Deadman Trail

The Deadman Trail System consists of approximately 23 miles of non-motorized singletrack laid out in stacked loops around Deadman Mountain, on city and Forest Service land just south of Sturgis. The trail was developed in 2015 and opened the first-ever permanent public access to the Sturgis Dams — historic reservoirs that once supplied the city's water and had been off-limits to the public for years. The dams sit roughly 2.3 miles from the Vanocker Trailhead and make a worthy destination on their own, with fishing and primitive camping allowed in the area. The system connects directly to both the Centennial Trail and the 7th Cavalry Trail System, giving hikers and mountain bikers access to over 52 miles of trail in the Sturgis area. The Upper Deadman trail winds through shaded pine forest with smooth berms and a fast descent, while the Lower Deadman offers a more open, gradual climb with wide views. An overlook near the summit delivers panoramic views of the valley below — worth the short detour. The main trailhead is located off Pineview Drive near Exit 32 on I-90.