Motorcycling to the largest rally in the US, Sturgis, South Dakota

Sturgis, South Dakota, is one of the best destinations for motorcycling enthusiasts because of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The motorcycle rally occurs annually in the areas surrounding Black Hills and Sturgis, South Dakota.

In this annual-ten day rally, hundreds of thousands of riders are often ready to rev up their engines and enjoy scenic highways and byways. Are you ready to motorcycle to the largest rally in the United States? Below is the best way to make motorcycling to the most prominent US rally memorable.

Top things to know before motorcycling to Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

In 2023, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will take place in August. It will be the 83rd rally since the establishment of the first Sturgis Motorcycle rally in 1938. This motorcycle rally is a ten-day event that takes place every year.

It is the perfect place for motorcycling stunts and racing. Hundreds of thousands of individuals often attend the rally, so you should expect crowds. In addition, motorcycling to this rally provides the perfect opportunity to see many attractions.

One thing to note, many of the attractions are in the National Park System registry. Therefore, you will need to pay an entrance fee to each park. The entrance fee for motorcycles is often $10. However, having America the Beautiful Annual Access Pass can come in handy and save you money.

Top Sturgis motorcycle rally rides

There are several rides that you can take while motorcycling to the Sturgis motorcycle rally. These rides will take you through some of the most beautiful and popular attractions in the United States. Below is a list of the best routes to take:

1. Iron Mountain Road

The Iron Mountain Road is one of the most difficult rides in the Black Hills area. It starts at Mt. Rushmore and ends at Custer State Park. This road runs for 17 miles and has three pigtails, three tunnels, 14 switchbacks, and 314 curves.

When taking this road, make sure to slow down and relish the scenic views and incredible smells. Also, along the three tunnels, you will have a picturesque view of George Washington's head.

2. Custer State park

Custer State Park is one of the most legendary scenic routes you can consider when motorcycling to the Sturgis rally. It is 67 miles from South Sturgis and features over 70,000 acres of scenic haven in the Black Hills.

This park is incredibly popular for its free-roaming wildlife and winding, twisting roads. You will get to ride through majestic rock formations, Mount Rushmore National Monument, and narrow tunnels with amazing views.

3. Spearfish Canyon Loop

Spearfish Canyon Loop is the ultimate reprieve from the bustle and hustle of the Sturgis Motorcycle rally. It is one of the coolest rides you can take, as it will take you through Spearfish Canyon, Deadwood Lead, and Boulder Canyon.

This road provides the perfect place to enjoy natural attractions and scenic views from the back of your bike. Some of the attractions that you can relish include the Black Hills Mining Museum, Homestake Gold Mine, Little Crow Peak, Spearfish Falls, and Bridal veil falls. In addition, the Devil's Bathtub and the Hippie Hole are some of the must-see sites. Completing the Spearfish Canyon ride can take at least 2.5 hours.

4. Needles Highway

The Needles Highway transitions from Iron Mountain Road. During the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, this highway is often very busy. However, it is a ride worth taking. It comprises a 14-mile ride that boasts spruce and pine forests, rugged granite mountains, and meadows encircled by aspen and birch.

This route will take you through Custer State and Wind Cave National Park. It allows riders to stop at the world's most prominent Mountain carving, Crazy Horse Memorial. One thing that you should watch out for is antelopes, mules, and buffalos. Also, hold your speed down and enjoy the incredible topography.

5. Vanocker Canyon Road

The Vanocker Canyon Road provides the perfect place to leave the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally crowds and enjoy a hidden beauty. This road stretches for 17 miles and cuts through the northern side of Black Hills.

It has nice twists and turns that allow the perfect opportunity to relish amazing views. This road will take you to the historic Deadwood and the Western Rapid City. You will catch sites of stunning aspen and birch trees lining the road, offering a cozy feeling.

6. The Badlands Loop

The Badlands loop is an incredible 30-mile scenic route that you can take while motorcycling to the Sturgis rally. It starts and ends in Rapid City and boasts the Badlands National Park. The Badlands National Park comprises rugged beauty with stunning geologic deposits. It has ancient rhinos and horses.

A trip to South Dakota is incomplete without the scenic Badlands loop scenic ride. Be prepared for majestic multi-colored pinnacles and spires and many hiking trails. This route offers the perfect opportunity for back-country camping, paleontology, and photography.

7. Devil's Tower Loop

The Devil's Tower Loop will take you through to the Devil's Tower National Monument. The Devil's Tower is one of the most iconic geologic features in the world. The Northern Plains Indians consider the tower sacred.

This loop starts in Sturgis and boasts long, nice sweeping curves. It ensures you will see several scenic biking destinations and natural attractions throughout the route.

8. Mount Rushmore Loop

This loop will take you to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South of Sturgis, and Wyoming's sprawling valleys and hills. Mount Rushmore offers a personal and up-close view of the faces of Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington.

It will take you only one hour to fully relish Mt. Rushmore. Furthermore, this loop has many incredible riding paths you can enjoy.

9. Nemo Road Ride

Nemo Road Ride is an incredible motorcycle ride to take. This road runs for 90 miles and can take you two hours to enjoy your ride completely. It comprises a picturesque ride via Boulder Canyon. Thus, take a moment to photograph the fantastic attractions available.

One of the best things about this ride is its natural beauty. There are several places where you can stop and take a short detour. Some sites to see include; Strawberry Hill, HISEGA town, Thunderhead Underground Falls, and Ghost Town. In addition, there is the Mt. Moriah Cemetery, the resting area of Western Legends Calamity Jane and Wild Bill.

Bottom Line

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is one of the most prominent annual rallies in the United States. It boasts hundreds of thousands of attendees and provides the best places for motorcycling adventures. When motorcycling to Sturgis, take the above routes for optimum riding experience.

Do you want a motorcycle for your rally in the US, Sturgis, South Dakota? Get up to 4 offers to purchase a new or used motorcycle.