The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Top Rides

Over the years, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has transformed from a small nine-person bike race into a huge 10-day festival. However, one element of the event has stayed the same throughout its history — the celebration of the ride.

The Sturgis Rally includes numerous self-guided, charity, large group, and small group motorcycle rides that allow attendees to gather in community and experience the natural attractions of the Black Hills on their bikes. This year, the rally will continue several riding traditions and introduce a few new ones.

Read on to learn the can’t-miss rides at Sturgis 2025.

Self-Guided Rides

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally takes place in the Black Hills of South Dakota, a beautiful, scenic location with incredible natural attractions. If you’ve never visited this area before, we recommend taking time during the rally to complete a few of the following self-guided scenic rides. You can find the exact routes and more detailed instructions on the Sturgis website.

Mount Rushmore Loop

The Mount Rushmore loop takes you south of Sturgis to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, then through Wyoming’s sprawling hills and valleys. Once you cross the border into Wyoming, you’ll pass through Sundance and Beulah, which is where the largest biker pig roast takes place.

After passing through Beulah, you’ll circle back around to the northern Black Hills and finish where you began in Sturgis.

Devils Tower Loop

This scenic route takes you to Devils Tower National Monument, a geological feature in northeastern Wyoming. The loop begins in Sturgis, passes through Sundance and the Devils Tower, then travels back through Lead, Deadwood, and the Boulder Canyon. You’ll see an abundance of natural attractions and scenic biker destinations throughout this route.

Bear Butte & Badlands

This ride takes you through two main scenic attractions: Bear Butte State Park, home to a stunning geological laccolith, and the Badlands National Park, featuring gorgeous landscapes, rock formations, canyons, and other natural elements.

Needles & Crazy Horse Loop

This scenic route takes you along Needles Highway, a 14-mile road that passes through gorgeous meadows, spruce forests, and ponderosa pines. You’ll also travel through Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park and have a chance to stop at Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest mountain carving.

Spearfish Canyon Loop

Spearfish Canyon Loop takes you through Boulder Canyon, Deadwood, Lead, and Spearfish Canyon, offering scenic views and natural attractions to enjoy from your bike. Then, you’ll head back north to Belle Fourche and into the northern hills of St. Onge before returning to Sturgis.

Guided & Group Rides

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally also features several guided and group rides that you can participate in with other rally attendees. Here are a few scenic rides and charity rides happening at the rally in 2025:

Heroes Honor Ride

Sunday, August 3rd, 2025, HHR hosts its inaugural ride! 200 registered riders will meet in Belle Fourche, SD at the Center of the Nation Monument for a presentation honoring a 2025 recipient. Following the ceremony, all riders will be escorted to the legendary Buffalo Chip for a rider's reception and group photo.

Rider check in begins at 11:30 a.m. with kickstands up at 1:00 p.m. with the ride ending and reception at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip at 2:00 p.m.

Sturgis Buffalo Chip Legends Ride

The Legends Ride invites rally attendees and motorcycle-enthusiast celebrities to ride together through the beautiful Black Hills. This year, the Legends Ride will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 4th.

You and hundreds of fellow Legends riders will meet at the Historic Franklin Hotel in Deadwood/Deadwood Outlaw Square. At the end of the ride, you’ll assemble at Buffalo Chip for a reception featuring food, drinks, and entertainment.

Sturgis Mayor’s Ride

The 24th-annual Sturgis Mayor’s Ride presented by Jack Daniel’s will take place on Saturday, August 2nd. Check-in begins at 7:00 a.m. with a breakfast and then kickstands go up at 9:00 a.m. at the back parking lot of the Community Center located at 1401 Lazelle St.

The mayor of the City of Sturgis will lead this ride alongside the Sturgis Rally Grand Marshall. You’ll ride through the Black Hills, stop at Devil’s Tower for a group photo, through Wyoming with a lunch stop at the Stone House Saloon outside of Belle Fourche and an opportunity to visit with the Mayor and local dignitaries.

All proceeds from this ride benefit Sturgis emergency services. Be sure to register in advance, as there are only 150 spots available for this group ride.

Biker Belles Morning Ride

The Biker Belles Women’s Day celebrates female riders at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. One of the most memorable events during this celebration is the Morning Ride, a guided route through the Black Hills. The ride will begin at The Lodge at Deadwood on August 5th with kickstands up at 9:00 a.m.

Pappy Hoel Ride

Registration for this ride is on Wednesday, August 6th at 9:00 a.m. at Full Throttle Saloon with kickstands up at 10:00 a.m. This annual group ride honors Clarence “Pappy” Hoel, who organized the first Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in 1938. This ride will begin at the Full Throttle Saloon and feature a few local celebrities, such as Michael Ballard, the Full Throttle Saloon owner, and Jesse James Dupree of Jackyl.

Rusty Wallace Charity Ride

The Rusty Wallace Charity Ride gives you the opportunity to ride alongside Rusty Wallace and a few of his NASCAR friends. This exclusive ride will feature an enjoyable group motorcycle ride chosen by Rusty.

After the ride, you and other participants will meet for a reception. All proceeds will benefit worthy charities. This ride starts and ends in Deadwood Outlaw Square on Friday, August 8th.