SAVOY, S.D. (AP) - Spearfish has nearby access to more than 300 miles of groomed snowmobile trails.
That’s why one of the most popular destinations this time of the year is Spearfish Canyon Lodge.
No matter what day of the week, locals and visitors alike gas up, strap on their helmets, and zoom off into the wilderness for a day of exploration and good times.
“You get to see parts of the Hills you normally can’t see in the summer time,” said David Oyen of Spearfish Canyon Lodge. “I’ve been out on these trails for years and I still pass areas I’ve gone through probably a hundred times and I still see things I haven’t seen before.”
He told the Black Hills Pioneer (https://bit.ly/1bhVcsM ) the snow conditions are great for drawing in customers.
“This is probably the best I’ve seen it in more than a decade,” Oyen said. “We’ve been really busy because the snow is in great shape.”
There’s been snow on almost every section of the trail.
“A lot of the trails are just covered,” Oyen said. “But there are some spots where it’s a little thin. And, anyone taking a corner too fast could encounter some ice so we’re just asking everyone to be careful.”
But anyone who’s been out and about can probably attest to that, since snowmobile since the season is already in full swing.
Oyen said that the Northern Hills Trailhead is one of the most popular destinations due to the sheer number of trailheads that exist.
“They can pretty much go anywhere they want from there,” Oyen said. “It’s the hub of the system, if you will.”
So, what is the best section of trail right now?
“I do know that the best snow right now is from O’Neill Pass to Cement Ridge,” he said. “It’s about a 20-mile trek, but I’ve heard it’s really drawing the traffic.”
And after coming out to the Northern Black Hills to snowmobile for almost five years now, two avid sled fanatics agreed with Oyen.
“It’s awesome right now,” said David Schulz of Spencer, Iowa, while taking a break. “We love coming here because there is a lot more snow than back home for sure . but we also like the way the trails are set up so we can go fast at times, climb hills, and then enjoy some good tight turns at other times.”
His friend Shane Habben agreed.
“I thought they were really good today,” he said. “Back home the trails are flat and kind of the same all over . but here there’s so many miles of trails that you feel as if you are kind of alone out there. That’s what I love. It’s not too busy.”
Although about 300 miles of trails exist in and around the Northern Hills Area, the 1.2 million acres that make up Black Hills National Forest are home to a total of 350 miles of groomed snowmobile trails that take riders through South Dakota and Wyoming. For years, the trail system has operated under a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Forest Service, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, Division of Parks and Recreation, the Bureau of Land Management, Barrick Mining Co. Wharf Resources, Inc., and numerous private landowners.
Forest Service officials said there are some areas closed to snowmobiling this time of year due to active logging operations, winter wildlife range, plowed roadways, developed cross-country ski areas, and posted private lands.
Parking areas, which serve these trails, are signed, plowed, and have sanitary facilities, maps, and information available.
As of today, they have 22 snowmobiles to rent. Ten are single; 12 are double.
They also rent boots, helmets, warm outerwear, and snowshoes. The staff at the snowmobile rental stop at the Spearfish Canyon Lodge continuously make sure each sled is in safe and working condition, and those new to the sport are provided with a few tidbits of advice on how to safely operate their sled.
An adult must accompany anyone under the age of 18.
To make plans for a day out on the trails, stay overnight, or dine at the full-service restaurant, call the Spearfish Canyon Lodge at 584-3435.
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Information from: Black Hills Pioneer, https://www.bhpioneer.com
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