Dakota Buffalo Run – Self-Guided Black Hills Adventure Motorcycle Ride
Your Ride. Your Crew. Our Expertise.
Remote two-track. Legendary Black Hills pavement. Wild horses, waterfalls, fire towers, and roads you won't find on the average tourist map.
Our Self-Guided Dakota Buffalo Run delivers four days of unforgettable South Dakota riding, without spending weeks figuring out how to make it happen.
We build your routes, book your hotels, and walk you through the details before you hit the road. You bring your crew, ride at your own pace, and experience the best of the Black Hills with the route experts in your corner.
Some roads are famous for a reason. Others are secret for a reason. We know both.
All the adventure. None of the planning headaches.
The SD Buffalo Run tour
Start & Finish: Deadwood, SD | Airport: Rapid City Airport
Days: 4 Ride Days
Price: $xxx
Skill Level: Basic
Terrain Level: Basic
Distance: Details coming soon
Lodging: Destination Hotels & Lodges
Built for Riders Like You
Waypoints West SD Buffalo Run is a great fit if:
You ride an ADV motorcycle and want to explore beyond the usual Black Hills tourist routes.
You're comfortable on dirt, gravel, and two-track and enjoy long, rewarding days in the saddle.
You want a mix of legendary pavement, remote forest roads, and scenic backcountry.
You'd rather ride with your own crew, on your schedule, without joining a guided group.
You appreciate expertly planned routes and comfortable hotels without having to arrange everything yourself.
This is not the best fit if:
You're brand new to motorcycle riding or uncomfortable on dirt.
You're looking for extreme single-track, technical enduro, or race-pace riding.
You want an on-trail ride leader making decisions for your group.
Not sure if this is your ride? Let's talk it through. That's what we're here for.
Famous curves. Hidden dirt. Four days of Black Hills adventure — on your terms.
Not All Black Hills Rides Are the Same.
Here's how Waypoints West approaches your self-guided Dakota Buffalo Run:
Routes built by riders who know the good stuff. We connect the famous Black Hills roads with remote two-track, forest connectors, and hidden dirt most visitors never discover.
Hotels? Handled. Five nights of accommodations are included in your package. A hot shower and comfortable bed are pretty great after a full day in the saddle.
Your schedule, your pace. Stop for the views, chase another dirt road, or spend a little extra time exploring. It's your adventure.
More than the tourist loop. From Needles Highway to remote fire towers, our routes deliver the Black Hills most riders never see.
Real people. Real advice. Private pre-ride calls to walk through the route, navigation, terrain, and logistics before you roll out.
No hours wasted connecting random GPS tracks. No last-minute hotel searches. Just four days of incredible riding through one of America's best motorcycle destinations.
We handle the homework. You collect the stories.
Dakota Buffalo Run Highlights
Explore legendary Needles Highway and its towering granite formations.
Ride Iron Mountain Road and its famous pigtail bridges.
Experience the winding curves, waterfalls, and scenery of Spearfish Canyon.
Discover remote two-track and forest roads inspired by the South Dakota BDRx.
Climb toward scenic fire towers and hidden Black Hills overlooks.
Explore wild horse country and the wide-open landscapes of southern South Dakota.
Enjoy Mount Rushmore views and iconic Black Hills scenery.
Experience a full day of dirt-focused riding with approximately 90 miles of two-track and only 10 miles of pavement.
Return each evening to comfortable accommodations already included in your adventure.
SD Buffalo Run Tour Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival
Get Settled. Adventure Awaits.
Arrive in historic Deadwood, settle into your hotel, and get your bike and gear ready. Your routes and logistics are already handled, so tomorrow is all about the ride.
Day 1: Deadwood to Hill City
Famous Roads. Hidden Dirt.
Kick things off with winding forest roads, scenic pavement, and quieter backcountry connectors as you make your way into the heart of the Black Hills.
Day 2: Hill City to Edgemont
Less Pavement. More Adventure.
Trade the tourist routes for remote two-track, forest roads, scenic overlooks, and wide-open country as you work toward the southern Black Hills.
Day 3: Edgemont to Keystone
Wild Country. Big Views.
Explore remote backroads, wild horse country, and some of South Dakota's best-kept riding secrets as you wind your way toward Keystone.
Day 4: Keystone to Deadwood
One Last Dose of Black Hills Magic.
Finish strong with iconic curves, forest connectors, and one last stretch of dirt before rolling back into Deadwood. Tired smiles guaranteed.
Day 5: Departure Day
Until the Next Adventure.
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Deadwood before loading up and heading home with four days of incredible Black Hills riding in the books.
SD skill level & terrain expectations
The Dakota Buffalo Run is rated Basic on our terrain rating system, with approximately 80% dirt riding.
Expect gravel roads, forest connectors, remote two-track, winding scenic pavement, and some longer days in the saddle. One dirt-focused day features approximately 90 miles of two-track with very little pavement.
This isn't extreme enduro, but it isn't a pavement-only sightseeing trip either. You'll want to be comfortable riding your ADV bike on dirt and gravel, navigating independently, and handling changing road conditions.
Because you're riding without a guide, you and your crew are responsible for making safe decisions along the way.
Not sure if you're ready? Take our rider self-assessment or give us a call. We'd rather help you find the right adventure than send you into something you're not prepared for.
Included
4 days of expertly planned Black Hills adventure routes
5 nights of hotel and lodge accommodations included in your ride price
GPX navigation files featuring scenic byways, forest roads, and remote two-track
Private pre-ride planning call to review routes, terrain, navigation, and logistics
Route and navigation setup guidance
Fuel stops, points of interest, and daily ride details
Optional Add-Ons
Luggage truck for additional peace of mind (subject to availability)
Garmin GPS rental, preloaded with your routes
Adventure motorcycle rental
Motorcycle delivery coordination when available
not Included
Ride leader or sweep rider
Meals
Fuel
Motorcycle rental unless added
Garmin rental unless added
Luggage truck unless added
Personal riding gear and travel expenses
Starting at $xxxx per rider
Reserve with $xxx deposit
Deposit Timeline:
$xx/day deposit at the time of booking
½ remainder due 90 days prior to departure
½ remainder due 30 days prior to departure
100% refundable through 30 days from departure
Pricing
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Nope. We use some of the best BDRx-style riding as inspiration, but this is a handcrafted Waypoints West route combining remote two-track, forest roads, DAKAL-style sections, scenic byways, and lesser-known Black Hills connectors.
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Not at all. The Dakota Buffalo Run is rated Basic and is a great fit for riders who are already comfortable on dirt and gravel. You don't need to be an enduro expert, but you should have enough off-road experience to ride independently.
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You bet! Five nights of hotel and lodge accommodations are included in your self-guided package. We'll select and book your lodging along the route so you can focus on riding instead of finding a place to stay.
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Absolutely. That's the beauty of self-guided riding! Choose your preferred dates, subject to seasonal conditions and booking availability, and explore the Black Hills with your own crew.
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You should be comfortable using GPS navigation, but you don't have to figure out the routes yourself. We'll provide the GPX files and walk you through navigation during your pre-ride planning call. You can also rent one of our Garmins, preloaded and ready to roll.
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Yes, when available. If you'd like additional support for your adventure, ask about adding a support truck to your package. Availability and pricing depend on your dates and ride logistics.
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You bet. Ask about our adventure motorcycle rental options. We can also coordinate delivery logistics when delivery is available and our schedule allows.
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Yes! The route includes Mount Rushmore views and some of the most iconic motorcycle roads in the surrounding Black Hills.
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That's part of adventure riding. We'll discuss potential route challenges and alternatives during your planning call, but you'll be responsible for evaluating conditions and making safe decisions during your ride.
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No. This is a self-guided adventure, meaning you and your crew are responsible for navigating and riding the route. We handle the planning so you can enjoy the freedom of exploring independently.
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Most properly equipped mid- to large-displacement ADV bikes are a good fit, depending on rider experience and comfort on dirt. Good tires matter! If you're unsure about your setup, give us a call.
Ready to Ride the Black Hills Your Way?
Famous roads. Hidden dirt. Your adventure.
The Black Hills have a lot more to offer than what you'll find on a tourist map. We've spent the time connecting the legendary pavement, remote forest roads, and hidden two-track that make this place unforgettable.
Grab your crew, pick your dates, and leave the planning to us.
We'll build the routes, book your hotels, and get you ready to roll. You bring the bike, the sense of adventure, and maybe a little extra room on your camera roll.
Less planning. More throttle. Let's ride.