BEAVER PARK DRIVE

*DO NOT USE THESE MAPS AS YOUR “OFFICIAL” TRAVEL MAP use AVENZA MAP

*with off-road tires

HORSE SOLDIER ROAD THROUGH FORT MEADE RECREATION AREA

Use Bethlehem Road and head West. Many places in the Black Hills have Forest Service roads that look like and ride like trails. This drive has many of these Forest Service roads. Water features including creeks that you can drive by and through are abundant. High peaks and numerous canyons are found in this area. To experience it all you may have to drive on Vanocker Canyon road, a highway.

This is a favorite drive for me after a Black Hills rain. Even on the wettest days these trails will be dry. However use caution when you see “flood hazard” signs.

Veterans Peak and Elk Canyon overlooks are destinations to watch for. If you have time explore the Fort Meade Recreation Area Park or the Black Hills National Cemetery.

Cave Man is the name of a cave destination in the area.

A negative for this drive are the numerous indications of private property along the route. Traveling too far past the end of a trail may put you into someones back yard. Even though, you will not see many other vehicles during your drive.

Also some trails are dead ends and will require back tracking. Trail 171.1 is a dead end, but when the Wildlife Protection Area gate is open it will take you into Sturgis.

You can sneak into the back of Sturgis on 139.1, via. Bulldog Canyon Road, Pleasant Valley Drive and then the BLM road through the Fort Meade Recreation area. There is a Centennial Trail (Marcotte) Trailhead at the Sturgis end of BLM road which is a great alternative parking area.

Drive by or stop to honor the Black Hills National Cemetery. Another cemetery is the Fort Meade National Cemetery. You might even view some history at the Curley Grimes gravesite, or the VFW Memorial Chapel.

Visit the Fort Meade Ghost Town or search the trails for a General Custer campsite.

Creeks in the area are the Little Elk Creek and Elk Creek.

If your into hiking, the Little Elk Creek Trail will take you to White Gate Rock and Red Gate Rock. These two points were important navigation points for the old railroad that traversed the valley.

There are no width restriction trails on the Beaver Park drive.

Places to Visit:

BLACK HILLS NATIONAL CEMETERY