Black Hills National Forest UTV Adventure

Black Hills National Forest UTV Adventure

My DH was doing some research on South Dakota and Google has this way of tailoring search results to us according to what we have looked up and expressed interest in. He showed me a link before we left for vacation for a Black Hills National Forest UTV Adventure.

I didn’t say too much about it.  Not because I didn’t want to do it, but we didn’t make any reservations for it and I didn’t want to disappoint him.

This morning, once again I was the first one up.  I went outside to greet Henny Penny and do some poking around on the mining grounds we were on.  Found some cool items to photograph and the entryway to the MINE.  Booyah!  I didn’t go in, but I found it.

Shut Down This Machine - An old sign on old mining grounds in Hill City, South Dakota.

Sign outside mine. Posted sign on old building above equipment.

Our daughter was the second to wake up,  She came out and I asked her if we should try to rent ATV’s or UTV’s today.  She said let’s tell dad we should go in search of rentals. If we find something, we go.

Black Hills UTV Rental Mad Mountain Adventures

Here comes an advertising plug.  I didn’t get paid to say any of this – I promise.  Mad Mountain Adventures is where we stopped after doing some research online.  They are located on Hwy 385 in Deadwood, South Dakota.

Mad Mountain Adventures is where we stopped after doing some research online. They are located on Hwy 385 in Deadwood, South Dakota.

Wayne, the owner; set us up with a four passenger UTV and Melissa, gave us a trail map and highlighted a route for us.  After we finished the first route, she said come back if you wish and I will give you another.

Two reasons we rented here.  The first, they include the trail pass, you do not have to purchase one of your own.  The second reason, they are licensed for road.  Which we used!


I didn’t know what I was in for.  I am an adventure junkie.  So is my daughter…but adventure Greg joined us today.  Where does he hide the other 364 days of the year?

Tall Pines and Mountain Fresh Scents - UTV exploring South Dakota.

The trees look like the grow right out of the side of the hills.  They are tall and reach as high in the sky as you can look.  What a sight to see.

Was there fear, yes.  Was there fun?  Oh, yes.  Do I regret spending my day this way, nope!  I saw the fun side of my DH come back.  It was as if all the stress in the world lifted from his shoulders and he smiled, laughed, yelled with joy and loosened up.

UTV exploring in Gelena, South Dakota and The Black Hills National Forest Area

He even scared me tackling some of the narrow paths, straight up rock climbing and had me looking straight down the sides of mountains.  I was sure at any minute we would drop off the edge, never to be seen again. Alas, we made it back in one piece.

On Top of the World - Exploring by UTV

The views from the top of the mountains in The Black Hills National Forest are absolutely breathtaking.  I could never put it into words.  We saw white tail deer, mule deer, pronghorn, a roadrunner and many of birds I have never seen before.

 Pronghorn Deer ATVing in South Dakota

Short unedited video of a deer we seen grazing:


I have purchase mountain fresh scented products over the years.  Truthfully, I never understood the phrase.  After this trip, I understand the term “Mountain Fresh.” Although, in my thoughts, the manufactures need to step their games up.  NOBODY has came close to nailing the scent according to what I have taken in with my sense of smell.


Our time went quickly.  Before we knew it, it was time to push on.  When we returned I told the owner Wayne how much fun we had.  He suggested a very cool ride that would take us all day by UTV’s.  Wayne, you should have Melissa send us that map route (drive through caves) – if you do…we will be back.

 

Additional Posts From The Trip

Day 1 – Sioux Falls, 1880 Town, Kimball, SD
Day 2 – Cottonwood, Badlands NP & Wall
Day 3 – Custer State Park and Needles Highway
Day 4 – You are here.
Day 5 – Deadwood & Sturgis

Day 6 – Spearfish Canyon and Pactola Lake
Day 7 – More Custer State Park & Wind Cave NP
Day 8 – Corn Palace and County Road Driving
Day 9 – Palisades State Park South Dakota

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