Mickelson Trail Through the Black Hills
RIDING TYPE
Introductory
DURATION
5 Days
SEASON
July - August
Mickelson Trail Bike Tour: Guided Black Hills Rail Trail Adventure
Black Hills History & The Seamless Mickelson Trail
Embark on a captivating journey through the legendary Black Hills with our Mickelson Trail Through the Black Hills tour! With Western Spirit Cycling as your guide, you’ll experience the perfect blend of breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, and the pure joy of riding. This isn’t just a bike ride; it’s a seamless exploration of the famous Mickelson Trail, a converted rail trail winding through mountain meadows and majestic ponderosa pines, featuring iconic historic tunnels and towering trestles.
Perfect for riders seeking a mellow, scenic experience, this guided Black Hills cycling tour offers a unique way to experience South Dakota’s natural wonders and historic landmarks. Whether you’re new to multi-day tours or looking for a relaxing, fully supported getaway, our South Dakota rail trail biking adventure from Rapid City is designed to deliver unforgettable memories without the logistical worries.
Ready to reserve your fully supported Black Hills adventure? View Dates and Book Now!
Iconic Black Hills Landmarks & History
This introductory South Dakota cycling trip provides unique access to the region’s most famous sites and historic rail-trail experience:
Ride the famous, crushed limestone surface of the George S. Mickelson Trail.
View the monumental carvings of Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial.
Explore the historic mining town of Deadwood, South Dakota.
Cycle through historic railroad tunnels and over impressive wooden trestles.
-DAY-BY-DAY
Itinerary
Your Mickelson Trail bike trip begins in Rapid City, South Dakota.
We’ll meet at the Hilton Garden Inn, get you and your bike set up, and then shuttle to the historic town of Deadwood.
From there, we embark on our first section of the Mickelson Trail, riding up a gentle grade to Dumont.
This offers a rewarding climb with more breathtaking views as you climb.
We’ll then enjoy a fun descent to Roubaix Lake, where our comfortable camp awaits.
We’ll end our first day with a delicious dinner under the stars.
Today promises a truly unique historic rail-trail experience!
Our ride on the Mickelson Trail adventure takes us through multiple tunnels and over charming trestle bridges—a highlight of any South Dakota bike tour.
You’ll pass through stunning mountain scenery within the Black Hills National Forest as we make our way to the charming town of Hill City.
After a satisfying ride, we’ll set up our camp near picturesque Sheridan Lake, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Today is dedicated to two of South Dakota’s most iconic landmarks!
Our cycling journey will bring us close to both Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Crazy Horse Memorial.
Experience these massive rock sculptures from a unique perspective, reflecting on the artistry and history they represent.
We’ll ensure ample time for exploration and appreciation of these national treasures.
Our camp for the night will be set at Stockade Lake, providing another beautiful backdrop for our evening.
Enjoy a peaceful day of riding as we continue our descent through the beautiful Black Hills National Forest and into expansive meadows.
The Mickelson Trail offers a tranquil experience on its crushed limestone surface, perfect for leisurely pedaling and soaking in the natural environment.
We’ll make our way to our camp at Cottonwood Springs, where the quiet solitude will envelop us for our final night of camping.
On our final day, enjoy a last hearty breakfast at camp as we prepare to complete the final stretch of the Mickelson Trail.
As we pedal, you’ll experience a dramatic transition from forest to open prairie.
A celebratory final lunch marks the end of your extraordinary Mickelson Trail bike trip.
Our comfortable shuttle will then transport you back to Rapid City, South Dakota, filled with incredible memories of your 5-day cycling adventure.
-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 ride extensions available)
Hiking Mileage
16–42 miles per day (optional ride extensions available)
–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
- 1 cycling water bottle
- 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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