Facility · Wyoming ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Black Hills National Forest (NF) · Open Access
The Merritt Trail System is a 41 mile mix of motorcycle, jeep and OHV trails, located west of Highway 385, south of Rochford Road, and north of Silver City Road. This is a popular area that connects the Minnesota Ridge Trail System of the Northern Hills trails to the Central Hills. While the motorcycle trails may be a little challenging, the remaining trails are excellent for all users. There is one trailhead for parking in this area. Some of these trail are open yearlong, and some are open May - December 15.
Riley Trailhead. From Rapid City, Travel west on Highway 44 for 15 miles, then turn north (right) on Highway 385. Travel on Highway 385 for 4.4 miles. Turn west (left) onto Rochford Road. Proceed approximately 4.1 miles west towards Rochford, SD. After approximately 4.1 miles turn north (right) on Trail 8214. There are signs along Rochford Road announcing “Riley Hill Trailhead” just before arriving at Trail 8214. After turning on the trail, the trailhead is 100 yards ahead. The Forest Service plans developing the trailhead in 2017, yet it is available for current use.
Silver City Parking. This is not a developed Trailhead, but there is a parking area. From Rapid City, Travel west on Highway 44 for about 15 miles, then then turn north (right) on Highway 385. Travel North for 1.4 miles, then turn west (left) onto Silver City Road. Continue for 2.2 miles and at the intersection with Jenney Gulch Road there will be a meadow on the right accessing trail 6208. (Lat 44 6 18 by Long 103 33 42).
44.10500, -103.56167 · 44°6'18.0"N 103°33'42.0"W
Typically 79°F in Jul, down to 36°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 36 | 36 | 44 | 51 | 60 | 71 | 79 | 78 | 69 | 55 | 45 | 37 |
| Low °F | 11 | 11 | 19 | 26 | 36 | 45 | 51 | 49 | 40 | 29 | 20 | 13 |
| Precip in | 0.3 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 2.3 | 4.3 | 3.5 | 3.1 | 2.4 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 0.4 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4.9 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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