RAPID CITY, SD – Officials in the Black Hills say snow conditions will vary to start the season. The Black Hills has seen snow accumulation, but many trails are on Forest Service roads and have been plowed.
“It’s important that snowmobilers pick up a 2019-2020 trail map,” reminds Black Hills trails manager Shannon Percy. “The trail system incurs a number of re-routes each year and having a current map will help avoid trespassing.”
Snowmobile trail maps can be picked up at various businesses along the trails. Riders can request a copy by calling 605.584.3896 or 605.773.2885.
East River trails will see minimal grooming opening day. Snowmobilers are encouraged to check local conditions before riding and keep in mind many areas across eastern South Dakota have standing water.
Trail condition updates are posted to Twitter accounts dedicated to both the Black Hills and the East River trails (twitter.com/SDsnowBHills and twitter.com/SDsnowEast). With various cameras along the trails, current images of snow conditions can be found online at gfp.sd.gov/snowmobiling.
A $20 snowmobile motorcycle trail pass is available for residents who use a motorcycle conversion kit. Those permits can be picked up at the Black Hills Trails office in Lead, 605.584.3896, or at Farm Island Recreation Area in Pierre, 605.773.2885.
The snowmobile season runs until March 31, 2020.
