Black Hills between XMAS and Hew Years??

[gwlonder]

Hey can any body tell me if you can count on snow in the Black Hills for a trip as early as Christmas? Usually head to Kewanee but looking for something different this year.
Greg

 

[whitedust]

Probably depends on elevation. Still early so you could have 6" or 3 feet. Heck of long drive compared to UPMI. Don't know what you are riding may be running a bit rich if not DFI engine but may be able to tweak clutch for higher RPMS.

 

[frnash]

… Usually head to Kewanee but looking for something different this year. …

Ya just gotta wonder if that's Kewanee, IL, or Keweenaw (Peninsula), MI.

 

[ezra]

I would not bet the farm on it.better luck around Bringham or logan UT almost guarented L.E.S. in the hills. rabbit ears has been good to us for early yr planing.got burned few yrs back planning for black hills but no big thing just keep driving.few more bathroom breaks and you have the good stuff

 

[lookin4snow]

Risky

The Black Hills are known to be hit or miss - even in the dead of winter. I would recommend having a backup plan in place. I have gone to Togwotee the last 4 years over Christmas and had great snow. Drove by the Black Hills each time and they had very little.

 

[polarisrider1]

Ya just gotta wonder if that's Kewanee, IL, or Keweenaw (Peninsula), MI.

I think you scared him off.

 

[gwlonder]

Thanks for the comments, sounds like I better not cancel my reservations in Houghton. I was never much for spelling (Keweenaw)!

 

[longtrack]

The Black Hills are usually good for a early Storm. Sometimes its hard to get info on their Trails. They do have a Web Site you can check for updates, heres the Link.

http://gfp.sd.gov/to-do/snowmobile/black-hills-conditions.aspx

You can not tell how the Trails are in the Black Hills by driving by on I90 or south of Rapids city. You have to drive about 5 miles south of Lead or Deadwood until you get higher in elevation and then you can tell how it is for riding. Rapid City, Spearfish or Sturgis are in lower elevation areas and do not have any Trails. The Trails end in Deadwood and South of Spearfish on the north side of the SD Hills.

If you Trail ride the Black Hills has the best groomed Trails that I have ridden on. The scenery is not as good as the Tog/Duboise area.

 

[red_dog]

Ran the Black Hill at New Years on way back from Wyoming. Other years we tried to go it was too warm, low or no snow later in the season, seemed like every time we call they said don't come, no snow. Watch the weather and be ready to go. No permit needed!