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This section of the long-distance Centennial Trail features big climbs and descents.


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Map Key

12.1

Miles

19.5

KM

Singletrack

5,167' 1,575 m

High

4,317' 1,316 m

Low

1,682' 513 m

Up

1,479' 451 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Description

This ride can be shuttled from the Alkali TH for an even longer shuttle ride to connect this trail with Centennial Trail Elk Creek TH to Alkali TH.

The Centennial Trail was designed and built without mountain bikers in mind, so many parts of the trail, especially this particular segment, feature very steep grades. This makes for some grueling climbs that a lot will have to get off and hike for, followed by fast, flowing descents. This segment never gets particularly technical.

The Centennial Trail is also very lightly used, so enjoy the light traffic on the trails! That being said, many parts of the trail is barely worn in but is easily navigable as long as you keep your head up and keep an eye open for the trail marker signs.

Heading out of the Dalton TH, you'll start climbing immediately. This climb never gets especially steep, but can make for a long 4.25 miles. After reaching the first significant downhill, be ready to strap a smile on all the way to the bottom! This section is steep, fast, and flowing as the trail winds through pine trees at the top and more broad-leaf vegetation at the bottom that will make you forget about the climb to the top.

After getting to the bottom of the descent, there is a steep but short climb out. After this point, the trail mellows out until you reach the Elk Creek TH where you can continue on for one of most fun descents at the peak of Bulldog Mtn.

Contacts

Shared By:

Aaron Stoneberger

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 7 votes

#7

in Sturgis

#7792

Overall
  4.4 from 7 votes
5 Star
57%
4 Star
29%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#7

in Sturgis

#18

in South Dakota

#7,792

Overall
4 Views Last Month
1,188 Since Jul 7, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
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29%
0%
71%
0%

Photos

Beautiful views of Vanocker Canyon at this lookout spot.
Jul 7, 2016 near Sturgis, SD
Topping out on the first massive climb.
Aug 24, 2019 near Sturgis, SD

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