All Rides
● Sturgis Ride Guide
Wind Cave & Hot Springs Southern Loop
Skip the Rally crowds and ride the southern Hills — Wind Cave National Park, the historic warm-water town of Hot Springs, and the Mammoth Site.
Miles
130
Time
4 – 5 hrs
Difficulty
Easy
Starts at
Custer, SD
The Route
Custer, SD → Custer, SD
What to Expect
Custer south on US-385 through Wind Cave National Park (bison, prairie dogs, cave tours), on to Hot Springs, then loop back through Custer State Park. Open, rolling, easy pavement — the antidote to Needles Highway congestion.
Ride Brief
Skill Level
Easy. Wide two-lane, gentle sweepers, and long straight prairie sections. Any Rally rider can do this.
Fuel
Fuel in Custer to start and Hot Springs at the halfway. 130 mi loop is easy in two tanks.
Food Along the Way
Woolly's Grill & Cellar in Hot Springs, State Game Lodge on the return leg, Skogen Kitchen back in Custer.
Best Time to Ride
Mid-week during Rally when Needles and Iron Mountain are gridlocked. You'll have the road.
Watch Out For
- !Bison in Wind Cave — same rules as Custer State Park
- !Prairie crosswinds south of the park
- !Rattlesnakes at overlooks — stay on pavement