Riding the Wyoming Side of the Hills
The Wyoming side of the Black Hills can feel quieter and less familiar than the well-known riding areas around South Dakota, which makes route planning especially important. A road visible on a map is not automatically open to ATVs, and rules can change when you cross a state or land-management boundary. This guide explains how to plan a responsible ride near Sundance, Hulett, and the Bear Lodge area.
Start with the right map and land manager
Understand what “the Wyoming side” means
The Black Hills do not stop at the South Dakota state line, but riding opportunities and access rules do not necessarily carry over with the landscape. On the Wyoming side, riders may be exploring parts of the Black Hills National Forest and the Bear Lodge area, as well as roads or trails managed by other public agencies or private landowners. The name of a nearby town or mountain range alone does not tell you who manages a particular route.
That distinction matters because each land manager can set its own rules for motorized travel. A route might be open to highway vehicles but not to off-highway vehicles, open only seasonally, or limited to certain machine widths. Private land can also sit close to public routes, so a track that looks continuous on a general map may lead somewhere you do not have permission to ride.
Before setting out, identify the land manager for the exact area you want to visit. If your plan includes forest roads or trails, consult the relevant Forest Service travel map and current notices. For general background on how federal-land riding rules work on the South Dakota side, see [South Dakota Rules for Riding Federal Land]. The broader point applies on either side of the line: land-manager rules are more important than a route’s appearance on a recreational map.
Use digital maps as planning tools, not permission
A navigation app can make route planning much easier when you are comparing trailheads, checking distances, and trying to understand how a route connects with a nearby road. onX Offroad can help riders visualize mapped routes and nearby terrain, particularly when they are unfamiliar with the area. It is useful to review a route before leaving town, download what you need for offline navigation, and make sure everyone in the group can find the starting point.
Still, a line on a digital map is not proof that a route is legally open to your machine. Mapping layers may not show a recent closure, a seasonal restriction, a width limit, or a land boundary clearly enough for a riding decision. Treat onX Offroad as one planning aid, then compare your proposed route with the managing agency’s official travel information and posted signs.
The same caution applies to any GPS track shared by another rider. A friend may have ridden a route under different conditions, on a different kind of machine, or before a restriction changed. If a map and a sign disagree, do not assume the map gives you permission to continue. Stop, check the official information if possible, and choose a clearly authorized route instead.
Plan a route that fits your machine and your day
Check access, width, and seasonal restrictions
The most frustrating planning mistake is building a full day around a route that turns out to be closed or unsuitable for your vehicle. Before you leave, check whether the route is open to motorized use, whether your machine’s width is allowed, and whether any seasonal limits apply. These details matter for a narrow ATV as well as for a wider side-by-side. A trail that appears nearby may not be a legal or practical connection between two open roads.
Width is worth checking even if you are used to riding elsewhere in the Black Hills. Rules and designated routes can differ from one area to another, and a machine that fits one trail may not be permitted on another. For background on width considerations in the region, see [South Dakota Trail Width Limits]. Use that as a reminder to verify the rules for the specific Wyoming route rather than assuming a measurement or limit applies everywhere.
Seasonal conditions can affect more than legal access. Snow, mud, storm damage, fire activity, and maintenance work can make a route difficult or unavailable. Check current notices close to your departure date, especially if you are traveling from a distance or have arranged lodging around a particular ride. The planning habits in [South Dakota Trail Closures to Check] are useful as a general checklist, but Wyoming-side riders should confirm notices with the agency responsible for their chosen route.
Build a realistic loop instead of chasing mileage
A route that looks short on a screen can take much longer when the surface is rough, the group needs frequent breaks, or navigation is slow. Give yourself room for stops, a wrong turn, and a slower rider. If you are traveling with children or someone who has not ridden in the area before, start with a modest route and leave an easy way to turn back.
Before you go, write down or save the essentials: your trailhead or staging location, the planned route, a backup option, and the time you expect to return. Share that plan with someone who is not riding with you. In remote areas, do not assume you will have dependable cell coverage for navigation or a call for help. Download maps in advance, carry a paper map if you have one, and bring enough water and basic repair supplies for the group.
Use a digital tool such as onX Offroad to compare possible route connections, but check those connections against official travel information before counting on them. A route that appears to loop neatly on a screen may cross a closed segment or leave public land. If you cannot confirm that every part is open to your machine, shorten the ride rather than treating an uncertain connection as a harmless shortcut.
| Before you ride | What to confirm | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Route access | The route is open to your type of motorized vehicle | A mapped road may not be open to ATVs or UTVs |
| Machine width | Your vehicle fits the route’s restrictions | Some routes may be limited by vehicle size |
| Land manager | Who manages each section of the route | Rules and closures can vary across boundaries |
| Seasonal status | Current closures, weather effects, and operating periods | Conditions can change after a map or trip plan was made |
| Navigation | Offline map access and a backup plan | Service may be limited in remote areas |
| Permits and registration | Requirements for the specific land and vehicle | A permit for one jurisdiction may not cover another |
Prepare for the Wyoming terrain and changing conditions
Expect a mix of surfaces and riding demands
The Black Hills landscape can change quickly from forested ground to open areas, rocky stretches, and gravel roads. That variety is part of the appeal, but it also means that one tire choice or riding pace may not suit every section. Loose rock can reduce traction, while a recent storm can leave muddy or damaged spots that were not present on a previous visit. Ride at a speed that gives you time to react to changing surfaces and other users.
Dust can make it harder to see a rider ahead, especially when a group is spread out on a dry road. Leave enough space to maintain visibility, and agree on simple signals for slowing down or stopping. On narrow roads, be ready to encounter trucks, maintenance vehicles, hikers, or other riders around a bend. Keep right where appropriate, slow down near trailheads and road junctions, and avoid assuming that a quiet route will remain empty.
If your group includes riders with different experience levels, let the least experienced person set the pace. That small adjustment can prevent a common trip problem: confident riders getting far ahead while a newer rider feels pressured to keep up. Choose a meeting point before the group starts, and regroup at safe locations rather than stopping abruptly in a narrow or blind section.
Pack for a self-supported ride
A reliable day kit does not have to be complicated, but it should match the distance and remoteness of your plan. Carry drinking water, food, a first-aid kit, a basic tire-repair option, and tools that fit your machine. Bring weather-appropriate layers; conditions in the hills can feel different from those in the nearest town, and a comfortable morning can turn into a cold or wet afternoon.
Check the machine before loading it: tires, brakes, lights, fuel, and any loose cargo deserve a quick inspection. If you are riding a UTV with passengers, make sure everyone understands seat-belt use and safe entry and exit. For ATVs, remind the group to keep a safe following distance and avoid carrying more people than the machine is designed to carry.
Navigation preparation matters just as much as the tool kit. Save the route and trailhead information while you still have service, and make sure at least one other person in the group knows how to use the map. onX Offroad may help with orientation and offline planning, but carry enough information to make a safe decision if your phone battery runs low or a mapped segment does not match the conditions on the ground.
Handle boundaries, permits, and access responsibly
Recheck requirements when your route crosses a boundary
A ride that begins near Sundance or Hulett can involve more than one type of road or land. Do not assume that a registration, permit, or riding privilege from one state automatically satisfies requirements in another. The rules may depend on the vehicle, the surface you are using, the agency that manages the land, and whether you are on a public road or a designated motorized route.
This is particularly important for riders planning a multi-day trip on both sides of the state line. South Dakota trail permits and other state-specific requirements should not be treated as a substitute for checking Wyoming rules. If your itinerary includes riding in South Dakota as well, review [South Dakota's Motorized Trail Permit] and [South Dakota's Nonresident Annual Permit] separately from the requirements for your Wyoming route.
When you are unsure, ask the land manager or local office responsible for the area before riding. That is usually a better use of a few minutes than discovering a restriction after your group has driven to a trailhead. Keep any required documents accessible, and follow posted signs even when they do not match an older trip report or downloaded track.
Keep access open for the next rider
Responsible riding is not only about avoiding a ticket. It also helps protect the access that makes these trips possible. Stay on routes designated for motorized use, avoid cutting across vegetation to bypass mud or an obstacle, and do not enter private property without permission. If a gate or closure sign blocks the route, do not treat it as a suggestion or search for an unofficial way around it.
Be considerate at trailheads and along shared roads. Park so other users can get through, keep noise under control, and pack out trash. If you encounter another group, slow down and give them space rather than making a dusty pass in a tight area. These small choices reduce conflict with other visitors, nearby landowners, and the people who manage the area.
For a broader look at planning public-land rides in the region, [Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota] and [Where to Ride an ATV in South Dakota] can help you think through maps, access, and ride preparation. Their South Dakota focus is important: use them for regional context, not as a replacement for Wyoming-specific route information. Before every trip, confirm the route, check current notices, and be willing to change plans when access is uncertain.
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.
