Riding the black hills???

[Hoosier]

I've seen a couple posts about this in the western riding section, but I don't think there is as much action in that forum so I thought I'd post here....just wondering if anyone has any experiences, good or bad, with riding in the black hills area. We have short track sleds and normally ride in northern Wisconsin or the UP, but we are looking to try somewhere new this year. Would also like to do some off-trail riding, but without renting mountain sleds. Seems like the black hills might be a good place to go for that.

Also considering trail riding in MN, as it seems there are lots of posts on this site lately saying riding in MN is great, particularly this year, but one guy in our group had a so-so experience there before and isn't as excited about going there. When we went to MN, we started out in the brainerd area and rode up to International Falls and back, but it seems there is much better riding in the "north-shore" area than what we did.

We're not much for the nightlife or making lots of stops during the day.

 

[hamburgchf]

have riden both areas, both are a lot of fun, black hills was certainly more fun than Mn but thats because of the hills and valleys and scenery is awsome, and I did nothing with my sled, but I had a fuelly. I guarantee you will like either or, also the North shore and the gunflint trail in Mn is a must see

 

[outrageous]

Black Hills riding

Just got back from a 4 day ride in the hills. It was awesome!! Plenty of snow and the trails were groomed nightly. I have been going there for about 25 years now and always enjoy the trips. I'll try to post some pics, but don't know if I can make it work.

 

[George]

I have been to SD a number of times and I only have 121" no problems, you may get stuck but you can get stuck in MN. also. I really enjoy riding the Black Hills, lots of off trail riding.

 

[toby1]

black hills

what towns did you stay in.we were thinking dead wood is it a good place to ride out of .also do you need to carry gas or are there places along the trail .thanks for any info .

 

[royaloaks]

I have a 2010 Ski Doo TNT 550F with carbs would I need to re-jet?

 

[Hoosier]

Thanks for all the info. Polarisrider said to stay at Rec Springs in another post. Looks very reasonably priced. Any other info about the area would be appreciated!

Looks like there are 350 miles of trails in that area. Are there enough trail and on trail riding in that area to make it worth spending 4 -5 days in the area? Is it easy to know where to go for off-trail riding? Is there a lot of sled traffic in that area or will we be able to find some untouched areas (assuming there has been some recent snow)?

Thanks again...

 

[GTL]

Deadwood

Stay @ Deadwood Gulch Resort (casino) ((they all are!)) it's ON the trail, cheap and great accomodations. You don't need to do a thing to your sled and you can find gas when you need it. Make sure to stop at Mystic Hills Campgrounds. The only time you'll which you had a long track is if they get a 3-4 ft. dump of snow, then wait a day and you can ride it. They do a great job of grooming. (and no trail permits needed, just your registration) check out the webcam at Spearfish Canyon Lodge (high $$$$, but VERY nice)

 

[Hoosier]

We're thinking about heading to the Black Hills for 4-5 days around either March 5 or March 19. Is March 19 pushing it for snow conditions? The 19th works better for the group, but we can probably make the 5th work if there is a concern about snow conditions in late March.

 

[elf]

I'd shoot for the march 5th date. Snow for trails can get thin in March out there. There'll be lots of snow at higher elevations but the trails may suffer

 

[George]

yes will need to re-jet,, will not have to clutch

 

[ezra]

also SD is a mandtory sled insurance state