BLACK HILLS SOUTH DAKOTA:
2024 Riding Season Route Updates
Updated July 5th, 2024
BLACK HILLS SOUTH DAKOTA:
July 5th, 2024
Difficult Conditions following Storm
Riders have reported difficult conditions on portions of this route following a major storm on 7/3-4.
-
- Most notably the ALT Harder climb up the backside of Bear Mountain on section 3 may have downed trees, ruts, and very slick muddy conditions. Recommend taking the main route and avoiding this section at this time.
- When in doubt, postpone your ride or bypass muddy areas to avoid unnecessary difficulty and potential further road damage.
- See attached screenshot for reference of Bear Mtn ALT Harder.
- Report from a rider:
Section 3 hard section to Bear Mountain lookout tower. Due to weather event 7/3- 7/4 hail and heavy rain the trail has downed trees, deep washouts, ruts, train rivulets, thick mud and sediment. Recommend taking easy route until area drys out or road is graded.
Updated June 24th, 2024
Section 1: Road Construction near Pactola Reservoir – New Tracks Published
Road construction is taking place on Highway 385 on Section 1 of this route.
- Construction crews have intermittent closures on the highway, be prepared for major delays at any time. This construction is expected to last most of the year.
- We have published new GPS tracks that include a temporary bypass track file that can be used if the highway is closed, see attached screenshots for reference.
- Download the latest track file BDR-X BlackHills SD-June2024 which includes the bypass track by clicking HERE
- More info on the construction process can be found HERE
May 22nd, 2024
Section 1: Temporary Bypass for Bridge Repair
A bridge is out and being repaired on Christensen Rd just before reaching Spearfish.
- To bypass the closure, simply remain on Maitland Road north to Colorado Blvd heading west to rejoin the tracks in Spearfish.
- See attached screenshot for reference.
March 11th, 2024
New Tracks Available for Download
We are in the process of releasing updated GPS track files for every one of our routes in an ongoing effort to keep track files current and evolving with changing route conditions and considerations for fuel.
As a general reference to the updates for track files labeled xxBDR-March2024:
- Some section starts/ends have shifted in our track files and may not match older versions of the BDR Map. We typically aim to keep each section less than 150mi in length. Sections that exceed this length generally have fuel options along the route or optional tracks to a nearby town for fuel along the way.
- Regardless of the documentary film, older track files, or previous map versions, the most current GPS track file is always considered the “current” route.
- Some routes have had updates for track difficulty classifications, new tracks added, shifts to section starts or ends, and additional waypoints and these updates will be reflected on the next map reprint.
- All track files have been updated with revised naming conventions, track colors, waypoints, discovery points, and more.
- GPS track colors have been updated as follows:
- Main Route: Alternating BLUE and DARK BLUE
- ALT Harder & ALT Expert tracks: RED
- Bypass, Extension, or Optional Fuel tracks: GREEN
- Our track colors will now carry over when imported into Gaia GPS. If they do not match these colors when you import, simply manually change the track colors to match, or select your own preferred track colors.
- GPS track colors don’t necessarily match the BDR Map. This is due to the difference in color visibility on GPS devices vs printed paper map products.
- Updates to our interactive map are in process to reflect these updates. You can launch the interactive map HERE.
- Always download the most recent track files just before you go HERE
| Black Hills BDR-X TRACK GUIDE | BH-X | ||
| Track File: BDR-X BlackHills SD-March2024 | |||
| SECTION | GPS TRACK NAME | MILEAGE | CUMULATIVE |
| 1 | BH BDRX1 – Keystone to Spearfish | 93.1 | 93.1 |
| 2 | BH BDRX2 – Spearfish to Hill City | 109 | 202.1 |
| 2 | BH BDRX2 EXT – Rochford | 3.5 | |
| 3 | BH BDRX3 – Hill City to Keystone | 153 | 355.1 |
| 3 | BH BDRX3 ALT Harder – Bear Mountain | 9.9 | |
| 3 | BH BDRX3 EXT – Wind Cave Natl Park | 4.6 | |
| 3 | BH BDRX3 EXT – Mt Coolidge | 3.4 | |
| TOTAL MAIN TRACK LENGTH | 355.1 | ||
| TOTAL ALL TRACKS LENGTH | 376.5 |
July 22nd, 2023
Easy access to Bear Mountain Lookout Tower – Section 3
If you decide to remain on the main track and not take the ALT Harder track up Bear Mountain, you can still backtrack to the lookout tower for the incredible views.
- At the intersection of Ditch Creek Road and the Alt Harder track, you can backtrack on the ALT Harder track via a gravel road to the lookout tower.
- The more difficult portion of the ALT Harder track is north of the lookout tower.
- See attached image for reference.
As always, be sure and download the latest .gpx file prior to your ride HERE
Join our Facebook Group for more route updates.
Visit the official Black Hills South Dakota BDR-X Facebook Group page for ride reports, photos, and discussions with other riders in your area HERE.
FOLLOW US!
