Experience cycling in the Black Hills of South Dakota on both the Mickelson Trail and inside Custer State Park. Three riding days feature riding the entirety of the George S. Mickelson Trail (GMT) which spans over 100 miles of dedicated rail-trail winding through wilderness and rock tunnels in the Black Hills of picturesque western South Dakota. On the fourth riding day, you'll explore the stunning Custer State Park and the acclaimed Wildlife Loop. Your stay for the week will be in the charming town of Custer, SD offering a perfect base. The tour will feature a variety of scenic routes over four exciting riding days.
Over the week you will be awestruck by the area’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife in one of the least populated parts of the USA. The State of South Dakota's commitment to the Mickelson Trail has resulted in its status as one of the best-maintained rail-trails in the US. This BPP ride is an experience too naturally stunning to miss.
This five-day, six-night all-inclusive fully supported bicycle vacation will be based out of the renowned Rock Crest Lodge & Cabins in Custer, SD for the entire week. You can book a standard room or upgrade in style to a spacious cabin. Each day offers shorter ride options, ensuring you can ride at your own pace. BPP will handle all the arrangements, including shuttles for you and your bike, so you can focus on enjoying your trip, after all this is PAMPERING.
6 nights lodging
Breakfasts and Dinners
Daily shuttles to and from ride venues
Twice daily SAGs offering refreshments & snacks
Moments after you step outside your room and mount your bike, you’ll be riding south on the Mickelson Trail. As you descend from the hills of Custer, be sure to stop and check out the bicycle sculpture next to our SAG station in Pringle. Monday’s ride takes you from pine-covered hills to the edge of the prairie lands in Edgemont, SD.
On Tuesday, we’ll return to the Mickelson Trail, this time heading north toward Hill City. Begin with a gradual climb through stunning natural scenery, peaking with a quintessential view of the Crazy Horse Memorial. Then enjoy coasting downhill into the charming town of Hill City, where you can explore and even take a vintage steam train ride before biking back to Custer.
Join our shuttle crew to visit nearby sights such as Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and more. Alternatively, you can plan your own ride from our accommodations in Custer, conveniently located right off the Mickelson Trail.
In Custer State Park, begin your journey at the iconic Needles Eye rock formation and pass through the narrow Needles Eye Tunnel. The Needles Highway is a stunning and challenging route that showcases the rugged beauty of the Black Hills. Next, connect to the 18-mile Wildlife Loop where you’ll pedal among the park’s large herd of majestic bison. Just remember, don’t pet the “fluffy cows!” The loop is also renowned for its pronghorn antelope, burros, elk, and more, allowing you to enjoy seeing wildlife in their natural habitat.
Starting in the historic town of Deadwood, famous for its Wild West heritage, the ride begins with an energizing uphill stretch out of town toward the first SAG stop at Dumont. After recharging, get ready for a fun descent, winding through old railroad tunnels and across trestles, all the while enjoying views of Castle Creek on the way to our second SAG stop at Mystic. From there, the route takes you through dramatic rock formations and more tunnels as you roll through the hills, eventually arriving in Hill City, perfectly concluding this scenic segment of the Mickelson Trail.
