Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Once all tour participants have assembled, we gather for a welcoming meeting and refreshments, providing an opportunity for introductions among both participants and tour leaders. The evening’s agenda is dedicated to getting to know one another. For those still brimming with energy after the long journey, an option is available to unwind at a local nearby bar.

(Driving day 1: 330 km/205 miles)

Our day commences with an informative meeting, delving into essential details about your upcoming Buffalo Bill Mountain Tour. We cover practical information and preparations concerning motorcycle and car rental checkout.

Following our check-out from the hotel, we gather on our bikes to embark on the 4,200 km Sturgis & Buffalo Bill Mountain Tour. As Denver fades into the background, we set out on a unique adventure brimming with history, excitement, and enjoyment. Initially, we navigate through city streets and interstate stretches before venturing onto designated back roads, surrounded by spectacular landscapes. We ease into the journey, ensuring everyone acclimates to traffic and driving conditions.

Our adventure truly begins on thrilling motorcycle roads, making a stop in Fairplay to explore the “ghost town” South Park City, now operating as a museum showcasing the old Wild West. After immersing ourselves in the Wild West influence, we continue to Gunnison, where we unwind, sharing experiences from the first leg of this enchanting journey.

(Driving day 2: 372 km/231  miles)

Today marks the beginning of our journey on the finest back roads the USA has to offer. Departing from Gunnison, we navigate the captivating Silverthread Scenic Byway, winding through picturesque landscapes with curves that demand your camera’s attention. Prepare for a ride filled with visual wonders!

Our route takes us to Lake City, where we pause to soak in the relaxed atmosphere. Afterward, we continue to South Fork for a delightful lunch before pressing on to the awe-inspiring Wolf Creek Pass.

The day’s destination is Durango, an old mining town once flooded by treasure hunters seeking gold and silver worth hundreds of millions from the mineral-rich mountains. The prosperity brought by these noble metals has shielded Durango from economic downturns. Residents, unswayed by the typical stresses of modern life, exude hospitality and friendliness. Brace yourself for a charming evening in the historic district of this remarkable city.

(Driving day 3: 355 km/220  miles)

Welcome to one of the tour’s pinnacle moments—today is a day brimming with extraordinary driving experiences on enchanting backroads, navigating sharp curves, relishing spectacular mountain scenery, encountering waterfalls, and exploring old Pioneer cities.

As we depart Durango, our first pause is at roadside hot springs, adding a touch of relaxation to our journey. Continuing north on breathtaking mountain roads, we reach Silverton, home to the world’s “highest” Harley Davidson dealer in terms of elevation. Following this, we embark on the renowned “Million Dollar Highway” (also known as the San Juan Skyway), ranked as the No. 4 among America’s best motorcycle roads. This drive is nothing short of extraordinary—a journey that becomes a lifelong memory. The road earns its famous name, “San Juan Skyway,” as we traverse mountain passes at an elevation of 3,353 meters (11,000 feet) above sea level, providing breathtaking views that seem to touch the skies. Several stops along the way allow us to fully absorb this unique experience. Upon reaching the road’s end in Ouray, known as the “Switzerland of America,” we enjoy lunch, attempting to digest the plethora of impressions.

Our fairy tale day continues on captivating backroads through the mountains, leading us toward Moab, situated at the entrance of the Arches National Park. As the sun sets, we immerse ourselves in the spectacular surroundings, capping off an unforgettable day.

(Driving day 4: 370 km/230 miles)

After immersing ourselves in the wonders of Arches National Park, today’s journey will serve as a transitional drive en route to the incredible Wild West Run and Yellowstone National Park. Our route takes us northward towards Salt Lake City, ultimately concluding the day in the charming destination of Park City.

(Driving day 5: 470 km/292 miles)

Today’s journey takes us towards the enchanting Yellowstone National Park, embarking on the “Wild West Run.” We travel north, passing by the scenic Bear Lake, and make a stop at Montpelier to explore the historic site of Butch Cassidy’s bank robbery. Continuing our adventure, we reach Jackson, nestled in the picturesque Jackson Hole valley—a favored destination for affluent Californians. The evening is spent at the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.

(Driving day 6: 330 km/205 miles)

Get ready for another tour highlight! Today promises a long day filled with unique and rare experiences as we enter the stunning Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park. Our journey starts on one of the US’s most popular motorcycle routes, the Wild West Run from Jackson to Yellowstone Lake. Passing through Moran and along Jackson Lake, we make our way to the iconic Old Faithful Geyser, known for its predictable eruptions every 35 to 120 minutes.

Continuing our ride through the spectacular Yellowstone, we venture onto Grand Loop Rd, with a stop at the breathtaking Artist Point. Prepare for close encounters with live buffalo herds, but exercise caution for the diverse wildlife that inhabits the park, including bears, wolves, elk, and buffalos. As we conclude the day, we ride into Buffalo Bill’s (William F. Cody) hometown, Cody, where we rest at Buffalo Bill’s motel and enjoy dinner at the historic Irma Hotel.

(Driving day 7: 264 km/164 miles)

Get ready for one of the tour highlights as we embark on the world-famous “Beartooth Highway,” ranked as the number one motorcycle route in the US. The Beartooth Highway has earned its iconic status among bikers worldwide for good reason, offering unique winding mountain roads with hairpin turns and spectacular views. This will also be the tour’s most demanding driving leg, so we’ll maintain a comfortable and safe pace to ensure everyone’s safety while providing ample time to enjoy the ride and scenery. Have your camera ready, as you’ll be riding on one of the world’s best motorcycle roads.

En route to Beartooth Pass, we’ll traverse the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, adding another lifetime experience to our journey. After our return to Cody, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the spectacular Buffalo Bill’s Center of the West.

(Driving day 8: 396 km/246 miles)

Get ready for another exhilarating day of driving on spectacular, curvy, and fun mountain roads. Our route takes us into Big Horn Canyon and National Forest, offering breathtaking scenery that’s sure to keep a smile glued to your face. We’ll make a lunch stop and have the opportunity for some “cowboy shopping” in Sheridan. Continuing our journey, we’ll pass by the “Spotted Horse” bar on our way to Gillette. Enjoy the ride!

(Driving day 9: 242 km/151 miles)

Today, we embark on our thrilling adventures in the Black Hills, the legendary location of the Sturgis Bike Rally, the mother of all bike rallies. Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Our journey begins with a visit to the iconic Devil’s Tower, renowned for its appearance in the sci-fi movie “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” Take in the spectacular rock formations and enjoy the surroundings. Next, we head to Sundance, the hometown of the Sundance Kid. Our route continues through the breathtaking Spearfish Canyon, a natural masterpiece that seems to be painted by the hands of nature.

As we drive through Deadwood, we make a stop at the historic No. 10 Saloon, where Wild Bill Hickok was famously shot while playing poker. (The combination of cards he held is now known as the “Deadman’s Hand.”) Deadwood, situated within an Indian reservation, holds full gambling rights. It’s also the place where the renowned sharpshooter Calamity Jane first met Wild Bill.

(Driving day 10: 275 km/171 miles)

Today is dedicated to the famous and beloved Black Hills Run, where we’ll explore the incredible attractions around Sturgis and immerse ourselves in the world-renowned Sturgis Bike Rally.

Our journey begins with the exhilarating Black Hills Run, leading us to the colossal Crazy Horse monument, the world’s largest rock-carved monument. From there, we proceed to Custer and Custer State Park, an area that captured General George A. Custer’s admiration for its stunning beauty. Along the Wildlife Loop, we may encounter live buffalo. Lunch is enjoyed outdoors in Custer State Park, followed by a visit to the iconic Mt. Rushmore, featuring the heads of three U.S. presidents carved into the mountainside. The adventure continues with a drive on the famous Iron Mountain Road, promising a truly unique experience.

Having soaked in the beauty of the Black Hills, we make our way to Sturgis, a quaint town at the heart of the Sturgis Bike Rally, America’s oldest and legendary motorcycle rally. After parking our bikes, we venture to the world-famous Knuckle Saloon, setting the stage for a lively biker party!

(Fun and explorer day)

Enjoy Sturgis Motorcycle Rally! Use the day as you wish for the “Mother of all motorcycle rallies”.

Sturgis, with its modest population of 6,400, undergoes a remarkable transformation each August. What is typically a quiet “ghost town” becomes the vibrant epicenter for over 500,000 bikers hailing from more than 40 countries. Established in 1938, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has evolved into America’s oldest and most renowned biker rally, achieving legendary status among motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide. Throughout the entire week, Sturgis buzzes with action, camaraderie, and entertainment. Our accommodations are conveniently situated in the heart of the city center, allowing us to immerse ourselves fully in the rally’s festivities.

(Driving day 11: 472 km/295 miles)

We bid farewell to Sturgis and begin our journey southward. Our first destination is the breathtaking Badlands National Park. Renowned for its rugged beauty, the Badlands feature striking geological formations and house one of the most significant fossil collections globally, including ancient mammals like rhinoceros, horses, and saber-toothed tigers. The park’s vast expanse encompasses mixed-grass prairies inhabited by bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and Blackfoot-ferrets.

During our scenic drive through the Badlands, we pause at “Wounded Knee,” the site of the tragic “Massacre at Wounded Knee,” where more than 150 Native Americans lost their lives and 50 were wounded by the US 7th Cavalry Regiment. Subsequently, we proceed to the small town of Alliance, where we’ll spend our final night on the road.

(Driving day 12: 384 km/239 miles)

The conclusion of our thrilling adventure on the best backroads of the US and the Buffalo Bill Mountain Tour is upon us. Today marks our final leg of the journey. We travel southward through Sterling and Fort Morgan before returning to Denver.

Upon our arrival in Denver, we return the bikes, exchange our boots for more casual attire, and spend the afternoon near the hotel. We gather for a farewell dinner, cherishing the memories of our remarkable journey, and prepare for our journeys back home.

Farewell to the majestic Rocky Mountains, the scenic US Best Back Roads, and the vibrant city of Denver. As we embark on our journey home, the group travels by shuttle to the airport. Thank you for a fantastic ride, memorable moments, and for choosing to tour with JoyRides. We wish you a safe trip home, and we hope to welcome you again on one of our other tours in the US, South America, Asia, Oceania, or Europe.

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Note: Due to the time difference, travelers from Europe will arrive home on the date/day following their departure from the US.

Additionally, please be aware that this program serves as a guideline for the activities and experiences on the tour. While deviations may occur, we assure you that our positive tour leaders will make every effort to execute the program as described, within the bounds of feasibility and prevailing circumstances. Our commitment to improvement means that you may encounter positive surprises as we continually refine the program for an enhanced experience.