3,600 Miles of Road to Choose From
A map showing thousands of miles of Black Hills roads can make it seem as if every route is open to every ATV or UTV. That is where trip planning gets tricky: vehicle-width limits, seasonal closures, surface conditions, and permit rules can change what you can ride. This guide explains how to choose a legal, manageable route and prepare before you unload.
What the 3,600 miles of road really mean
A large network is not a blanket invitation
The Black Hills National Forest has an extensive road network, often described as about 3,600 miles of roads. That number is useful for understanding the scale of the area, but it does not mean every road is open to every motor vehicle. Routes can have different designations, and a road that appears on a general map may be closed to your type of machine or restricted during part of the year.
Think of the mileage as a menu, not a guarantee. A road may be open to highway vehicles but not an ATV, or available only to vehicles that meet a posted width limit. Some routes are seasonal, and temporary closures may also affect access. Before planning around a particular road, check the Motor Vehicle Use Map, or MVUM, for the relevant part of the forest and confirm that your vehicle is allowed on that route.
This is especially important if your trip includes a mix of forest roads and motorized trails. The two may look connected on a navigation app, but the rules can differ from one segment to the next. For an overview of why the network is so broad, see [3,600 Miles of South Dakota Forest Road]. For the maps that help you sort out designated routes, start with [South Dakota Trail Maps and MVUMs].
Roads, trails, and connecting segments are not interchangeable
A road-oriented ride can feel very different from a trail ride. Forest roads may be wider and easier to follow, but they can still include loose gravel, steep grades, washouts, blind corners, or narrow sections. Trails may have their own width restrictions and designated uses. A route that connects both types of terrain needs to be checked segment by segment.
Pay attention to the route designation and the vehicle limits shown on the official map. Do not assume that a road is open just because it is physically passable or appears in a third-party app. A closed route can still look inviting on the ground, particularly when there is no obvious barrier at the entrance. A map or sign is a better guide than tire tracks left by another rider.
A navigation app such as onX Offroad can be useful for exploring route options and keeping your position visible, especially where forest roads branch repeatedly. Use it as a planning aid, though, not as a substitute for the official MVUM and posted notices. Check the official designation first, then use your preferred navigation tools to help follow the route without accidentally turning onto a closed or restricted segment.
How to choose a route that fits your machine and group
Start with vehicle width and riding experience
Before picking a scenic destination, check your machine’s width and compare it with the restrictions on the routes you want to ride. Measure from the outside edge of one tire to the outside edge of the tire on the opposite side, rather than relying on the advertised model width. Accessories, wheel setups, or other changes may affect the real measurement. The guide to [South Dakota Trail Width Limits] can help you understand why this detail matters.
A wider side-by-side may have fewer suitable options than a narrower ATV. That does not mean the ride will be disappointing; it means you should confirm access before building the day around a particular road or trail. If several people are riding together, plan around the machine with the most restrictive width or capability so nobody is left looking for a different route after the group has started.
Be realistic about experience, too. A road that is technically open may still be a poor choice for a new rider if it has steep grades, loose rock, sharp drop-offs, or tight passing spots. For a first day, choose a route with room to stop, turn around, and regroup. Leave ambitious loops for a day when everyone is comfortable with the terrain and you have checked fuel, weather, and return options.
Match the route to the day you actually have
A route that looks short on a screen can take longer than expected. Gravel, dust, traffic, photo stops, slower riders, and navigation checks all affect your pace. Build in time to stop safely and take breaks rather than calculating the trip as though you were driving a car on pavement.
Use the table below as a planning prompt. It is not a substitute for checking route designations, but it can help you decide what to investigate before choosing a ride.
| Planning factor | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Machine width | Tire-to-tire width and route restrictions | A route may not be open to a wider UTV |
| Route designation | Official MVUM and posted signs | Not every mapped road is open to every vehicle |
| Surface and grade | Gravel, rock, mud, steep climbs, or loose material | Terrain changes travel time and difficulty |
| Fuel and distance | Fuel availability and realistic range | Some routes have long stretches without services |
| Weather and closures | Local conditions, fire notices, and seasonal rules | A route can become unsuitable or unavailable |
| Group needs | Rider experience, passenger comfort, and turnaround options | The whole group needs a safe, workable plan |
If fuel access is part of your route choice, look into [South Dakota Trails With Fuel Nearby] and confirm that fuel is available where you expect it to be. Do not count on a small town or service stop being open when you arrive without checking ahead. Keep a practical reserve and make sure the least experienced rider in the group is comfortable with the distance and conditions.
For navigation, onX Offroad can help you compare route options and follow your position while you ride. Download or save the information you need before heading into areas where cell service may be limited. Carrying a current official map as a backup is also sensible: a phone battery can run down, a screen can be hard to read in bright sunlight, and a route layer may not communicate every restriction as clearly as the official map.
Check permits, closures, and access before you ride
Confirm what applies to each part of your route
Permit requirements depend on where and how you are riding. A route that includes a motorized trail may have different requirements from a forest road, while state rules can also affect whether your machine may be operated on a public road. Do not assume that one plate, permit, or decal automatically covers every setting on a day’s itinerary.
Before you leave, identify whether your plan includes designated motorized trails, forest roads, or other public routes, then check the rules for each. If you are visiting from another state, confirm how your machine’s registration is treated and whether you need a South Dakota permit for the places you intend to ride. [South Dakota Trail Permits Explained] provides additional background on the permit system, while [Why a Road Needs a Plate or a Permit] addresses the difference between road access and trail access.
Keep permits and registration documents accessible, and make sure any required decal is mounted as directed. If you are renting a machine, ask the outfitter what is included and where the rental is allowed to go. A rental permit or decal may cover a specific requirement, but it does not make a closed route legal or waive width restrictions.
Recheck conditions close to departure
Conditions in the Black Hills can change quickly. A road that was dry during your last visit may be muddy or damaged after rain, and wind, storms, or fire activity can lead to closures or hazardous travel. Check notices and route information shortly before you leave, rather than relying on a map you saved weeks earlier.
Look for seasonal restrictions as well as temporary closures. The route you planned might be closed for part of the year, or a notice may affect only one section of a longer loop. That small closure can matter if it blocks the only practical connection back to your starting point. [South Dakota Trail Closures to Check First] is a useful reminder to confirm access before committing to a route.
If you use onX Offroad, review the route before the ride and keep an eye on your location as you travel. At a junction, stop in a safe place and verify the next segment rather than making a quick turn based on a vague line on the screen. When signs or official maps indicate a closure, follow them even if a digital route still appears to continue. A little patience at the junction is much better than discovering a restriction after the group has spread out.
Make the ride safer and easier to manage
Plan for gravel, dust, and changing visibility
Forest roads can be dusty in dry weather and slippery after rain. Loose gravel may reduce traction, while blind corners and rolling terrain can keep you from seeing oncoming traffic until you are close. Ride at a speed that leaves room to respond, keep a safe following distance, and slow down when visibility drops.
Dust is not just uncomfortable; it can hide road edges, rocks, and other riders. Leave enough space between machines for the dust to settle, and use eye protection suitable for the conditions. If the group becomes separated by dust or a junction, stop somewhere safe and regroup instead of pressing on and hoping everyone knows which turn to take.
Conditions can also vary across a single outing. A shaded stretch may stay damp after an exposed section dries, and a short climb can be rougher than the road leading to it. Give passengers and less experienced riders permission to ask for a break or a slower pace. A ride is more enjoyable when nobody feels pushed to keep up at the expense of safe handling.
Build a simple backup plan
Before departure, tell someone where you plan to ride and when you expect to return. Carry enough water, clothing, and basic supplies for the time you expect to be out, with some margin for delays. A navigation device or phone should not be your only plan for finding your way back; bring a map or saved route details you can consult if electronics fail.
Choose a clear turnaround point before the group gets tired or runs low on fuel. If a route is blocked, conditions worsen, or the group is uncomfortable, turning around is a sensible decision—not a failed outing. Leave enough time to return before dark, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area or expect to travel slowly.
Finally, treat every junction as a decision point. Check signs, confirm the route on your official map, and make sure the whole group knows which way to go. With thousands of miles of roads in the Black Hills, there is no need to force a questionable route. A legal, well-matched ride with time to enjoy the scenery is usually more rewarding than chasing the longest loop on the map.
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.
