Experience cycling in the Black Hills of South Dakota on both the Mickelson Trail and inside Custer State Park. Three riding days feature the stunning George S. Mickelson Trail (GMT) which spans over 100 miles of dedicated rail trail on crushed stone winding over railroad bridges and through rock tunnels in the Black Hills of picturesque western South Dakota. You’ll stay in Custer, SD for the week and the tour will feature multiple routes over four riding days. For 2025, the trip is being moved to June to take advantage of warmer weather.

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. While some may think it’s too far to travel, the overwhelmingly positive feedback from our 2024 riders, plus the exceptional work of the state of South Dakota trails team, make this trip 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 lodge 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.

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. 

This most scenic segment of the Mickelson Trail starts in Hill City with a gentle incline that transitions into a thrilling descent through old railroad tunnels, leading to the first SAG at Mystic. After recharging, ride alongside Castle Creek, enjoying waterfalls, trestle views, and more tunnels, before reaching the second SAG at Dumont. From there, it’s all downhill into Deadwood, a historic town known for its Wild West heritage, perfectly capping off the week.