148 Miles of Trail Open to All Widths
A wide side-by-side can turn a promising Black Hills route into a dead end if the trail is narrower than the machine. The 148 miles listed as open to all widths are useful for planning, but they are not a guarantee that every route is open today or that every vehicle can use every nearby road. This guide explains what the designation means and how to plan around it.
What 148 miles open to all widths means
Trail width is about the route, not the machine’s advertised size
The phrase “open to all widths” describes a trail category: those routes are not limited to a narrower vehicle-width class in the same way some other motorized trails are. That makes them an important planning option for riders on wider UTVs and side-by-sides, especially when a machine’s tires, accessories, or bodywork make it too wide for more restricted routes.
It does not mean that the route is physically wide everywhere. A trail can include trees close to the edge, rocky pinch points, tight turns, drainage dips, or places where the usable surface narrows. “Open to all widths” is a designation for access, not a promise of a broad, smooth road that feels roomy from start to finish.
The distinction matters when you are choosing between a compact ATV and a full-size side-by-side. A route listed for all widths may be eligible for both, while a narrower trail may be off-limits to the wider machine. Even on an eligible route, a driver should be ready to take a slow line through obstacles and turn around if conditions make continuing unsafe.
It does not mean every Black Hills route is included
The 148-mile figure refers to the mileage in the all-width category, not the entire Black Hills motorized trail network. The wider system includes routes and trails with different access designations, and the same riding area can contain sections intended for different vehicle widths. A trailhead or staging area may connect to several routes, but that does not make every connected route suitable for every machine.
That is why a general trail map can be misleading if you only glance at the area name or the color of a route. Check the legend and the route-level designation. If you are planning with a wide machine, look for information that specifically says the route is open to all widths rather than assuming that a nearby road or trail shares the same rule.
For a closer look at how the system is categorized, see [South Dakota Trail Width Limits] and [How South Dakota Measures Trail Width]. Those distinctions can help you avoid the familiar trailhead frustration of unloading, gearing up, and then discovering that the route you planned to ride is not open to your machine.
Mileage is a planning figure, not a daily guarantee
Treat 148 miles as a useful measure of the all-width opportunity in the riding system, not as a promise that you can ride every one of those miles on a particular trip. Seasonal openings, maintenance, weather, fire restrictions, and temporary closures can affect access. A route’s category may remain the same while its availability changes.
There is also a practical difference between total listed mileage and the miles you can comfortably ride in a day. Some routes may be far from your starting point, require connecting roads, or be part of a loop that does not match your group’s pace. A family making frequent stops will cover ground differently from experienced riders trying to ride a longer loop.
Before you leave, pair the mileage figure with current route information and a realistic day plan. The broader [South Dakota Trail Mileage by Width] overview can help put the all-width figure in context, while [South Dakota Trail Closures to Check First] is a useful reminder that an open designation is not a substitute for checking conditions.
How to choose an all-width route for your machine
Start with the machine’s actual width
Do not rely only on the model name or a brochure description. Measure the machine as it is set up for the ride, including its tires and any parts that affect its overall width. Added accessories, replacement wheels, or a different tire setup can change how much room the machine needs, and a measurement that was correct before modifications may no longer be useful.
Use the relevant trail guidance to understand how width is defined and measured. If there is uncertainty about whether your machine fits a narrower category, do not try to settle the question by squeezing through a route and hoping it is acceptable. Choose an all-width route or confirm the restriction before loading the machine.
This is especially important when a group brings mixed equipment. A compact ATV may be allowed on more routes than a wide UTV, but the group’s route choice has to work for every vehicle. If the lead rider chooses a route based only on the narrowest machine, the wider vehicles may be left with no legal way to follow.
Match the route to the least experienced rider
An all-width designation addresses vehicle access, not rider skill. A route that can accommodate a wide machine may still be challenging because of loose rock, steep grades, uneven surfaces, or limited room to pass. If a beginner is in the group, choose a route based on the least experienced driver’s comfort rather than the most confident rider’s appetite for a challenge.
Picture a group with one experienced driver and a newer rider in a rented side-by-side. The experienced driver may be comfortable picking through a rocky climb, while the newer driver may be uneasy about a narrow ledge or a steep descent. A route that is technically accessible to both can still make for a stressful day if it exceeds one person’s comfort level.
Before setting out, agree on a few basics: who leads, where the group will regroup, and what to do if someone wants to stop or turn back. Allow extra time for slower sections and breaks. The best route is not necessarily the one with the most mileage; it is the one your whole group can ride safely and enjoyably.
Look beyond the route label
A width designation is just one part of route planning. Think about distance, elevation, surface, weather, fuel, daylight, and where you will start and finish. A route that works well in dry conditions may become more difficult after rain, and a longer loop may leave little margin if the group encounters a slow climb or an unexpected delay.
Consider the day as a complete trip rather than a line on a map. Where will you park or unload? How far is the trailhead from your lodging? Does the route connect back to your starting point, or will you need to retrace your path? Are there places to stop without blocking other riders? These details matter even when the trail is open to all widths.
A digital tool such as onX Offroad can help riders review routes and organize a plan before heading out. Use it as one part of your preparation, alongside official maps and notices. A screen can make it easier to understand a route’s shape, but it cannot replace a current closure check or the posted signs at the trail.
How to plan a ride using the all-width mileage
Build a route from confirmed open segments
Start with the official motorized trail information for the area you intend to ride. Identify the route segments that are open to all widths, then check whether each segment is currently open. Keep an eye out for closure notices, seasonal restrictions, and route changes that could interrupt a planned loop.
Next, trace how the segments connect. A route may look close to another on a map without having a legal or practical connection between them. Do not assume that you can cut across an unmarked road, use a closed route as a shortcut, or cross private land because two open segments appear near each other.
When using onX Offroad or another mapping tool, compare what you see on the screen with the official map and any current notices. If the information conflicts, do not treat the app’s line as permission to ride. The safest approach is to plan around the more restrictive information until you can confirm the route status.
Leave room for the unexpected
Avoid planning a day that uses every available hour or treats the full mileage figure as a target. A route can take longer than expected because of slow terrain, photo stops, dust, congestion, or a mechanical problem. Leaving a time buffer gives the group options if the pace drops or someone needs a break.
Fuel planning deserves the same care. Estimate consumption for your specific machine and riding conditions rather than assuming that a short-looking route will use little fuel. Hills, soft ground, frequent stops, and carrying passengers or gear can affect fuel use. If fuel availability is uncertain along the route, plan to start with enough for the ride and a reasonable reserve.
It also helps to establish a turnaround time before the group starts. If the ride is taking longer than expected, use that point to shorten the plan rather than pushing on simply because the loop was mapped in advance. A conservative turnaround is easier to agree on at the trailhead than when the group is tired and daylight is fading.
Check conditions again on the day of the ride
A plan made at home can become outdated before you reach the trailhead. Check for current closure notices and weather conditions before leaving, then read signs at the staging area. If a route is closed, respect the closure even if a digital map still shows it as available.
Weather changes the character of a ride. Rain can make some surfaces slick or rutted, while dry conditions can create dust that reduces visibility between machines. Wind, fog, and changing temperatures can also affect comfort and safety, particularly on longer rides or exposed sections.
If the conditions do not suit the group, change the plan. That could mean choosing a shorter loop, waiting for weather to improve, or riding another day. The all-width designation tells you something useful about access; it does not require you to ride a route when the conditions feel wrong.
| Planning question | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Is the route open to all widths? | The route’s designation and map legend | Nearby routes may have different width limits |
| Is it open today? | Current notices and signs at the trailhead | Closures can change while the route category stays the same |
| Will every machine fit? | Each vehicle’s actual width and setup | Group plans must work for the widest machine |
| Does the route suit the group? | Terrain, distance, and rider experience | Access does not equal beginner-friendly conditions |
| Can you finish with a safe buffer? | Fuel, daylight, pace, and turnaround time | Delays are common on real-world rides |
Riding wide machines responsibly
Keep to designated routes
Being allowed on an all-width trail does not mean you can widen the route by riding around an obstacle. Going around a muddy patch, rock, or fallen branch can damage vegetation, disturb soil, and create a new track that other riders may follow. If the marked route is blocked or unsafe, stop and reassess rather than making your own bypass.
Stay alert for signs, gates, and changes in the trail surface. A route can pass through areas where conditions or access differ, and it is the rider’s responsibility to follow posted restrictions. Do not assume that a route remains open beyond a sign simply because the path continues.
A useful habit is to pause when the route becomes unclear. Check the map, look for markers, and confirm that the group is still on the designated route. This is particularly helpful when several riders are spread out or dust makes it difficult to see the vehicle ahead.
Give other users space
Wide machines need room to maneuver, but other riders may be approaching from the opposite direction or catching up from behind. Slow down when visibility is limited, especially around bends, crests, and dusty stretches. If you meet another group in a narrow spot, communicate calmly and use a safe pullout rather than forcing a close pass.
Keep enough space between machines to account for braking and dust. Following too closely can make it hard to see the route and leave little time to react to a sudden stop. A staggered riding arrangement may help on suitable routes, but the group should adjust to the width and conditions rather than treating one formation as right for every section.
Be patient around people who are stopping, taking photos, or managing a newer rider. The Black Hills attract visitors with different levels of experience, and a relaxed pace helps prevent small delays from turning into risky passes. Courtesy is part of keeping the trail enjoyable for everyone.
Prepare for a problem before one happens
Carry the essentials for the length and remoteness of the ride, including water, basic first-aid supplies, suitable clothing, and a way to communicate. Cell service can be inconsistent in some terrain, so do not count on making a call from every point along the route. Tell someone where you plan to ride and when you expect to return.
Before unloading, take a few minutes to check tires, brakes, steering, lights, and fuel. On a UTV, confirm that seat belts and doors or restraints are working properly. If something feels wrong at the start, it is much easier to address it in the staging area than halfway through a remote ride.
A small tool kit and a plan for a disabled machine can also prevent a long day from becoming a crisis. Know who in the group can assist, how you will contact help if needed, and what you will do if the route is blocked. A ride can go smoothly without using any of this preparation; the point is to have options if it does not.
Common planning mistakes to avoid
Assuming all-width access means easy access
The most common misunderstanding is treating the phrase as a difficulty rating. It is not. A wide machine may be permitted on the route, but the route can still be rough, steep, or demanding. Read the terrain information and make an honest decision about your group’s experience.
A driver who is comfortable on a broad gravel road may have a very different experience on a rocky trail with tight turns. Passengers may also feel less secure than the driver expects, particularly on uneven ground. If you are unsure, begin with a shorter, more manageable ride and reassess after gaining experience.
For a wider machine, it is also worth looking at the terrain photos or map details before committing to a long route. The designation answers one question about access; it does not answer whether the route matches your machine’s turning ability, ground clearance, or your passengers’ comfort.
Treating an app as the final authority
Digital maps are valuable for seeing route connections and keeping your bearings, but no single tool should be the only source you consult. Map layers may differ, route information may not reflect a recent closure, and a line on a screen can be easy to misread when you are unfamiliar with the area.
Use onX Offroad as a planning aid, then verify route access with official information and signs. Save or carry the information you need before losing service, and make sure everyone in the group knows the basic plan. If the app and a posted sign disagree, follow the sign and seek clarification before continuing.
Paper or downloaded maps are useful backups, but they also need to be current enough for the trip. Whatever format you use, make sure you can identify your location, the route designation, and a safe way back to the starting point.
Trying to cover too much ground
The 148-mile figure can make the all-width trail network sound like a mileage challenge. It is better to think of it as a set of options. A shorter route with time to stop and enjoy the scenery may be a better day than trying to string together the maximum distance.
Avoid adding route segments simply because they appear nearby. Every connection adds time and may bring a different width designation, surface, or access rule. Plan a route with a clear start, a sensible turnaround point, and an alternative if a segment is closed or more difficult than expected.
The all-width mileage is most useful when it helps you choose a route that fits your machine and group. Check the designation, confirm current conditions, plan with a time and fuel buffer, and adjust when the actual ride differs from the map. That approach makes the number a practical planning tool rather than a promise that every mile will be open, easy, or right for your trip.
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.
