Best time to ride the Black Hills?

[RandyR]

I have a cabin at Cody (Ponderosa), but may pull my trailer with a tent in it which then gives me a few more options for where to stay at night on the trip back.

[Gary N.]

Randy, I hope you are not disappointed in Deadwood. It's not really anything like the TV show. The casinos ruined the old west atmosphere IMHO. I was there in 1977 and really liked it but when I took my kids there in '96 I couldn't believe it was the same place.

The Iron Mountain Rd. is a must do ride.

[RandyR]

Casinos usually have good/cheap cafeterias. So thats good to know. Otherwise I avoid them, because I like to play cards too much.

[exrsa1]

We were up there in 2008, the last week of September, and first week of October. If you are going to be there that time of year, make sure you go to Custer State Park on Monday September 26, 2011. That is the annual "buffalo round-up" when they bring all the buffalo in from the whole park to brand, vaccinate, sell and such. It is a spectacular event! There will be thousands of people attending so go early. The towns around Custer will be shut down on that day. Lots of places are shut down that time of year for winter already, but all the big toursit places are still open, and hotel prices are very reasonable. Check out this link: BUFFALO

 

The weather was great, with cool evenings, and very nice warm sunny days.

[MizzouMike73]

When I rode the area was the 2nd week of June. Had great weather, no traffic, no crowds.

 

I also did a June run. The weather was warm, but not unbearable and it was some of the best riding I have ever experienced.

[OldBear]

Early summer is nice, though once I caught some SNOW at night in JUNE:doh:. BEAUTIFUL ride!!

[Grandpagak]

end of August.. then you can make Pork in the Pines the first weekend in September.. ( Labor Day weekend...