South Boxelder Motorized Trailhead

About South Boxelder Motorized Trailhead

South Boxelder Motorized Trailhead, also known as Blue Draw, sits near Nemo in the Black Hills National Forest northwest of Rapid City. It provides both motorized and non motorized access to the Centennial Trail, a National Recreation Trail, and it opens onto dozens of miles of OHV routes. Riders who know the area call it the center of the Black Hills ATV scene.

The Hub of the Nemo Trail Network

Most ATV riders who come to South Dakota end up at Nemo, and South Boxelder is the trailhead they use. From here the network runs in three directions: west to Pilot Knob, north to Dalton Lake and east to the Piedmont Trailhead. The South Boxelder 62 inch trail system spreads out from this point.

The route between South Boxelder and Pilot Knob is extremely popular in summer and is one of the few Nemo area routes open year round, which makes this trailhead useful well outside the main riding season.

Unlike Pilot Knob, where the Centennial Trail is motorized on one side only, the Centennial Trail segments both north and south of South Boxelder allow motorized and non motorized use. That gives riders more route options straight out of the parking area.

The scenery is part of the draw. The Forest Service describes this as a gateway to some of the finest views on the forest, and the trails climb through ponderosa pine and open onto long looks across the hills.

Permits and the Official Map

Two things to sort before you ride.

A valid Motorized Trail Permit is required for the designated OHV system trails. The Black Hills carry more than 3,800 miles of roads and trails open to motorized travel, with over 700 miles of system trails designated specifically for OHVs.

The Motor Vehicle Use Map is the official document for what is open to public motorized travel, and the Forest Service is explicit that no other map should be used to make those decisions. It is free from Forest Service offices, local vendors and online.

Machine width matters here as well. The 62 inch limit applies across much of this network, including the section between South Boxelder and Pilot Knob, so check your machine before loading it.

Facilities

The trailhead itself is basic, with parking and staging room. There are no toilets at the trailhead. Facilities are available further west along the road at Boxelder Campground, which also makes a convenient base for a weekend of riding.

Bring your own water. Fire restrictions across the Black Hills change through the season, so check current conditions before any trip that involves camping.

Getting There

From Rapid City, take South Canyon Road west for seven miles, at which point it becomes Nemo Road. Continue on Nemo Road for eleven miles to Nemo. The trailhead is in that area, off the road west of town.

Nemo is a small community with limited services, so fuel and supplies are best picked up in Rapid City or Sturgis before heading in.

The Black Hills National Forest office in Spearfish can be reached at 605-642-4622, Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:30.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is South Boxelder Trailhead also called?

Blue Draw. Both names refer to the same trailhead.

Do I need a permit?

Yes. A valid Motorized Trail Permit is required to ride designated OHV system trails in the Black Hills National Forest.

How wide can my machine be?

The 62 inch width limit applies across much of this network, including the popular route west to Pilot Knob.

Is the Centennial Trail motorized here?

Yes. Segments both north and south of South Boxelder allow motorized and non motorized use, unlike at Pilot Knob where only the north side is open to motors.

Where can I ride from here?

West to Pilot Knob, north to Dalton Lake and east to Piedmont, plus the South Boxelder 62 inch trail system.

Are there restrooms at the trailhead?

No. Toilets are available further west along the road at Boxelder Campground.

Is it open year round?

The route between South Boxelder and Pilot Knob is one of the few Nemo area routes open year round, though conditions vary with weather.

Which map should I use?

The Motor Vehicle Use Map, the only official source for what is open to motorized travel. It is free from Forest Service offices, local vendors and online.

Where is South Boxelder Motorized Trailhead located?

Near Nemo in the Black Hills National Forest, northwest of Rapid City, South Dakota.

More information on South Boxelder Motorized Trailhead; Click here https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/recreation/south-boxelder-trailhead

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