How to Enjoy the Black Hills Outdoors

Whether you are visiting the Black Hills for a short period of time, or are a year-round resident, there are a variety of ways you can enjoy our beautiful, world-class outdoors! Here are a few recommendations to help you fully experience the Black Hills and grasslands surrounding Sturgis:

  1. Sturgis Trail System (Non-Motorized)
    Recommended Activities:  Hiking, Mountain Biking, Walking, Snowshoeing, Fat Tire Biking, Horseback Riding
    The Sturgis Trail System is a sprawling network of non-motorized trails primarily located directly south of Sturgis with several access points in the city itself. This system features well-marked and groomed trails with maps and directions posted regularly (see map on flip side). You can enjoy these trails by hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or even snowshoeing! Black Hills Trails, a nonprofit group of volunteers, is dedicated to expanding and maintaining the trail system. Download the app "Trailforks" to access a comprehensive and interactive Sturgis area non-motorized trail map!

  2. 7th Cavalry Trail System (Non-Motorized)
    Recommended Activities: 
    Hiking, Mountain Biking, Walking, Snowshoeing, Fat Tire Biking, Horseback Riding
    The 7th Cavalry Trail System includes a network on non-motorized trails in the Fort Meade Recreation area directly east of Sturgis. This area consists of a large rectangle of undeveloped, preserved BLM land stretching from Fort Meade all the way down to the National Cemetery near I-90. Trails in the system include a portion of the famed Centennial Trail, the Alkali Creek Nature Path, the new Fort Meade Trail, Sabre #13, the Sturgis Youth Race Trail, #12 Remount, and more! Hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers have the opportunity to absorb the Fort's history and natural beauty in this trail system. Download the app "Trailforks" to access a comprehensive and interactive map of the 7th Cavalry Trail System!

  3. Sturgis City Bike Paths
    Recommended Activities:  Walking, Biking, Running
    Sturgis has over 10 miles of bike paths within the city limits.  The most popular trailheads are located at the Sturgis Municipal Park on the east end of Lazelle Street, Centennial Park located behind McDonald's on the west end of Lazelle Street, and the City Fairgrounds located on Ball Park Road.  These trails run throughout the city and to the east, where they connect to the Fort Meade Trail and the BLM trail system.  To the south, they tie into the USFS trail system. These trails are all non-motorized. Trails within city limits are ideal for walking and bike riding. Dogs are allowed but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Trails at Ft. Meade and on USFS property also allow horseback riding in most areas.

  4. Bear Butte State Park
    Recommended Activities: 
    Camping, Boating (no-wake), Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Walking, Snowshoeing, Fat Tire Biking, Horseback Riding, Picknicking
    Bear Butte features its own state park, complete with Bear Butte Lake that boasts year-round outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy lakeside camping at Bear Butte Campground, plentiful fishing, ice fishing, hiking the adjacent Centennial Trail, and boating (no-wake). The park also includes a horse camp ideal for trail riding.Closer to the mountain, the Bear Butte Education Center features information about the formation and abundant history of the Butte. Summit Trail starting at the Visitor Center proceeds to the peak of the mountain, about 1.85 miles at medium-hard difficulty.
  5. Sturgis Area Campgrounds & Campsites
    Recommended Activities: 
    Camping, Picknicking, RVing (at campgrounds that allow RV's only)
    Hiking, Mountain Biking, Walking, Snowshoeing, Fat Tire Biking, Horseback Riding
    The Black Hills National Forest borders Sturgis and allows camping in the forest (called "dispersed camping") or in any of its 30 campgrounds by tent or RV. Campsites are also available at Bear Butte Campground or Bear Butte Lake Horse Camp alongside Bear Butte Lake; at the Alkali Creek Campground or Alkali Creek Horse Camp in the Fort Meade Recreation Area; or at one of our many private campgrounds or RV resorts.

Be sure to stop by our Welcome Center at 2040 Junction Avenue for maps, recreation guides, and more! You can also click below to view more information on our website:

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