Backhill is a region defined by its diverse and often challenging terrain, offering varied opportunities for several outdoor sports like road cycling and touring cycling. The landscape features a mix of dense pine forests, dramatic geological formations, and significant elevation changes. This unique geology, characterized by ancient granite and sedimentary rock, creates a setting of winding roads and scenic routes that rise from the surrounding plains.
Backhill provides a range of outdoor activities, primarily focused…
13
Routes
67
People visited

7
riders
40.2km
01:42
260m
260m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

126km
06:28
1,180m
1,180m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

14
riders
85.5km
03:42
640m
630m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

10
riders
56.3km
02:36
480m
480m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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49.1km
03:14
390m
390m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
42.2km
02:36
370m
370m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
48.6km
02:55
370m
370m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Backhill is primarily known for its diverse cycling opportunities. The region offers routes suitable for both Road cycling and Touring cycling. These activities allow exploration of the varied terrain and natural features of the area.
Backhill features numerous road cycling routes that cater to different preferences. Cyclists can find detailed information and recommendations in the komoot guide Road Cycling Routes around Backhill. This guide provides insights into the best paths for exploring the region.
While the region is known for its hilly terrain, there are routes that can be considered easier for road biking. These routes often feature less steep grades and more gradual ascents. For specific recommendations, consulting available komoot guides for the region is advisable.
Yes, Backhill offers challenging road bike trails with significant elevation changes. Daily climbs can average between 2,500 and 3,500 feet, with grades typically ranging from 3% to 6%, and occasionally exceeding 8% on shorter sections. These routes are suitable for experienced cyclists seeking demanding rides.
Backhill is characterized by diverse natural features, including Black Elk Peak, the highest point in the region. Other notable features include the granite spires of The Needles, the layered geology of Spearfish Canyon, and the picturesque Sylvan Lake. Vast forests of ponderosa pines and numerous caves also contribute to the region's unique landscape.
The terrain in Backhill is predominantly hilly, rising from the surrounding prairie. It features a mix of challenging climbs, winding roads, and scenic routes through dense pine forests. The geological diversity, including ancient granite and sedimentary rock, creates varied landscapes for cyclists.
Komoot offers several guides to help explore Backhill. These include Road Cycling Routes around Backhill, focusing on road biking. Additionally, the guide Cycling around Backhill provides broader cycling information for the region.
Backhill has attracted more than 70 visitors who have shared their experiences on komoot. While specific route ratings are not yet available, the number of visitors indicates a growing interest in the region's outdoor activities, particularly cycling.
Many road cycling routes in Backhill are designed as circular trails, allowing cyclists to start and end at the same point. These routes often incorporate scenic loops through the region's diverse landscapes. Specific circular routes can be found within the komoot guides for the area.
The highest point in Backhill is Black Elk Peak, standing at 7,244 feet (2,208 meters). This peak offers extensive views of the surrounding region and is a significant landmark within the area.
Backhill exhibits a rich geological history, with features like the granite spires of The Needles and the layered sedimentary rock formations in Spearfish Canyon. The region's geology includes ancient granite and metamorphic rock, surrounded by younger sedimentary formations, resulting from an uplift approximately 70 million years ago.
For official information regarding the natural landscapes of the Backhill region, particularly the Black Hills National Forest, resources are available through the USDA Forest Service website. This serves as a central point for managing much of the area's natural environment.

