best if the lower portion is ridden in a counter-clockwise direction and the upper loop ridden in a clockwise direction.

The entire DakAL can be completed in four long days of hard riding with only short stops for food and gas. Experience shows that completion in four days is difficult for most riders. Most riders will find five days a more acceptable pace.

Pacing & Lodging

A good 4-day breakdown: Hill City to Hot Springs (259 mi), Hot Springs to Savoy (203 mi), Savoy to Buffalo (243 mi), Buffalo to Hill City (207 mi).

A good 5-day breakdown: Hill City to Edgemont (141 mi), Edgemont to Keystone (213 mi), Keystone to Belle Fourche (147 mi), Belle Fourche to Buffalo (193 mi), Buffalo to Hill City (205 mi).

If you wish to spend time at any of the special sites along the way, plan on a 6–7 day adventure. If you plan two separate trips, we suggest 2 days for the southern loop and 3 days for the northern loop.

Riders should be of intermediate skill level or better. The DakAL is not recommended for beginning or novice riders. This is not just a gravel road ride!

If you stay at least one night at the Rushmore Express in Keystone, you will be allowed to leave your tow vehicles in their remote parking lot. The Rushmore Express is used as the event headquarters for the Dakota 600.

Route Breakdown

For ease of GPS point tracking and information, the DakAL is broken into four sections:

Tough Stuff Notice

Ride your own ride. If you come to a section that looks too technical for your liking, study your maps and find a go-around. Don't take risks! If things get wet you will find the route very difficult. The following sections are more technical than most of the ride:

• Bear Mountain Climb FS299.1C, FS299.1K — For experts only
• Coal Canyon: FS 3100 north of Edgemont — a few tight switchbacks, sand and rocks, about 2 miles
• South Cave Hills — Steep, narrow, rocky track, FS 31133, about .5 miles. For experts only
• FS 139.1 — Located behind the National Cemetery at Sturgis. Long rocky climb of about 6 miles. For experts only
• BLM loop south of Edgemont — All of the 500 series of trails are very difficult in wet conditions

Gas, Lodging, Camping & Permits

Larger towns will offer several choices for needed services. Camping is available in both public and private campgrounds. Dispersed camping is allowed in both the Black Hills National Forest and the Custer National Forest. No campfires are permitted for dispersed camping. Dispersed camping is not allowed in Custer State Park.

All bikes must be street legal and will need a Black Hills Forest Service Travel Permit and a Custer State Park Pass. Your state park pass will also allow you to visit Bear Butte State Park near Sturgis. You can purchase permits online but expect delivery to take 14 days.

It is suggested that you fuel at every opportunity.

Minimal Service Locations

Getting the GPS Tracks

The GPS tracks are a .gpx file and can generally be used with Garmin or similar devices. Tracks are updated periodically as trail routes and conditions change. If you have an older set of tracks, it is suggested that you make the $58 donation and obtain the current version.

Getting the tracks is a two-step process: First, complete and submit the Liability Release. Second, use the DONATE button to make your $58 donation. When we have received both, we will email you the tracks.

Reading the GPS tracks: Primary routes: S1, S2, S3, etc. designates the main route sections. Shortcuts: s3 sc1 would mean the first shortcut for section 3. If the track shows a route going both left and right at a turn, zoom out and the correct direction will become obvious. CARRY YOUR MAPS WITH YOU!

Legal Stuff

Riding motorcycles can be dangerous! Injury and even death is possible. Equipment can be damaged or destroyed. Risks can arise from many sources: weather, terrain, animals, snakes, water and much more. You assume total responsibility and liability when you are riding. The developers, owners, sponsors and other workers assume no liability for you, your associates or equipment.

DakAL and Dakota Adventure Loop are trademarked names and marks. The GPS tracks are copyrighted property. The GPS tracks are made available for use by individual riders. Any commercial use of the names or tracks associated with the DakAL requires written approval from William Hearne, wchearne@gmail.com.

Trail conditions can change at any time. Be prepared to develop your own re-routes due to current conditions. Do not ride these trails when it is wet. You will cause trail damage and put yourself at risk.

Contact

Blaster Bill — SAICON (Special Advisor In Charge Of Nothing)
wchearne@gmail.com