South Dakota Adventure Trip
RIDING TYPE
Introductory
DURATION
5 Days
SEASON
July - August
Discover the Heart of the Black Hills on a South Dakota Adventure Trip
The South Dakota Adventure Trip: History, Trails, and Iconic Monuments
The Black Hills of South Dakota are a stunning group of mountains that rise dramatically out of the Great Plains. Their beautiful pine forests and clear water lakes make for a perfect outdoor getaway. The granite hills and shaded trails are the ideal place to hike, bike, and camp. We will use the famous Mickelson Rail Trail to reach some of the most intriguing parts of this unique region. Bison, mountain goats, and pronghorn sheep are likely to appear at any time as we wind our way through the area’s incredible history—from Mount Rushmore to Crazy Horse to Custer State Park. Everywhere we go has a powerful story to tell.
-DAY-BY-DAY
Itinerary
The unique rock formations make this area so interesting, so we will start our journey at the one and only Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Here we will learn why Gutzon Borglum, the American sculptor inspired by Auguste Rodin, chose George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln for this massive project, and why the granite of the Black Hills is uniquely suited to house these enormous heads.
From here, we head over to the Mickelson Bike Path, which will take us to a beautiful campsite along Slate Creek.
While tents are set up, our guides will get busy on dinner, which could be Dutch Oven Lasagna or grilled Salmon with a fresh salad, followed possibly by a cake baked right at camp!
We leave right from camp on the Mickelson Trail for a morning bike ride.
After lunch, we will make our way to Little Devils Tower, where we will have the chance to get way above the trees and see the vast landscape around us. There is a little scramble at the top of the tower, and the panoramic views are absolutely worth the effort.
Our next destination is the picturesque Sylvan Lake, where we will do a short hike to a climbing area followed by paddle boarding or canoeing, before dinner and sunset at our camp near the lake.
Today we get back on the trail for a long stretch full of historic trestles and tunnels as we head for the Crazy Horse Memorial.
This massive, unfinished sculpture, carved high on a granite hill, portrays the legendary Lakota Sioux Warrior who famously fought against the U.S. government. The museum is fascinating, tragic, and inspiring all at the same time.
Historical context: We will discuss the dramatic conflicts of the era, including the gold rush that intensified tensions and led to events like the Battle of Little Bighorn, where Crazy Horse’s leadership helped secure a major victory against U.S. Army forces led by General George Armstrong Custer.
After our visit, we continue on the trail to our camp for the next two nights at Elk Mountain.
After a hearty breakfast, we will head out to visit Wind Cave National Park.
We start with a tour of the cave itself, where we will be introduced to the cave’s unique “breathing” phenomenon and see its intricate boxwork formations.
After some time underground, we will resurface to check out the prairie dog colony before a hike on the Centennial Trail, which is popular with the local buffalo and other wildlife, before returning to our Elk Mountain camp.
On our last day, we continue on the Mickelson Trail to experience the dramatic transition from forest to open prairie.
Here, we will learn about the immense geologic forces that created this special landscape, which in turn has profoundly shaped the history of its many residents and visitors.
We conclude our Black Hills adventure having experienced the best of the region’s trails, history, and natural wonders.
-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
Hiking Mileage
No hiking mileage
–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
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