The best road cycling routes in South Dakota

South Dakota offers a diverse range of landscapes for road cyclists. You can experience the pine-covered mountains and granite formations of the Black Hills, the unique geological features of Badlands National Park, and the rolling grasslands and glacial lakes in the eastern regions. This variety provides routes with different elevation profiles and scenic backdrops.

Yes, South Dakota has options for easier rides. The Sioux Falls Bike Trail loop is an easy 19.9-mile route that connects downtown Sioux Falls with various parks and attractions, making it a great choice for a relaxed ride or families.

For more advanced cyclists, the Black Hills region offers demanding routes. The Hill City via Iron Mountain Road route, for example, is a difficult 47.8-mile ride with significant elevation gain, featuring the unique 'pigtail bridges' and tunnels of Iron Mountain Road.

Yes, you can cycle near Mount Rushmore. The Mount Rushmore loop in Black Hills National Forest is a moderate 26.3-mile route that provides views of this iconic landmark. Another option is the Mount Rushmore via Iron Mountain Road route, which is more challenging.

The Badlands Loop Road offers an immersive experience through the park's dramatic geological formations and vistas. This moderate 61.5-mile path provides numerous overlooks and points of interest to explore the otherworldly landscape.

Yes, particularly in Spearfish Canyon. The Spearfish Falls via Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway route takes you through a lush forest with views of impressive waterfalls like Spearfish Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.

Absolutely. The Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park is an excellent choice for this. This moderate 31.5-mile route travels through open grasslands and pine-speckled hills, offering frequent opportunities to spot bison, elk, and other wildlife.

The road cycling routes in South Dakota are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from more than 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse and dramatic scenery, from the rugged Black Hills to the unique Badlands, and the variety of routes available for different skill levels.

There are over 50 road cycling routes documented in South Dakota, ranging from easy loops to difficult climbs. This extensive network provides numerous options for exploring the state's varied terrain.

For those seeking longer rides, routes like the Badlands Loop Road at 61.5 miles, or the Palisades State Park loop via Sioux Falls Bike Trail at 51.1 miles, offer significant distances to cover. The Black Hills also feature routes that can be combined for extended tours.

Several scenic byways are popular with road cyclists. The Custer loop via Needles Highway offers dramatic granite spires and narrow tunnels. The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway provides a peaceful ride through a lush canyon, and Iron Mountain Road (part of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway) is known for its unique 'pigtail bridges' and views.