All Rides
● Sturgis Ride Guide
Nemo Road & Norris Peak Loop
The locals' escape from Rally traffic — Nemo Road south into Rapid City, then Norris Peak Road back through pine forest with almost nobody on it.
Miles
55
Time
2 – 3 hrs
Difficulty
Moderate
Starts at
Sturgis, SD
The Route
Sturgis, SD → Sturgis, SD
What to Expect
Sturgis south on Vanocker Canyon to Nemo, then Nemo Road toward Rapid City, returning via Norris Peak Road. Twisty, tree-lined, low traffic, unbeatable pavement. Very few Rally tourists find this one.
Ride Brief
Skill Level
Intermediate. Sustained twisty riding with elevation change. Nothing scary, but you're on the throttle for two hours straight — pace yourself.
Fuel
Fuel in Sturgis. Nemo Guest Ranch has no pump; nearest re-fuel is Rapid City or back in Sturgis.
Food Along the Way
Nemo Guest Ranch mid-ride for a burger and a beer. Colonial House in Rapid City if you extend.
Best Time to Ride
Mid-morning any day of Rally — you'll leave the crowds behind five miles in.
Watch Out For
- !Deer and wild turkey in the pine sections
- !Loose gravel on shaded downhill curves
- !Cell dead zones for long stretches