One of the top rides when you are in the Sturgis is the Needles Highway area, and with Playhouse Road and Iron Mountain in the same area, this is the perfect trifecta. If you have extra time in Sturgis, this may be one road you will want to do again and again.
RIDING THE STURGIS AREA IN ONE WEEK
This is the third of six articles on how to experience 14 rides in one week. A little planning like this and you can create an extensive ride, even when you don't have a lot of time to take off. So let's make the most of it! Be sure to check my first and second articles for other rides on Devil’s Tower and Nemo. Each ride map can be done in any order, and each ride article is designed for you to do it in one day.
MOTORCYCLE ROADMAP
Needles Highway, Playhouse Road and Iron Mountain Map
Approximately 2.5 hours, 67 miles, One Way
This route starts in Sturgis, but you can adjust as needed. You can also start from Rapid City, if that path works better from where you're staying. I would recommend gassing up—not because there are no other stations, but because they can be more expensive and crowded.
I would also suggest taking a picnic with you, for a couple of reasons. First, there are some great scenic stops worth lingering for a longer break. Also, most of the restaurants in this area are very commercialized; personally, I did not enjoy the food options I had there. Plus, even though I traveled in off-peak times, the restaurants were still crowded with tourists.
Departing from Sturgis or Rapid City, you will head down Highway 16 to Rockerville, South Dakota. Next you will be on Rockerville Road. Even though this is usually not considered one of the top rides around Sturgis, it's a very scenic one. There's just so much competition in this area for the best rides! Crossing over Highway 40, you will be on Highway 753, also known as Playhouse Road.
You'll get a couple of switchbacks on North Playhouse Road. On South Playhouse Road, it's a less challenging ride but you'll ride alongside two beautiful creeks: Spokane and Grace Coolidge. This is a slow, easy, peaceful route and has great scenic places to take a picnic.
One of the most photographed spots on Needles Highway is of course the Eye of the Needle. Turning onto Highway 87, you will still run along the Grace Coolidge Creek. This is truly one of the most beautiful rides around Sturgis, with creeks, peaks, rock spires, and switchbacks. Peaks include Sylvan, St. Elmo and Black Elk.
This is a challenging ride. Be cautious – even if you're a great rider, the other riders and drivers may not be. It's also difficult because you'll want to spend a great amount of time staring at the sweeping views. Around the curves and switchbacks, other traffic sometimes comes over into your lane because they're not anticipating the curves. It's probably best to ride on the outside of the curves, slowly, as much as possible. NOTE: This road is closed during the winter simply because of these challenges, so if you'll be in this area during the winter, you'll have to forgo one of the best rides.
IRON MOUNTAIN ROAD (MOUNT RUSHMORE)
Now you will head out on Highway 244, also known as Iron Mountain Road. The primary reason for taking Iron Mountain Road is to see views of Mount Rushmore. If you want to stop at the National Park, there is a fee for parking ($10) and a park entrance fee. If you're on a budget or don't have a national park pass, there are lots of viewing opportunities without entering the actual park. You will even get a side view of Mount Rushmore like this photo, a perspective you rarely see except in person.
There are spots here and all around this area to pull over and get some great shots. Again, this is an area you'll probably want to ride during the week and off hours, because places to pull over can be crowded otherwise.
The last stop on your route will be Keystone. The city is a little touristy so you may or may not want to take a stop and look around. The shops here carry all the expected souvenirs and t-shirts.
You might also want to consider a ride on the 1880s train; you can round trip on the train from Keystone to Hill City and back. If you want to add the train ride to your itinerary, pick an afternoon trip (allow probably three hours). You can park your bike in Keystone and take the train to Hill City and back again. Then tour Keystone if you like. There is a layover in Hill City so you can check out that city as well. Along the train ride, you'll also see some other roads that are interesting to ride. Tickets should be purchased in advance and online.
After Keystone, you'll be heading out on Highway 16A.
I like to include a break spot on every ride, and one last potential stop in Keystone is the Red Garter. Although I would not recommend it for food, the saloon is interesting. There are antique guns along the walls, and other old west memorabilia, so it's worth a walk through while enjoying your beverage of choice. The balcony is a great viewing spot to people watch as you can see the entire main street and all the action. It's awesome to see the bikes lined up along Main, as well. I've only been through during the day, so I can't offer information on the nightlife, but if you've experienced it, feel free to share your impressions with me!
Don't forget to check back next month for another Sturgis ride. The next ride is going to be through Custer State Park!
