Deadwood to Edgemont.
Rail to trail tour. Discover unrivaled natural beauty, geologic wonders and an abundance of wildlife in combination with historic ghost towns, train trestles, bridges and tunnels, reminders of a bygone era.
4 Days – 110 miles
Start Dates:
June 1 through Mid July – Start Day: SUN or MON
Mid August to the end of September – Start Day: SUN or MON
Note: NO departures from Mid July to Mid August due to Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Independent Tourist is excited to introduce a new departure for the summer of 2020!! Nestled in the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota, one of the nation’s most scenic, historic and memorable cycling adventures awaits, the 109 mile Mickelson Trail. This converted “Rail to Trail” once provided the booming “Wild West” mining community of Deadwood with a means to transport ore, supplies and people along its rugged path. As you cycle this well maintained, but challenging trail, you will discover unrivaled natural beauty, geologic wonders and an abundance of wildlife in combination with historic ghost towns, train trestles, bridges and tunnels, reminders of a bygone era.
This is a short, 4 day end to end tour on the Mickelson Trail. It is considered solidly intermediate due to long continuous grades and higher elevations than most are used to.
OPTIONS– The Black Hills area has so much to offer that it is easy for us to customize the end of this tour….add a 5th day of cycling from Deadwood to Spearfish via Spearfish Canyon. Take a driving tour of the Needles Highway/Iron Mountain/Custer State Park loop. You can even stay an additional night in Hill City and take the 1880 train to Keystone for the day. Ask us about the many “not to miss” attractions if you are interested in extending your vacation.
4 Days –110 miles— Rating: Solid intermediate—due to regional elevations of 3500’ to as high as 6500’, extended climbs (though no steeper than 4% grade) and some longer days in the saddle.
**The trip price includes one shuttle at the end of the trail back to Deadwood. Any non-emergency shuttling will be at the cyclist’s own expense. We will provide phone numbers and contact names for several of the local shuttle companies.
Our tour begins and ends in the historic town of Deadwood, South Dakota. Known for its rough and tumble past, this popular destination now offers, ghost tours, historic hotels, casinos, and gourmet dining along with beautiful hiking opportunities. Easily accessed from I-90, Deadwood is an hour drive west of Rapid City Regional Airport or 45 mins from downtown Rapid City. Overnight parking is available for our cyclists. Touring bike or E-bike rental is available in Deadwood.
Lodging: Historic hotel, modern chain hotel or fabulous B&B upon request (limited availability: 3 rooms with private baths – 2 rooms with shared bath), your choice.
Today is your first cycling day. Leave luggage with your host. We will transfer it for you to this evening’s destination and each day on your tour.
Ride from your hotel to the trailhead (MM 109) which is the northern end of the MickelsonTrail. This is our most challenging day of the tour with a 50 mile ride to the village of Hill City. Though the 8’ wide, crushed limestone, Mickelson Trail never exceeds a 4% grade, the 1800’ elevation gain from Deadwood to Dumont is not the only climb of the day. We are well rewarded for our efforts as this is arguably the most beautiful stretch of the Mickelson with its 4 famous tunnels, mountain like vistas and multiple bridges.
Lodging: Modern chain hotel or small historic hotel (limited availability) , your choice.
Today we enjoy a shorter day from Hill City to Custer. The first 13 miles consist of a gradual climb to Crazy Horse Monument. Located right off the trail, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to take a closer look at this extraordinary mountain and its museum dedicated to Native American Culture ($10 entry fee per bicycle – not included in package), well worth it! The shorter day allows for time to explore both Hill City and Custer as well.
Lodging: Western log style hotel/cabins or modern chain hotel, your choice.
The cycle to Edgemont from Custer rewards us with a predominately downhill ride! The landscape changes dramatically from the previous days but is no less beautiful with its sandstone canyons and sweeping prairie views. The ride ends at mile 0.0 in Edgemont where a shuttle will take us back to Deadwood 2 hours to the north.
Lodging: Historic hotel, modern chain hotel or fabulous B&B upon request (limited availability: 3 rooms with private baths – 2 rooms with shared bath), your choice.
