347 Miles Under 62 Inches
When a side-by-side is just wider than a trail limit, a map’s mileage can be misleading: a route may look close and convenient but still be off-limits to your machine. The Black Hills’ 347 miles of trails listed for machines under 62 inches give riders a useful starting point. This guide explains what that category means, how to plan around it, and what to check before unloading.
What 347 miles under 62 inches means
The number describes a trail category
The 347-mile figure refers to trail mileage in the Black Hills motorized trail system designated for machines under 62 inches wide. It is not a promise that every trail will suit every ATV or UTV, or that every mile will be open whenever you visit. The number is most useful as a broad planning clue: there is a substantial network for narrower machines, but you still need to check each route and its current access information.
A mileage total also does not tell you how the trails connect. You might find a long ride by linking eligible routes, or you might discover that a particular loop depends on a segment with a different width restriction. Before setting out from a staging area, look at the route as a whole—not just the trail closest to the parking lot.
This is especially important if your ride is built around a destination, a group’s schedule, or a rental pickup and return time. A route that looks short on a screen can take longer when it includes rough ground, stops, or backtracking. Plan for the allowed trail network first, then decide how much riding comfortably fits into your day.
Under 62 inches is a machine-width limit
The “under 62 inches” label refers to the width of the machine, not the width of the trail itself and not the rider’s height. A machine that measures 62 inches or more should not be treated as eligible for trails limited to machines under that threshold. If you ride a side-by-side, do not assume that its model name or advertised class is enough to settle the question.
Width can also be easy to underestimate. A machine’s body may appear narrower than its tires, and aftermarket wheels, tires, or other equipment can affect the overall measurement. Use the applicable guidance for the trail system to determine how width is measured, then check your machine against it before you rely on a route. [How South Dakota Measures Trail Width]
If you are comparing machines or helping a friend choose a route, verify the actual dimensions rather than relying on memory or a casual estimate. [South Dakota Trail Width Limits] is a useful next read when you need to understand how width categories affect route choices. A small difference can decide whether your planned ride is appropriate for a particular trail.
Check your machine before choosing a route
Measure the machine you will actually ride
Start with the vehicle that will be on the trail—not a similar model in a brochure or a measurement you found for a stock version. Park it on level ground and use the relevant trail-system instructions to measure at the required points. If the guidance calls for measuring outside tire to outside tire, make sure the tires are positioned and inflated as they will be for the ride.
Consider changes made since the machine was new. Wider replacement tires, wheel offsets, spacers, or other modifications can change the measurement enough to matter. If you are near the limit, measure carefully and leave room for uncertainty rather than planning as if an estimate were an official measurement.
Write the result down and share it with anyone helping plan the ride. That can prevent a frustrating scene at a trailhead when one vehicle in a group turns out to be too wide for the route. A few minutes in the driveway is easier than reworking the day after everyone has unloaded.
Match every vehicle in a mixed group
Groups often include more than one kind of machine: a narrow ATV, a two-seat side-by-side, and perhaps a wider four-seater. In that situation, do not plan around the narrowest vehicle. The group’s route needs to work for every machine that will ride it, or the group needs a clear plan to split up.
A simple planning table can help:
| Planning detail | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Machine width | Measure the vehicle using the applicable trail guidance | Confirms which width categories may be suitable |
| Route designation | Check the map or official trail information for each segment | A route may have a restriction even when nearby trails do not |
| Group lineup | Compare the widest machine with the route requirements | Prevents one rider from being turned back |
| Modifications | Recheck tires, wheels, and other width-affecting changes | The current machine may not match its original specifications |
| Open status | Check for seasonal or temporary closures | A permitted route may still be unavailable that day |
For example, imagine four friends leave Deadwood with a narrow ATV and two side-by-sides. If one side-by-side is outside the applicable limit, choosing a route based on the ATV’s eligibility will not make the route suitable for the whole group. The choices are to select a route that allows every machine, arrange a separate ride, or use a different vehicle.
When a group has a rental, ask the outfitter which trails the machine is allowed to use and whether its width affects the route options. Do not infer eligibility from the fact that the vehicle is available for rent. The machine, route rules, permit requirements, and current closures all still matter.
Plan routes with maps and restrictions in mind
Read the route, not just the mileage
A total such as 347 miles can make a riding area sound straightforward, but individual trails may differ in width designation, seasonal access, surface, difficulty, and connections. A map helps you see how the network fits together; it does not automatically confirm that a specific trail is open or suitable for your machine.
Plan a route segment by segment. Note the trailheads, junctions, access roads, and any places where the route could become unsuitable for a wider vehicle. Keep a reasonable alternative in mind in case a closure or restriction interrupts your preferred loop. This is particularly helpful when you are unfamiliar with the area and do not yet know how quickly terrain or trail conditions can change.
Digital tools can help organize routes, but compare them with the relevant official map or travel information. onX Offroad may be useful for reviewing a route and saving planning notes, but an app display should not replace current land-manager information or posted signs. [South Dakota Trail Maps and MVUMs] covers why map details and route designations deserve close attention.
Confirm open status before and during the ride
A route that appears on a map may be closed temporarily or seasonally. Weather, maintenance, fire conditions, or other management decisions can affect access. Check the latest closure information before loading your machines, then pay attention to signs and notices once you reach the riding area. If a sign conflicts with the route you planned, follow the posted direction rather than pressing ahead because a navigation app shows a line.
This extra check can save a long drive and a disappointing day. A rider staying near Rapid City, for instance, may have already trailered to a Black Hills staging area before learning that a planned segment is unavailable. Checking first—and having another route in mind—makes it easier to adapt without turning the trip into guesswork.
Conditions can also change after rain, snow, wind, or other rough weather. A route may be open but still be difficult, muddy, rutted, or otherwise unsuitable for your group. [South Dakota Trail Conditions Before You Ride] and [South Dakota Trail Closures to Check First] are useful topics to review when deciding whether to proceed or choose a different day.
Choose a ride that fits your machine and group
Narrow machines have more route options, not unlimited access
A machine that falls within the under-62-inch category may be eligible for more of the trails designated for that class, but eligibility is not the same as permission to ride anywhere. Stay on routes open to your machine, respect closures, and check any other requirements that apply to the riding area. Do not treat the mileage figure as a blanket authorization.
The best route is not necessarily the one with the most miles. A shorter loop with clear access, manageable terrain, and a comfortable return time may be a better fit than a longer route that pushes your group’s experience or schedule. That can matter especially for first-time visitors, younger riders, or families traveling with several vehicles.
If you are comparing options near particular towns, use location-specific information to narrow down your starting point, then confirm the details for the route you choose. For example, [South Dakota ATV Trails Near Deadwood] can help frame a search around that area, but you still need to check the machine-width category and current conditions for the actual route.
Wider machines need a different plan
If your machine is 62 inches wide or more, do not assume that a trail marked for machines under 62 inches is close enough to qualify. Find routes whose published designation matches your machine and verify that the complete route is open to it. A partial match can leave you with a dead end or a difficult decision at a junction.
This is also where a group plan needs honesty. It can be tempting to say, “We’ll see when we get there,” especially if the difference seems small. But the width restriction is a planning condition, not a suggestion to test in person. If the route is not suitable for one vehicle, decide before the ride whether to choose another route or separate the group.
For a broader comparison of route choices, see [South Dakota Trails for a Wide Machine]. If a trip includes both wide and narrow vehicles, choose the common route based on the widest machine’s eligibility. That may mean fewer options, but it gives everyone a clear and safer plan.
Prepare for a smoother day on the trail
Sort out permits and access before unloading
Trail access can involve requirements beyond machine width. Confirm what permit or decal applies to your ride, whether it needs to be displayed on the vehicle, and whether a plate changes any part of the requirement. Do not assume that a street-legal plate replaces a trail permit, or that a permit gives permission to use every route.
Visitors should confirm requirements for their particular machine and destination before traveling. [South Dakota Trail Permits Explained] offers more background on the permit system, while [Black Hills Motorized Trail Permit Cost] is a relevant topic if you are budgeting for a visit. For current application details, purchase options, and rules, check the responsible provider or land manager directly.
If you are renting, ask whether the permit is included, what route restrictions apply to the rental, and whether the shop recommends a particular map. Those questions are worth asking before the booking is final. A rental may come with practical guidance, but it is still your responsibility to understand where you can ride and to follow posted instructions.
Make room for real-world trail conditions
A good ride plan includes more than a route line. Bring water, appropriate clothing, basic supplies, and a way to navigate if phone service is weak or unavailable. Tell someone where you plan to ride and when you expect to return, especially if your route takes you away from busier access points.
Keep your schedule flexible. Dust, rough ground, stops, and group pace can all stretch a ride longer than expected. Avoid planning a full day around the assumption that every mile will be easy to cover. If a route becomes uncomfortable or conditions deteriorate, turning back or choosing an alternate open route is a sensible decision, not a failed outing.
Finally, treat the 347-mile figure as a starting point for research. Measure your machine, match it to each route’s designation, check access and permit details, and confirm current conditions. Those steps turn a broad mileage statistic into a practical plan that fits your vehicle and the people riding with you.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
