BLACK HILLS MINI LOOP TOUR
(Private Group Tour, minimum of 6 adults)
- 4 days, 3 nights
- Dates to pick from - June 15- July 1, Aug 17-Sept 7, Sep 22-Oct 1
- Moderate
- On Road and Off Road Travel (Mickelson Trail has crushed limestone)
- Hybrid or Cross bikes recommended for Mickelson Trail
- Bike rentals available
- Cabins or Camping Available
- Porter Services Available (Tents/mattress rental plus set-up/take down & towel service)
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Mickelson Trail Information
BLACK HILLS MINI LOOP TOUR SUMMARY
This tour is a spectacular mini loop of the heart of the Black Hills that utilizes all back roads and 38 miles of the George S. Mickelson Trail. It is designed for a party that desires a high level of flexibility to accommodate both casual and experienced riders at the same time. Read carefully our designed options and you will see how it works.
Arrival Day and Optional Bike Ride to Nemo - Guests will convene at 1:00 p.m.in Rapid City at Dakota Bike Tours for loading luggage and an overview of the tour.
- Those who choose to will depart on their bikes for a 22 mile and 1600 foot elevation climb to the Nemo Guest Ranch. Not difficult, but definitely meets our definition of moderate even though it is short mileage.
- Those who wish to ride in the Van to Nemo, will check into their cabin or set up camp. Then they will have the opportunity to ride their bikes to the start of Vanocker Canyon and a return descent into Nemo. This area is laced with canyon walls and beautiful meadows with mountain streams.
- Following all arrivals and some leisure time, we will have dinner at the Nemo Guest Ranch where the atmosphere is a charming as its name.
Second Day, to the Mickelson Trail and Carten Cabins - is 26.1 miles and elevation gain of 1800 ft.
- Today is a little longer but the climbing is more spread out with quite a bit of descent. Following breakfast we will begin with gentle climbing for 10 miles with a lot of moderation. We will leave the bluffs and enter into large meadows with aspen glens and tall spruce trees which is a sign of a wetter climate than in the lower elevations.
- We will stop for coffee at a 1950’s rest stop prior to riding 6 miles on a hard packed gravel road. It is well maintained and has minimum loose gravel. Those that choose to use 28c tire size or larger for the Mickelson Trail will be very comfortable on this surface.
- We will reach the Mickelson Trail at the Englewood Trailhead where those who wish to explore the trail to the north on reasonably level terrain for an additional 10 miles (5 up and 5 back) can easily do so.
- For those who wish to go directly to Carsten’s Cabins will go south for 5 miles of climbing between 2-3 % grade and then will descend 2 miles to our accommodations.
- Your group will decide to have a catered meal at Carsten’s Cabins or be driven for 20 minutes into Deadwood for dinner and a taste of this historical gaming town.
Third Day, Mickelson Trail to Hill City to Palmer Gulch Resort - Route is 32 miles to Hill City and all but 6 miles is downhill.
- After a full breakfast, we will ride 9 miles of all downhill next to a rambling creek and through a tunnel. Everyone will stop at the mining town of Rochford for a break at the Small of America, a gift shop operated by two artists who cater to bicyclists and offer great snacks and ice cream. If you are a late riser and so incline, the world famous Moonshine Gulch Saloon opens its doors at 10:30, because it is 5:00 o’clock somewhere
- An additional 8 miles of downhill and next to several cascading rapids and falls, will take us to our picnic lunch stop at the Mystic Trailhead.
- Following lunch is our climb for the day of 6 miles, not steep but tiring. After the climb, we will get an incredible view of Harney Peak on our 7 mile descent into Hill City.
- In Hill City you will want to cruise the streets where art galleries and fine boutique stores abound in addition to great watering holes and snack shops.
- For those who are done riding, they can hop in the van to Palmer Gulch Resort. For those who want additional miles, they can continue on the Mickelson trail and add 7 or more miles to their day.
- We will stay at Palmer Gulch Resort where your group will have selected your style of lodging from motel rooms, to rustic cabins, to fancy chalets or camping cabins or just plain camping.
- The group will also have several options for dinner. Including an evening trip to Crazy Horse Memorial.
Fourth Day, Mount Rushmore to Rockerville and Rapid City - Direct Route is 30 miles mostly downhill.
- Following coffee and fruit or muffin, you will depart for an early morning 6 mile bike ride to Mt. Rushmore where breakfast will be served while gazing at the faces of the four presidents.
- After staying at Mt. Rushmore as long as you like, the tour continues downhill into Keystone.
- We will take back roads to Rockerville for lunch.
- Following lunch we will continue on back roads to Rapid City via Dinosaur Hill prior to descending onto Dakota Bike Tours International Headquarters around 3:00 p.m.
THE BLACK HILLS MINI LOOP TOUR LEVEL - Moderate
For more information, contact Dakota Bike Tours today!
NOTE: Fee includes pick-up at RC Airport , return to Rapid City Airport at scheduled time, and, 3 dinners, 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, lodging, van support, 2 guides, & trail permit. Fees do not include admission fees to attractions, single supplement, bike rentals, alcoholic beverage at meals, guide gratuities and additional request for transportation pickup or delivery in addition to our scheduled service. See Services for details.
CALL 605-359-5672 to Reserve a Private Group Tour
