South Dakota

A Cycling Journey: The Black Hills & the Mickelson Trail

Program No. 23723RJ
Cycle along an abandoned railroad line through the beautiful Black Hills, as you conquer the 109 miles of the Mickelson Trail. Learn about geology and human history along the way.

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At a Glance

Former South Dakota Governor George S. Mickelson envisioned a bike trail that would follow an abandoned railroad line through the beautiful Black Hills. Though the governor died before it was completed, his legacy lives on along the Mickelson Trail, completed in 1998. Traverse the entire 109 miles of the trail, from Edgemont to Deadwood, cutting through rugged mountain terrain, towering evergreen forests and grassy prairies. Cycle along the trail’s easy grades and crushed limestone surface through three plant ecosystems. Your cycling instructors double as local historians and naturalists, as they share with you stories of the Black Hills Gold Rush and the ghost towns that line the trail and point out geologic structures, flora and fauna.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
This program is designed for intermediate to experienced cyclists. Cycling 16-35 miles daily on wide trail of crushed gravel and limestone. Trail grades up to 4% and trail elevation gains/losses up to 1,000 feet while cycling. Elevation range 3,450 to 6,300 feet during program. Walking one mile on uneven terrain, standing for up to two hours and climbing stairs. Expertly fitted mountain bikes and helmets included.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Conquer the entire Mickelson Trail on a cycling journey through the stunning Black Hills, learning about local native and settler history along the way.
  • Ride to the world’s largest sculpture, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
  • Take a field trip to the Mammoth Site to observe an active paleontological excavation site, boasting the largest concentration of mammoth remains in the world.

General Notes

This program is designed for mountain pedal-bikes only. E-bikes are not an option on this program.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Stephen Yellowhawk
Stephen Yellowhawk was born on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. He was first inspired to dance by his uncle, Jim Yellowhawk, and has been sharing his talents for traditional dance since he was 14 years old. He is actively pursuing a master’s degree in leadership and management in becoming a leader in Indian education. He is currently employed at the Okiciyapi Wellness Center as a health technician to Native American diabetic patients and serves as the board president for the Black Hills Powwow Association.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Stephen Yellowhawk
Stephen Yellowhawk View biography
Stephen Yellowhawk was born on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. He was first inspired to dance by his uncle, Jim Yellowhawk, and has been sharing his talents for traditional dance since he was 14 years old. He is actively pursuing a master’s degree in leadership and management in becoming a leader in Indian education. He is currently employed at the Okiciyapi Wellness Center as a health technician to Native American diabetic patients and serves as the board president for the Black Hills Powwow Association.
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