Well, its about time to start my plan for my yearly snowmobile trip for new years. Usually go to the UP of course, but I'm guessing there won't be a good base by then. Who's been to the black hills? They just got 14" of snow last night and I know theres people out already this year. I Have my head wrapped around the lodge called "The Trails head lodge". Anyone been there? Fill me with some knowledge for out there. Will i be fine with just short track sleds? Im about 95% sure I'm making the 10 hour trip From Wisconsin.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
The Black Hills
- Thread starter PoO GUY
- Start date
600_RMK_144
Active member
Trails Head is a main hub. Very busy place. New owners this season, but I've heard that the previous owners are staying thru the new year to help with the transition. They did not retain any of the old staff, so hard to say how they will do starting out. They do have onsite fuel which is handy. Trail system is one of the best in the country, but even with that, the main trails can get bad pretty quick unless there is fresh on top. Your morning rides should be fine, but try to stay off the main trails in the afternoon if possible.
how many guys? I know of a sweet house set up for big crews . just across street from recreational springs . and rec springs is also a good option especially if u guys want to head down the hill for night life real short drive to deadwood . u deff will not be riding in to deadwood unless u get real lucky. black hills best maintained trails in the country hands down
POLARISDAN
New member
ryan(600 rmk) whats the name of the place we stayed at?
From trail cop tonight 12/16
Groomers are out tonight 12/16 setting trail. Snowfall amounts vary depending on who is reporting. Terry Peak is reporting 22 inches, local weather is saying 18 in Lead and 12 in Deadwood. Reports I have heard from grooming staff is around a foot near Lead and Trailshead and 16-18 inches to the North of Trailshead. Snow drops off quick as you go South. Only 2 inches on Trail 8. North should be in good shape for early season with 12-18 inches over a fairly consistant 6-8 inch base that was present before the storm. I heard the snow was fairly light so it will settle quite a bit.
Groomers are out tonight 12/16 setting trail. Snowfall amounts vary depending on who is reporting. Terry Peak is reporting 22 inches, local weather is saying 18 in Lead and 12 in Deadwood. Reports I have heard from grooming staff is around a foot near Lead and Trailshead and 16-18 inches to the North of Trailshead. Snow drops off quick as you go South. Only 2 inches on Trail 8. North should be in good shape for early season with 12-18 inches over a fairly consistant 6-8 inch base that was present before the storm. I heard the snow was fairly light so it will settle quite a bit.
POLARISDAN
New member
got it ..it wasnt ryan..rec springs resort..motel and cabins..and the perfect spot to stay.,.u cant stay in deadwood without trailering..not enuf snow normailly..google the black hills map..and u will see it..the buckhorn bar in wyoming is a must go..drink to much..stay in the back cabins for $25 bucks..fkn hilarious..we've used it once or twice..its a long *** ride back at 2 am..hahahahahhaha..black hills rock
- - - Updated - - -
and trailshead is way to commercial for me and way too close to road(enforcement)..u can spend more and stay at spearfish..but we use that as a destination..pretty awesome
- - - Updated - - -
and trailshead is way to commercial for me and way too close to road(enforcement)..u can spend more and stay at spearfish..but we use that as a destination..pretty awesome
Well, For the new years trip It will be me and the Wife. Usually I would be with a group of guys for a trip this far but I promised to take her to SD. You guys are great, thanks for all the help. Keep the info coming! Sounds like I'm going to the Black hills. Im ready to toss a few cold ones back and enjoy an actual winter. its been depressing here on the MN/Wi boarder.
Recreational Springs NW side of System and Trail Head SW side of System are on the same HWY (85). I usually rent a Home at Deer Mountain near Recreational Springs a couple miles uphill from Lead. Check the SD Trail report Page for accurate info. http://gfp.sd.gov/to-do/snowmobile/map.aspx just click on the Trail and the info will pop up. It looks like they are open with some Snow in some areas.
Deadwood Gulch is a nice place to stay right on the trail and they run a shuttle down to Deadwood as well. You could easily saddlebag one day and stay at Spearfish canyon for a night a ride back the next day. The nice thing about the Black Hills is 75% iof the sleds out there are rentals and they need to be back to the rental place by 5-6PM the groomers go out early so if you like to ride a little later 9-10 pm you have the trails to yourselves and they are all freshly groomed. Keep in mind this strategy only works if you ride during the week. We rode Thurs-Sat afternoon. The Black Hills trails are some of the best marked and well maintained trails I have ever ridden on.
Do you need to change clutch weight when you go there? What is the elevation?
We didn't change anything and everything ran great.
Do you need to change clutch weight when you go there? What is the elevation?
It depends on the sled you are running. When I've gone I rejetted and clutched for 6000-8000 ft. If I was running an older sled that didn't compensate for the altitude I'd definetely rejet and reclutch. Even taking my newer sleds out now I'd still change clutch weights for the altitude.
600_RMK_144
Active member
Didn't change anything from sea level and had no issues (2008 RMK carb 600). I think Polaris Dan did have issues and needed to change his weights on his 800. It's a 5 minute job, I'd run what you brung and change em out if you have problems. Just make sure you bring them with.
Last edited:
Didn't change anything from sea level and had no issues (2008 RMK carb 600). I think Polaris Dan did have issues and needed to change his weights on his 800. It's a 5 minute job, I'd run what you brung and change em out if you have problems. Just make sure you bring them with.
Did you have to re-jet? I assume you'd have to for 6000 ft
POLARISDAN
New member
Do you need to change clutch weight when you go there? What is the elevation?
yes..i think its 6 or 7 k
- - - Updated - - -
Didn't change anything from sea level and had no issues (2008 RMK carb 600). I think Polaris Dan did have issues and needed to change his weights on his 800. It's a 5 minute job, I'd run what you brung and change em out if you have problems. Just make sure you bring them with.
yup absolutely needed them changed on the 800..then it blew up(oh wait..that was the unconnected main computer from the factory with 10 miles on it)
luv them polaris's