All Rides
● Sturgis Ride Guide
Vanocker Canyon to Nemo
A local's favorite — twisty, tree-lined pavement south of Sturgis dumping you at the Nemo Guest Ranch for a cold one.
Miles
32
Time
1 – 1.5 hrs
Difficulty
Moderate
Starts at
Sturgis, SD
The Route
Sturgis, SD → Nemo, SD
What to Expect
Vanocker Canyon Road south out of Sturgis, then Nemo Road. Tight curves through pine forest, low traffic, fresh asphalt. Perfect first-morning ride to wake up on.
Ride Brief
Skill Level
Intermediate. Fresh pavement and flowing curves reward smooth throttle control. No death-defying switchbacks — just a solid backroad.
Fuel
Fuel in Sturgis. Nothing at Nemo except the ranch bar. 32 mi round-trip stays inside a tank easily.
Food Along the Way
Nemo Guest Ranch for burgers and a cold beer at the turnaround. Boondocks diner off SD-385 if you extend.
Best Time to Ride
First ride of the morning — low traffic, cool pine air, and you'll be back for lunch on Main Street.
Watch Out For
- !Deer and turkey in the pine forest
- !Gravel washouts after summer storms
- !Blind driveways in the last few miles into Nemo