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Trip Itinerary
Ride through the Black Hills on exquisite unpaved roads where every gravel mile promises awe-inspiring vistas.
Where to Arrive
Airport:
Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)
Pick-up location:
Holiday Inn Downtown Convention Center, Rapid City
Pick-up time:
8:00 AM
Where to Depart
Airport:
Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)
Drop-off location:
Holiday Inn Downtown Convention Center or Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)
Drop-off time:
2:00 PM
Additional Arrival Information
We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the start of your Black Hills Gravel bike tour, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend that you fly into the Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP).
From the airport, if you are staying at the Holiday Inn Downtown Convention Center (our meeting hotel), they offer a shuttle for $12 per person. Just call the front desk (605-348-4000) for a pick-up when you land. The drive takes about 20 minutes. If you are driving to the trip, you can park at the Holiday Inn for the week if you book a pre or post night here. Ask the front desk for a parking pass. If staying elsewhere, you may book a shuttle to any Rapid City hotel by calling Rapid Shuttle (605-399-9999) or booking online at www.rapidshuttle.com.
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you in the lobby of the Holiday Inn Downtown Convention Center (505 N 5th St, Rapid City, SD 57701) at 8:00 AM on the first day of the trip. Your trip begins with a 45-minute shuttle to Spearfish, where you'll enjoy a bike fitting session followed by your first ride. Please come dressed in your riding clothes and have your riding gear as well as a change of clothes for after the ride in a separate, readily accessible bag. Your main luggage will be stored until you reach the first hotel.
If you will be late for the meeting or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. If you cannot reach them, please call the Best Western Black Hills Lodge (605-642-7795), and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details.
Additional Departure Information
At the end of the trip, your guides will offer a shuttle stop at the Holiday Inn Downtown Convention Center and also at the Rapid City Airport. You will say farewell to your guides at 1:30 PM at the Holiday Inn Downtown Convention Center in Rapid City or at the Rapid City Regional Airport at 2:00 PM. Please do not book a flight before 3:30 pm to allow for any potential delays.
Enjoy a warm-up gravel ride around Spearfish
Overview
Meet your guides in the lobby of the Holiday Inn Downtown Convention Center in Rapid City at 8:00 AM for a shuttle to Spearfish, where you'll start off with a bike fitting session. After your guides share some safety tips and route highlights, you'll head out on your first ride. Following a couple of short miles of pavement, you'll reach the unpaved roads that wind through the rolling ranch land north of town. Stretch your legs and settle into the gentle climbs as y... Meet your guides in the lobby of the Holiday Inn Downtown Convention Center in Rapid City at 8:00 AM for a shuttle to Spearfish, where you'll start off with a bike fitting session. After your guides share some safety tips and route highlights, you'll head out on your first ride. Following a couple of short miles of pavement, you'll reach the unpaved roads that wind through the rolling ranch land north of town. Stretch your legs and settle into the gentle climbs as you get ready for a big week of riding! The ride ends at City Park where you can cool your legs in Spearfish Creek or visit the DC Booth Fish Hatchery while your guides prepare a signature Trek Travel picnic. Afterwards, once you are checked into your room at the Best Western, you'll have some time to unwind before gathering for a stroll to dinner. Your guides will fill you in on the adventures to come as you enjoy social hour and dinner at our favorite local restaurant. Read More
Hotel
Black Hills Best Western
Meals included
Lunch | Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Welcome to Spearfish
Ease into the week with a scenic ride on smooth gravel roads
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Chicken Creek Loop | Approximately 29 mi | 47 km and 1,600 ft | 488 m
Experience Spearfish Canyon and the wild western town of Deadwood
Overview
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before meeting at the bikes for your first full day of adventure. Today’s ride begins with a paved climb up Spearfish Canyon scenic byway, while the avid route takes a long, gradual gravel climb into Black Hills National Forest. Wind your way through the pines and aspens on this peaceful, scenic road to the high point at Old Baldy, which is just shy of 6,100 feet (1,859 meters), then enjoy the flowy, jaw-dropping descent to Roughlock Falls... Enjoy a hearty breakfast before meeting at the bikes for your first full day of adventure. Today’s ride begins with a paved climb up Spearfish Canyon scenic byway, while the avid route takes a long, gradual gravel climb into Black Hills National Forest. Wind your way through the pines and aspens on this peaceful, scenic road to the high point at Old Baldy, which is just shy of 6,100 feet (1,859 meters), then enjoy the flowy, jaw-dropping descent to Roughlock Falls and Spearfish Canyon where the routes converge. Be sure to keep an eye out for osprey overhead and pause for photos along the way, perhaps stopping at the overlook for Roughlock or Spearfish Falls. As you reach Savoy, the stunning ride transitions to a mix of pavement and gravel roads before the last few miles on the Mickelson rail trail deliver you into Deadwood. After getting settled at the Deadwood Mountain Grand, the evening is yours to explore. Enjoy dinner on your own in this Wild West town, best known for its most famous gunslinger, Wild Bill Hickok, and the colorful Calamity Jane. Read More
Hotel
Deadwood Mountain Grand
Meals included
Breakfast | Lunch
Highlight of the Day
Spearfish Canyon
Savor the scenery and enjoy the gravel side of Spearfish Canyon
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Spearfish to Deadwood via Spearfish Canyon | Approximately 44 mi | 72 km and 3,300 ft | 1,006 m
Ride Option 2
SHORT OPTION:
Savoy to Deadwood with Shuttle | Approximately 19 mi | 32 km and 1,000 ft | 305 m
Ride Option 3
AVID OPTION:
Spearfish to Deadwood via Higgins Gulch | Approximately 52 mi | 84 km and 4,600 ft | 1402 m
Ride through the undiscovered heart of Black Hills National Forest
Overview
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast to prepare for today's incredible ride through the heart of the Black Hills. Today's ride follows the Mickelson Trail all the way to Hill City, while the short option starts with a boost in the van and pedals the final 20 miles of trail to Hill City. Avid riders will ride gravel forest roads over more challenging but equally scenic terrain, connected by a few sections of the trail. All routes pass through the small town of Rochford, f... Fuel up with a hearty breakfast to prepare for today's incredible ride through the heart of the Black Hills. Today's ride follows the Mickelson Trail all the way to Hill City, while the short option starts with a boost in the van and pedals the final 20 miles of trail to Hill City. Avid riders will ride gravel forest roads over more challenging but equally scenic terrain, connected by a few sections of the trail. All routes pass through the small town of Rochford, founded in 1978 when gold was discovered in a nearby creek. Today, the population is somewhere between eight and 25 people, and it survives on tourism. Be sure to step inside the legendary Moonshine Gulch Saloon while you are there! Enjoy this beautiful stretch of the Mickelson Trail including the rail tunnels near Mystic. Avid riders will again diverge on forest roads, but everyone will meet in Hill City where you'll have lunch at one of our local favorite cafes. Afterwards, you'll shuttle to your home for the next two nights, Sylvan Lake Lodge. Dinner will be at your leisure at the Lodge, so you'll have time to relax and recover for another epic ride tomorrow. Read More
Hotel
Sylvan Lake Lodge
Meals included
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Slate Creek Dam
Remote gravel paths through the Black Hills National Forest connect historic mining towns
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Deadwood to Hill City via Mickelson Trail | Approximately 50 mi | 80 km and 3,300 ft | 1,006 m
Ride Option 2
SHORT OPTION:
Rochford to Hill City with Shuttles | Approximately 20 mi | 35 km and 1,250 ft | 381 m
Ride Option 3
AVID OPTION:
Deadwood to Hill City | Approximately 65 mi | 105 km and 5,500 ft | 1,676 m
Pedal Needles Highway and the gravel roads of Custer State Park
Overview
Get excited for your final big ride today! You'll begin with a short descent to Sylvan Lake. One look at the crystal blue water surrounded by rounded granite rock formations reveals why it's known as the "Crown Jewel" of Custer State Park. From here, you’ll climb through striking granite spires on Needles Highway and thread through the Needles Eye tunnel before turning... Get excited for your final big ride today! You'll begin with a short descent to Sylvan Lake. One look at the crystal blue water surrounded by rounded granite rock formations reveals why it's known as the "Crown Jewel" of Custer State Park. From here, you’ll climb through striking granite spires on Needles Highway and thread through the Needles Eye tunnel before turning onto gravel and making your way to Custer State Park. You'll pedal the gravel roads of the famous Wildlife Loop, where it is common to encounter some of the 1,500 bison who call the park home. You may also see wildlife such as pronghorn antelopes, burros, prairie dogs, and bighorn sheep. Enjoy the scenery as you ride through beautiful open grasslands and pine speckled hills. Avid riders will pedal all the way to Custer, while the other options end in the park and shuttle to Custer, where you'll have time to explore and enjoy lunch at a cafe of your choosing. Your guides will, of course, arm you with suggestions. Afterwards, you'll shuttle the short 15 minutes back to the Lodge. This evening, you'll head back to Custer and celebrate in style with a gourmet dinner at Skogen Kitchen. Read More
Hotel
Sylvan Lake Lodge
Meals included
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Highlight of the Day
Featured Meal: Skogen Kitchen
Welcome to Skogen Kitchen, a chef driven concept, offering innovative dinner options. Owners Eliza Raney (General Manager) and Joseph Raney... Welcome to Skogen Kitchen, a chef driven concept, offering innovative dinner options. Owners Eliza Raney (General Manager) and Joseph Raney (Executive Chef) have worked and learned from some of the best companies in the food service industry such as Disney and Patina Restaurant group. Together, they bring their experience to Custer, South Dakota and to our table tonight. Read More
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Sylvan Lake to Bluebell Lodge with Shuttle | Approximately 42 mi | 68 km and 3,000 ft | 914 m
Ride Option 2
SHORT OPTION:
Sylvan Lake to Wildlife Loop with Shuttle | Approximately 32 mi | 51 km and 1,850 ft | 564 m
Ride Option 3
AVID OPTION:
Sylvan Lake to Custer | Approximately 54 mi | 87 km and 4,150 ft | 1,265 m
Enjoy a final scenic ride and visit Mt Rushmore
Overview
Rise and shine to enjoy your final morning at the Lodge with incredible views in every direction. You have several options this morning including an out and back ride to Palmer Creek trailhead. It begins with a big descent and the you turn around and climb your way back, admiring the views along the way. There are also scenic hiking options from the Lodge, or you can simply relax and enjoy a leisurely morning. After checking out, your guides will drive you to Mt Rus... Rise and shine to enjoy your final morning at the Lodge with incredible views in every direction. You have several options this morning including an out and back ride to Palmer Creek trailhead. It begins with a big descent and the you turn around and climb your way back, admiring the views along the way. There are also scenic hiking options from the Lodge, or you can simply relax and enjoy a leisurely morning. After checking out, your guides will drive you to Mt Rushmore where you'll get a closeup view of the iconic mountain. The 60-foot sculptures of four U.S. Presidents took 14 years to complete using jackhammers and munitions to carve into sheer granite. You can walk the short path to the sculptor’s studio to learn more about the process. Your guides will provide a simple packed lunch which you can enjoy at Mt Rushmore. Afterwards, it's a 30-minute drive to Rapid City. Your guides will offer a stop at the Holiday Inn Downtown Convention Center and also at the Rapid City Airport. Please do not book a flight before 3:30 pm to allow for any potential delays. Read More
Meals included
Breakfast | Lunch
Highlight of the Day
Mt Rushmore
Cap off the week with a visit to the iconic Mount Rushmore National Monument
Ride Options
Ride Option 1
TODAY'S RIDE:
Sylvan Lake to Palmer Creek & Return | Approximately 13 mi | 21 km and 950 ft | 290 m
If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.
Looking to travel with a small group or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735
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Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.
These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.
On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.
Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).
Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).
Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).
Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).
Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).
Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).
Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.
Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.
Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.
Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.
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Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.
Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.
Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself