South Dakota Trails Under 62 Inches
A wide side-by-side can turn an exciting Black Hills ride into a frustrating dead end if the route has a 62-inch width restriction. South Dakota’s narrower motorized trails can suit many ATVs and compact UTVs, but “looks wide enough” is not a reliable way to choose a route. This guide explains width limits, how to measure your machine, and what to check before you unload.
What South Dakota’s under-62-inch trail category means
A trail limit applies to your machine’s width
In the Black Hills, motorized trails are divided into width categories. A route marked for machines under 62 inches is not simply a trail that looks narrow or challenging: it has a designated vehicle-width limit. A machine that exceeds the limit may not use that route, even if it seems physically able to squeeze between trees or rocks.
The width designation matters for both quads and side-by-sides. Many ATVs fit within narrower categories, but models vary, and some UTVs are wider than riders expect. Aftermarket wheels, tires, spacers, or other modifications can change the measurement, too. Check the category shown on the applicable map before planning your ride, rather than relying on a model name or a salesperson’s description.
There are hundreds of miles of narrower trails in the Black Hills system; the figure commonly used for the under-62-inch category is about 347 miles. That gives riders options, but it does not mean all narrow trails connect into one uninterrupted route or are open at the same time. Start with [South Dakota Trail Width Limits] and [347 Miles Under 62 Inches] to understand the category and its scale.
Measure the machine, not the advertised spec
For width planning, the useful measurement is generally the distance from the outside of one tire to the outside of the opposite tire. Bodywork width, roof width, and the number in a machine’s brochure may not match that figure. The measurement can also change if you install different wheels or tires.
To check at home, park the machine on level ground with the front wheels straight. Measure across the outermost tire edges from one side to the other. If your tires have an unusual profile, or you have added wheel spacers, measure at the widest point that determines the machine’s actual track width. For a practical walkthrough, see [How South Dakota Measures Trail Width] and [Measuring Outside Tire to Outside Tire].
If your measurement is close to the posted cutoff, do not assume that rounding down is acceptable. Map legends and signs control, and a small difference can decide whether a route is appropriate for your machine. Confirm the map’s exact wording and the rules for the trail area before you ride. When a route’s limit is unclear, choose one clearly designated for your vehicle’s width instead of testing the boundary in the field.
Choosing a route for an ATV or UTV
Match the map category to your machine
Before choosing a loop, identify your machine’s measured width and compare it with the route categories on the official travel map. A machine under 62 inches may have access to more narrow-trail options than a wider side-by-side, but it still needs to stay on routes allowed for its category. A narrow ATV is not automatically permitted on every trail, and a machine that is too wide should not be taken onto a restricted route just because the first stretch appears open.
The Black Hills offer a mix of roads and trails, and their rules are not interchangeable. A forest road may be open to a wider machine while a nearby trail is limited to narrower vehicles. Check the map legend, route markings, and any posted signs at the trailhead. [South Dakota Trails for a Wide Machine] can help if your UTV exceeds the narrower category.
Digital tools can make route planning easier, especially when you are comparing loops or trying to keep a group together. onX Offroad can be useful for looking at routes and organizing a ride, but treat it as a planning aid rather than a substitute for the controlling Forest Service map, current notices, or signs on the ground. Check [South Dakota Trail Maps and MVUMs] before you commit to a route.
Consider the terrain and the group, not just the width
A trail that fits your machine may still be a poor match for your experience, passengers, or equipment. Black Hills routes can include loose gravel, rocks, steep grades, and changing conditions after rain. A compact UTV that meets the width rule may be physically permitted on a trail but still require careful handling, adequate clearance, and a driver comfortable with the terrain.
Think through your group before selecting a route. A mixed group might include a small ATV, a wider UTV, and riders with different levels of experience. In that case, choose a route category all machines are allowed to use, and agree on a turnaround point before anyone enters a narrower trail. If the wider machine cannot legally continue, the group should not split casually without a communication and regrouping plan.
Also account for how the machine is loaded. A passenger, cargo, or a roof does not usually change the tire-to-tire width measurement, but added weight can affect handling and braking. Carry essentials such as water, appropriate protective gear, and a way to navigate if cell service is weak. onX Offroad may help you keep a planned route accessible on your device, but download or prepare what you need before heading into areas with limited coverage.
| Planning question | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Is my machine narrow enough? | Measure outside tire to outside tire and compare with the route category | Published model dimensions may not reflect your current setup |
| Is the route open? | Check the current Motor Vehicle Use Map, local notices, and trailhead signs | Seasonal or temporary closures can change your plan |
| Is the whole group compatible? | Compare every machine’s width and capability | The narrowest route may exclude a wider vehicle |
| Do I need a trail permit? | Confirm permit requirements for the riding area and machine | A plate does not necessarily replace a trail permit |
| Can I navigate without service? | Prepare an offline map or other reliable navigation plan | Coverage can be unreliable in remote areas |
Permits, maps, and seasonal access
Check permit rules before you leave home
Width is only one part of a legal ride. Designated motorized trails in the Black Hills have permit requirements, and a road and a trail may have different requirements. Do not assume that a vehicle plate covers every trail, or that a trail decal automatically authorizes every road. Review [How the Black Hills Motorized Trail Permit Works] and the rules for the area you intend to ride.
Permits are associated with the machine, so make sure each vehicle in your group is covered as required. If you are borrowing or renting a machine, ask who is responsible for the permit and verify that the decal or other required documentation is in place before setting out. This is much easier to sort out at home or at the rental counter than at a trail entrance.
Keep the relevant map available while riding. A route may change category, connect to a road, or approach a closure, and a phone screen alone may not tell the whole story if you have not downloaded the information. onX Offroad can help with trip organization, but compare what you see there with the official map and posted directions. For a fuller explanation of the decal and its use, read [Why a Trail Always Needs the Permit].
Treat seasonal dates and closures as part of the route
Black Hills motorized trails have seasonal operating windows. Many trails are generally open from May 15 through December 15, while some have a later opening period, from August 15 through December 15. These dates are not a promise that every route will be usable throughout the season. Weather, surface conditions, fire danger, maintenance, or a temporary closure can affect access.
This is why a map saved months ago is not enough for a specific ride. Before loading the trailer, check the current Motor Vehicle Use Map and local closure notices, then look for signs at the access point. If a trail is closed, do not ride around a barrier or try to find an unofficial bypass. A closure can protect riders as well as the land, and an alternate route may have a different width restriction.
The Black Hills include riding areas near communities such as Rapid City, Deadwood, Spearfish, Hill City, and Custer, but the best starting point depends on where you are staying and what is open. onX Offroad can be part of your route-planning routine, alongside official maps and closure information. For a pre-trip checklist, see [South Dakota Trail Conditions Before You Ride] and [South Dakota Trail Closures to Check First].
A practical plan for riding under-62-inch trails
Check your setup and route in a few clear steps
A careful plan does not need to be complicated. Use this sequence before a ride:
- Measure each machine. Measure outside tire to outside tire, including any modifications that affect width.
- Choose a route category. Use the official map to find routes permitted for that measurement, and read the legend carefully if your machine is near the cutoff.
- Check access and dates. Confirm the trail’s seasonal window and look for temporary closure notices.
- Confirm permits. Make sure every machine has whatever permit or documentation the riding area requires.
- Compare the group’s machines. Keep the route within the limits of the widest machine that will ride it.
- Prepare for navigation. Save or carry the information you need before entering areas with weak service, and follow signs on the ground.
For example, imagine a family planning a ride from a lodging base near Hill City. One ATV measures comfortably below the category limit, while a rented UTV is wider than expected. Rather than picking a narrow loop because it looks convenient on a phone map, the group should confirm both measurements, find a route category allowed for both machines, and check closures and permits. If no suitable shared route is open, choosing a different area is safer than splitting up without a plan.
Avoid the common width-limit mistakes
A frequent mistake is treating a machine’s advertised width as the final answer. That number may refer to bodywork rather than tire track, and accessories or modifications can change the real measurement. Another is assuming that a route is legal because the vehicle fits between the trees. Physical clearance is not the same as permission to ride there.
It is also easy to confuse trail width with machine width. A route described as under 62 inches is generally referring to the maximum vehicle category, not a promise that the trail itself stays a particular width from edge to edge. The surface can narrow, widen, or be constrained by rocks and vegetation. Stay on the designated route and do not ride off-trail to get around an obstacle.
Finally, avoid relying on a single source when information conflicts. Check the official map, current notices, and signs. Use onX Offroad or another navigation tool to help organize the trip, but do not let a displayed line override a closure sign or posted restriction. The most enjoyable ride is usually the one where the machine, route, permit, and conditions all match before the group leaves the staging area.
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.
