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5.2 miles
Distance
694 ft
Climb
-696 ft
Descent
4,573 ft
High Point
-2 ft
Altitude change
4,295 ft
Altitude min
4,297 ft
Altitude start
4,295 ft
Altitude end
-0%
Grade
-31.3%
Grade max
29.7%
Grade min
2 miles
Distance climb
2 miles
Distance down
2,195 ft
Distance flat
This route is characteristic of the Northern Black Hills and is a favorite for runners, hikers, and mountain bikers alike. Along the way, you’ll enjoy expansive views of the Northern Black Hills and frequent wildlife sightings, including deer, marmots, and wild turkeys.
From the Tinton trailhead, begin by riding down the gravel road toward the Forest Service Work Center. After approximately 200 feet, the singletrack breaks off to the left. This trail was historically used by U.S. Forest Service firefighters for summer PT sessions, and portions were even constructed as training routes for digging fire line.
The opening section of singletrack features moderate rolling climbs and descents before crossing the OHV trails and dropping into Johnston Gulch. From there, you’ll enter the loop section. Riders can choose to go clockwise for a steeper climb paired with more sustained descents, or counterclockwise for a more gradual climb and smoother effort.
Be sure to take a moment at the overlook to appreciate sweeping views of Higgins Gulch and Crow Peak—a highlight of the route and a reminder of the rugged beauty of the Northern Black Hills.
Detailed Description
Right Side Loop is a 5 mile moderately popular intermediate route located near Spearfish South Dakota. This mountain bike only route can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating. This route includes 4 trails. This route climbs 694 ft with a max elevation of 4,573 ft then descends -696 ft.
Trail Issues on Route
- Minor Issue / Yellow: 1 trail (newest: Jun 23, 2026)
Local Trail Association
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Stats
-
Distance5 miles
-
Avg time23 min 20 sec
-
Altitude min4,295 ft
-
Altitude start4,297 ft
-
Altitude end4,295 ft
-
Climb694 ft
-
Descent-696 ft
-
Grade-0%
-
Grade max-31.3%
-
Grade min29.7%
-
Distance climb2 miles
-
Distance down2 miles
-
Distance flat2,195 ft
Comments
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Trails in Route
| 1 mile | |||||
| 4 miles | |||||
| 1 mile |
Details
-
Riding area
-
Primary ActivityMountain Bike
-
Difficulty ratingBlue
-
Route TypeLoop
-
Bike typeXC
-
DirectionBoth Directions
-
Physical ratingModerate
-
Activity Logs
Directions
- Walk north on Tinton Trail.
- Continue for 10 meters.
- Turn left onto Tinton Trail - Right Side Connector.
- Continue for 2.5 kilometers.
- Keep right to take Tinton Trail - Right Side Loop.
- Continue for 4 kilometers.
- Bear right onto Tinton Trail - Right Side Connector.
- Continue for 2.5 kilometers.
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Trail Conditions
- Unknown
- Snow Groomed
- Snow Packed
- Snow Covered
- Snow Cover Partial
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- Singletrack
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Recent Trail Reports Along Route
| status | trail | date | condition | description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jun 23, 2026 @ 9:49am (America/Denver) Jun 23, 2026 | tree | |||
Aug 18, 2025 @ 10:31am Aug 18, 2025 |
- By Heathscliff
STA & contributors - #66945 - 247 views
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