Victoria Lake Trail Network: Trail 15

Loop 15 is the longest and most demanding ride in the Victoria Lake Trail Network, a classic outing of about 11 miles built mainly on rocky, winding singletrack plus a roughly one-mile shared-use ATV two-track climb. With around 2,000 feet of elevation gain, it's rated black diamond and geared to strong intermediate and advanced riders, most of whom travel it counterclockwise. Expect the terrain typical of the Black Hills: rocky, narrow, twisty, and occasionally steep, with punchy climbs rewarded by fast, flowing descents. The easiest access is the parking area at the intersection of Sheridan Lake and Victoria Lake Roads, about 8 miles south of Rapid City off Sheridan Lake Road. As a user-built, non-system trail network, it has minimal signage and spotty cell coverage, so download a map before you ride and bring more water than you think you'll need. Avoid it when wet, since the clay soils turn soft. Best ridden June through October.