Snowmobiling

The 1.2 million-acre Black Hills National Forest boasts 416 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Of those, 350 miles are part of the SD and WY snowmobile program. The snowmobiling season for the Black Hills is from Dec. 15 through March 31.

In South Dakota, all snowmobiles must be properly licensed to operate on public or private lands, except those private lands owned by the snowmobile’s operator.

Resident snowmobile licenses must be permanently affixed to each side of a snowmobile, below the windshield and on the hood cowling. Snowmobilers who operate in road rights-of-way and public snowmobile trails must show proof of financial responsibility (liability insurance).

Purchase a permit as a resident, $10, or nonresident/temporary 5-day permit, $40. Nonresident snowmobiles licensed in another state can be legally operated in South Dakota.

Purchase a permit from trailside vendors or online from South Dakota Game Fish & Parks. A separate license is required when operating a snowmobile in Wyoming.

The annual Forest Service Snowmobile Trail Map is available on the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks website, from a local Forest Service office and at the Black Hills Visitor Information Center.

Snowmobile trail conditions and live trail cameras are available at gfp.sd.gov/snowmobiling. Snowmobiling is closed in some areas, including active logging operations, winter wildlife ranges, plowed roadways, developed cross-country ski areas and posted private land. Private property is interspersed within the Black Hills National Forest. Please respect private property owners. The Snowmobile Trail Map depicts most of the areas that are closed.