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Snowmobiling

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Winter Adventures

Experience the Black Hills in winter on hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails winding through pine forests, open meadows and scenic mountain terrain. The Northern Black Hills around Lead, Deadwood and the surrounding high country offer some of the region’s most popular snowmobiling, with easy connections to an extensive network of trails.

The official Black Hills snowmobile season runs December 15 through March 31, snow conditions permitting.

BLACK HILLS SNOWMOBILE TRAIL SYSTEM

The Black Hills Snowmobile Trails System includes approximately 350 miles of designated trails, with routes extending throughout the Northern and Central Black Hills and into Wyoming.

Popular riding areas and trail connections include:

  • Lead & Deadwood

  • Spearfish Canyon

  • O’Neil Pass

  • Trailshead

  • Dumont

  • Deerfield

  • Roubaix

  • Rochford

  • Custer Peak

  • Buckhorn

  • Connections into Wyoming

Trailheads and parking areas are located throughout the system, making it easy to plan anything from a shorter ride to a full day on the snow.

CURRENT SNOW & TRAIL CONDITIONS

Black Hills snowfall can vary considerably by location and conditions can change quickly.

Before heading out, check South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks for the latest trail conditions, closures, grooming information and live trail cameras.

Check Current Black Hills Snowmobile Conditions →
https://gfp.sd.gov/snowmobiling/

TRAIL MAP

South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks publishes the official Black Hills Snowmobile Trail Map showing designated routes, trail numbers, parking areas, warming shelters and other useful riding information.

View the Black Hills Snowmobile Trail Map →
https://gfp.sd.gov/maps/

PERMITS & REGISTRATION

Snowmobiles operated in South Dakota must meet current state licensing and registration requirements.

Nonresident snowmobiles that are properly licensed in another state may be operated in South Dakota. Temporary permits are also available for qualifying unlicensed snowmobiles.

Before your trip, review current requirements, regulations and permit information directly with South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks.

Snowmobile Permits, Regulations & Licensing →
https://gfp.sd.gov/snowmobiling/

BEFORE YOU RIDE

Winter conditions in the Black Hills can change quickly. Always check current trail conditions and closures before leaving, carry appropriate winter and emergency gear, stay on permitted routes where required and respect private property and posted closures.

Cell service can be limited or unavailable in portions of the trail system, so download or carry a trail map before heading out.