Mickelson Trail Through the Black Hills Family Trip
RIDING TYPE
Introductory
DURATION
5 Days
SEASON
July - August
Mickelson Trail Through the Black Hills Family Trip
Ready for Your Family’s Black Hills Rail Trail Adventure?
Embark on a captivating journey through South Dakota’s legendary Black Hills with our Mickelson Trail Through the Black Hills Family Bike Trip! Western Spirit Cycling invites your family on a 5-day introductory bike tour that promises breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, and pure pedaling enjoyment for everyone. This isn’t just a bike ride; it’s a seamless, family-friendly South Dakota bike trail exploration of the famous Mickelson Trail, a converted rail trail winding through mountain meadows and majestic ponderosa pines, featuring its iconic tunnels and towering trestles.
Specifically designed for families with younger kids and E-bike ready, this guided family cycling Black Hills tour offers a unique and accessible way to experience South Dakota’s natural wonders and historic landmarks. Whether your family is new to multi-day tours or looking for a relaxing, fully supported getaway, our Black Hills family bike vacation from Rapid City is designed to deliver unforgettable memories without the logistical worries.
Why Families Love the Mickelson Trail Experience
Gentle Rail-Trail Grades: Enjoy easy pedaling on a crushed limestone surface with grades that never exceed 4%.
Historic Architecture: Ride through four hard-rock tunnels and over more than 100 converted railroad trestles.
National Landmarks: Experience up-close views of Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial.
Lakeside Camping: Relax each evening at beautiful camps near Roubaix, Sheridan, and Stockade Lakes.
-DAY-BY-DAY
Itinerary
We’ll meet in Rapid City to get your family set up with bikes and e-bikes before shuttling to historic Deadwood to begin our first section of the Mickelson Trail.
You’ll ride a gentle grade up to Dumont for rewarding views before enjoying a fun descent to our beautiful lakeside camp at Roubaix Lake for a delicious dinner under the stars.
Experience a highlight of your South Dakota rail trail family biking tour as we ride through multiple historic tunnels and over charming trestle bridges set against stunning mountain scenery.
We’ll make our way south through Rochford to the hub of Hill City before setting up camp near picturesque Sheridan Lake with plenty of time for families to relax.
Today is dedicated to South Dakota’s icons; we’ll cycle near the Crazy Horse Memorial and use a short shuttle to access Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Your family will have ample time to explore these massive rock sculptures and reflect on their history before we settle into our beautiful camp at Stockade Lake.
Enjoy a peaceful day of riding through beautiful Black Hills forests and into expansive meadows, perfect for leisurely pedaling on the trail’s smooth, crushed stone surface.
We’ll make our way to our camp at Cottonwood Springs, where the quiet solitude of the Black Hills National Forest will envelop us for our final night of camping.
Enjoy a final hearty breakfast as we prepare to pedal the final sections of this historic route, experiencing the dramatic transition from forest to open prairie.
After a celebratory final lunch to mark the end of our journey, our shuttle will transport your family back to Rapid City with a camera full of memories.
-TRIP NOTES
The fine print
Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.
Road Surface
Crushed limestone gravel, pavement.
Overall Rating
Introductory
Technical Difficulty
Easy
Physical Difficulty
Easy
Altitude
3,500 - 6,000 feet
Biking Mileage
16-42 miles per day (optional extensions can bring the longest day's riding to 42 miles)
Hiking Mileage
16-42 miles per day (optional extensions can bring the longest day's riding to 42 miles)
–Travel Logistics
Getting there.
Rapid City, SD, 8:00 AM MST at The Hilton Garden Inn, 815 E Mall Dr. Ending time: return to Rapid City 2:00-3:00 PM last day. Getting there: 400 mi from Denver; fly into Rapid City (RAP).
Lodging Before Your Trip
Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City
815 E Mall Dr, Rapid City South Dakota 57701.
The Rushmore Hotel
Super 8
Hotel Alex Johnson
PACKING
What we provide
- Meals
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Camp mugs & dining ware
- 2 large cycling water bottles
- Camp chairs
- Solar showers
- Sunscreen & bug spray
- Bike stand
- Lube
- First aid kit
Bring or rent
- Mountain bike
- Helmet
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Cycling & camp clothing
- Rain gear
- Personal items
- Tipping cash (10-20%)
Bring or rent
Bringing or renting
- Bike (rentals come with flat pedals)
- Helmet (gratis w
- Rental bike)
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
Cycling clothing
- Cycling shoes
- 3-5 pair cycling shorts
- 3-5 cycling shirts
- Long sleeve cycling shirt
- Long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
- Cycling socks
- Windbreaker
- Tights or leg warmers
- 2 pair cycling gloves
- Rain jacket & rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
- Warm layer
- Sunglasses
Camp clothing
- Camp shorts/shirts
- Warm socks
- Long underwear
- 2 pair warm long pants
- Fleece/sweater
- Pile or down jacket
- Warm gloves and hat
- Brimmed hat
- Bathing suit
- Hiking shoes
- Sandals
- Rain gear
Personal
- Toiletries
- Medication
- Towel
- Biodegradable soap
- Wet-wipes
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Sunglasses
- Optional day bag
- Stuff sacks
- Cash for tipping (10-20% of trip price)
Optional
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Favorite beverages
- Books
- Maps
- Portable USB charger
Need more information about our bike trips?
Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page, what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by subscribing to our newsletter.
Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732.
Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page, what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by subscribing to our newsletter.
Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732
Gallery
-A DAY WITH-
Western Spirit
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