THE ULTIMATE STURGIS ONE-DAY RIDE
Words and images by Ride to Food
If you only have one day to ride in the Black Hills, make it this one. Twisty, scenic, historic, and best of all, unforgettable. Thanks to our friend Staci Wilt from Ride to Food for sending this one along.
Looking for the best rides near Sturgis? If you only have one day to ride the Black Hills, make sure your route includes the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway. Considered one of the best byways in America, this 70-mile ribbon of pavement has everything a great motorcycle ride can offer: twisties, elevation changes, natural beauty, narrow tunnels, wildlife, history, and epic views.
The Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway encompasses the infamous Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway, and Custer State Park’s Wildlife Loop. Mount Rushmore is also located along the route. While you can ride the entire loop in roughly three to four hours, you’ll likely end up spending your entire day enjoying the area and checking out what it has to offer. Here’s a brief rundown of what you can expect to find along the route:
You can start or end your ride along the byway with a visit to Mount Rushmore, where colossal sculptures of past United States Presidents are carved into the granite cliffs. No visit to the memorial is complete without a scoop or two of Thomas Jefferson Ice Cream, so come hungry or ready for a snack.
“17 Miles, 314 Curves, 4 Switchbacks, 3 Pigtails, 3 Tunnels, 2 Splits, 4 Presidents.” Riding the route in both directions offers a different experience, so don’t be afraid to turn around and ride it again!
If riding the Byway in a clockwise manner, your next ride will be a roller coaster on two wheels: Iron Mountain Road, or South Dakota Highway 16A. “17 Miles, 314 Curves, 4 Switchbacks, 3 Pigtails, 3 Tunnels, 2 Splits, 4 Presidents.”—That is the easiest way to describe it, but it’s also one of the most popular motorcycle rides in the Black Hills. Riding the route in both directions offers a different experience, so don’t be afraid to turn around and ride it again! Want to stop and enjoy the views? The Norbeck Overlook is a great stop along the route, offering panoramic views of the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore. And to commemorate the ride, you can stop by the Iron Mountain Road Store for a pin, patch, or other souvenirs.
At the southern terminus of Route 16A, you’ll head into Custer State Park, home to the Wildlife Loop and Needles Highway. For those looking to see a bison, the Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway is where you’ll likely find them. The route meanders through picturesque prairies and pine forests, and if you keep your eyes open, you may see bighorn sheep, pronghorn, deer, elk, coyote, prairie dogs, and even burros. If you’re hungry, the Blue Bell Lodge is a rider favorite near the west end of the Loop. And for those who love a scenic overlook, riding to the Mt. Coolidge Fire Tower is a must. Built of local stone, this active fire lookout rests atop a 6,023-foot peak and is the highest point in Custer State Park. On a clear day, you can even see the Badlands nearly 60 miles away to the east.
The route meanders through picturesque prairies and pine forests, and if you keep your eyes open, you may see bighorn sheep, pronghorn, deer, elk, coyote, prairie dogs, and even burros.
The Needles Highway (South Dakota State Highway 89) will be your final “bucket list ride” along the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway. You’ll wind your way through the rugged, needle-like granite rock formations the route is named after, various narrow tunnels, and switchbacks. The most famous tunnel in the Black Hills is undoubtedly the Needles Eye Tunnel. At a mere 8 feet wide and 9 feet, 9 inches high, it still feels like a tight squeeze on a motorcycle. There are plenty of pullouts to enjoy the views along the highway, so be sure to snap a few photos with your bike and the Cathedral Spires or enjoy the views and calm waters at Sylvan Lake.
Whether you’re chasing curves, bison, or sunlight through the trees, the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway delivers one of the most unforgettable motorcycle rides in the American West. Don’t forget to bring your action camera, your sense of adventure, and a full tank of gas—you’re going to want to ride every mile of this route more than once!
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