Black Hills Gravel Bike Tour

An unpaved adventure in South Dakota from Spearfish Canyon to Mt Rushmore

Trip Style

Gravel

Tour Duration

5 Days / 4 Nights

Activity Level

Level 3

Bikes

Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3
Trek Electric-Assist Checkpoint+ SL 6 AXS

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Starting from

$2,899.00 per person

(+6.2% Sales tax)

See dates

Join us at our upcoming event to learn more!

Cycle the Black Hills' scenic gravel roads, where every mile on unpaved paths reveals awe-inspiring vistas and an unforgettable adventure.

Join us for an epic gravel cycling adventure through the heart of the Black Hills in South Dakota! From the enchanting Spearfish Canyon to the historic charm of Deadwood, you’ll experience wondrous and rustic beauty in every direction. Pedal along a network of gravel roads that unveil the grandeur of the Hills as they weave through the forest connecting small towns, and all the while the gentle music of nearby creeks remains your constant companion. Witness nature's artistry as you transition to the Southern Hills and stay at Sylvan Lake Lodge, surrounded by towering granite spires that reach for the sky. Revel in the untamed allure of Custer State Park's wildlife loop and delight in a farewell dinner at the renowned Skogen Kitchen. Feel the pulse of history as you visit Mt Rushmore, a final stop before you depart. This is more than just a ride – the magic of the Black Hills will resonate with you long after you’re gone. Learn more about Gravel trips and if they're right for you »

Trip Wows
  • Enjoy the tranquility of gravel roads as you meander along streams and climb through the pines of the Black Hills National Forest

  • Stay at Sylvan Lake Lodge and pedal along the stunning Needles Highway, named for the surrounding granite rock formations

  • Visit the iconic Mt Rushmore and learn the history of this powerful symbol of the ideals of freedom and democracy

  • Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Spearfish Canyon and ride the most scenic segments of the Mickelson rail trail

  • Savor a gourmet dinner at the innovative Skogen Kitchen, a chef-driven concept and South Dakota's best kept secret

Bison freely wander throughout Custer State Park

Discover Custer State Park

Explore Custer State Park from the crystal blue lakes to the granite spires to the grasslands where bison roam free.


What Guests are Saying

The Black Hills are an undiscovered gravel cycling paradise. There is no better way to experience the quiet majesty of the forest than to pedal the endless gravel roads that weave through it from end to end. Don't take my word for it. Come and explore, and I promise you will not be disappointed!

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Amy, Trek Travel Trip Designer

Cyclists having a snack near a pond

I have been fortunate enough to bike in some amazing places across the United States, but the gravel in South Dakota is my favorite! There is no shortage of variety and places to go. With the combination of farm roads, forest service roads, and ATV trails you encounter all types of terrain that continues on for days. On top of that, the scenery in the Black Hills is absolutely beautiful! So many times I have been left in awe at the places my bike could take me. If you love riding gravel the Black Hills absolutely needs to be on your bucket list!

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Rachel S, Trek Travel guest

Gravel riding in Spearfish is second to none! Little traffic meant riding was relaxing and conversation was flowing. The terrain and gravel conditions were diverse and the scenery was spectacular everyday! We also rode deep into untouched forests that are home to incredible wildlife.

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Kathy M, Trek Travel guest

Two cyclists on a gravel path with hills in the background

The scenery in the Black Hills is outstanding and the gravel is endless! I enjoyed the diversity of the riding from the remote forest roads to the Mickelson bike path which passed through quaint towns like Deadwood.

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Margaret R, Trek Travel guest


Cyclist on dirt road riding past a lake and mountain

Great Ride

Deadwood to Sylvan Lake

An epic day starting in Deadwood and ending at the crown jewel of Custer State Park.


Dates & Pricing

Book early for the best price

  • Guaranteed

  • Join Waitlist

  • Private

  • Limited Availability


Itinerary
Activity Information

Hotels
Double bedroom and arm chair at Black Hills Lodge
View of hotel pool
The driveway entrance of Black Hills Lodge
Double bedroom with armchair at Black Hills Lodge
Bar with wood panelled ceiling and walls at the Black Hills Lodge
Spearfish, South Dakota
Best Western Black Hills Lodge
Explorer

The Best Western Black Hills Lodge offers welcoming hospitality, clean and simple rooms, along with a full hot breakfast. It is a short walk from Spearfish’s Main Street which is lined with shops, restaurants, and local favorite hangouts like the Public House and the Spearfish Brewing Company.

Deadwood Mountain Grand exterior
hotel lobby with fireplace and chandelier
Deadwood Mountain Grand hotel room with double bed, chairs, and wood-panelled feature wall
Pool in hotel
Patio overlooking town of Deadwood
Dale's Restaurant tables
Deadwood, South Dakota
Deadwood Mountain Grand
Explorer

Located in the heart of Deadwood, once the epicenter of the Black Hills Gold Rush and famed for its frontier-era gambling, the Deadwood Mountain Grand is an ideal stopover. Housed in the former Slime Plant of the Homestake Gold Mine, the beautifully renovated property features a refreshing indoor pool, frequent live music, and a modern casino that nods to the town’s storied past. Historic Main Street is just a short walk away, lined with colorful shops, bars, and restaurants.

Log cabin
Double bedroom with fireplace at Sylvan Lake Lodge
Outdoor view of Sylvan Lake Lodge
Hotel lobby with stuffed animal heads mounted on walls
Patio with green umbrellas
Custer, South Dakota
Sylvan Lake Lodge
Explorer

Sylvan Lake Lodge is surrounded by granite spires, perched on the hillside above the picturesque Sylvan Lake. Stunning views abound in all directions. You’ll stay in cabins or in the lodge, which offer rustic comfort in a peaceful and scenic setting. The Lodge has a full service restaurant and bar, outdoor patio and is adjacent to hiking trails. Wifi and cell service are limited here, though, so be prepared to unplug and enjoy.


Bikes & Gear
Ride the Best Bikes in the Industry
Gravel
Trek Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3

New in 2026! The Checkpoint SL 7 AXS Gen 3 is a carbon gravel bike built for epic rides. Its lightweight frame features Gravel Endurance geometry with IsoSpeed comfort tech, while 45 mm tires smooth out rough terrain. With a wireless SRAM Force XPLR AXS drivetrain featuring a wide 10–46T 13-speed 1X gearing, and powerful disc brakes—everything you need to go wherever the gravel leads.

Learn more
Electric Gravel
Trek Electric-Assist Checkpoint+ SL 6 AXS

New in 2026! Trek’s Checkpoint+ SL 6 AXS is a lightweight gravel bike built for miles of fun. The TQ HPR60 electric-assist motor adds a quiet boost up to 15 or 28 mph (region specific), making climbs and long days easier. Carbon wheels and frame keep it quick and responsive, while 45 mm tubeless tires and IsoSpeed tech smooth rough terrain. With SRAM’s 12-speed AXS wireless shifting and disc brakes, every move is in your control.
Upgrade to the Checkpoint+ SL 6 AXS for $399 (3-6 day trips) or $599 (7+ day trips). Available in limited quantities. See specific trip dates for available bike options.

Learn more

Two cyclist and one rider

Trek Travel Guides

The World’s Best

From the moment you meet our guides, you'll understand the difference. You'll feel the genuine care they take to make your vacation perfect. From their expert support to sharing their favorite hidden spots, they tailor every moment to you.

Certified Guides

Additional Gear
  • Choice of Trek Travel Santini cycling jersey or technical t-shirt to keep
  • Trek Travel water bottle to keep
  • Cinch sack day bag to keep
  • GPS device with pre-loaded routes providing turn by turn directions
  • Trek front and rear lights
  • A flat pack containing a tube, levers, and a CO2 cartridge with inflator and tubeless plugs
  • Shimano SPD dual sided mountain pedals
  • Trek helmet
  • Trek saddle
  • For the most comfortable ride, we recommend you bring your own saddle. If you prefer, you can bring your own pedals and helmet on the trip and our guides will install your gear on the first day during your bike fit.
2026-CY-Mens-Gravel_Flatlay

Trip Inclusions

Additional Details

Know Before You Go!

We want you to be fully prepared for your cycling vacation of a lifetime. This involves making sure that you choose the appropriate trip for you and that every aspect of your experience is flawless. Each Trek Travel trip is unique to ensure maximum enjoyment every time.

Your Trip Need to Knows:

  • Rider level: The terrain on this trip falls under our classification of Level 3 as it relates to distance and elevation gain for all “Today’s” ride options, however, the gravel conditions in the Black Hills present roads that vary from smooth, fast dirt roads to stretches covered with loose gravel. The gravel surface is suited for riders that have some experience riding in these conditions and are looking to explore the world of gravel. See our “Rider Information” section above for more information.
  • Nature breaks: Getting off the beaten path means there may be limited services on some gravel rides. There may not be traditional restrooms available on some routes, but there will be plenty of trees.
  • Cell phone coverage: Cell service is very limited in Black Hills National Forest. Expect minimal service on all rides except for Day 1. Your guides will be equipped with walkie talkies and a satellite communication device to enable them to communicate and provide effective support even when cell service is lacking.
  • Hotels: Our first hotel is a Best Western in Spearfish. While we normally do not stay in chain hotels, Spearfish is a charming small town ideally located for the start of this gravel trip and this is the best possible hotel option. Our final hotel, Sylvan Lake Lodge, is located high in the hills in Custer State Park. Wifi and cell service are limited, but spectacular views are abundant.
  • Shuttles: On this trip, you will pedal from the Northern to the Southern edge of the Black Hills, however there will 20-30 minute shuttles at the end of the Day 3 and 4 rides to cover the distance even if you choose the avid rides.
  • Route changes: Gravel roads are dynamic by nature. Road surfaces change throughout the year depending on maintenance (grading, adding new gravel) and weather, particularly rain. Our guides constantly monitor road conditions and may change the routes as needed to provide the best possible riding experience.
  • Altitude: The Black Hills sit at elevations ranging from 5,000–7,000 feet (1,524–2,133 m), so arriving a day or two early can help you acclimate.

Before and After Your Trip

FAQs

Temperatures can vary widely in June, are generally warm to hot in July and milder in late August and September. For example, the average high in Spearfish in June and late August/early September trips is high 70s, while in July, it is high 80s. In Deadwood and Custer, where you spend the majority of the trip, it is usually 5-10 degrees cooler because you are at higher elevations. Expect low temps in the mid 40s to mid 50s. Always bring layers and rain gear, as well as a light jacket for evenings. View our Packing List

To reserve your space on a trip, you can either call us at 866-464-8735 to speak with an expert Trip Consultant or book online any time by clicking the “BOOK THIS TRIP” icon near the upper right of each destination’s overview page.* Once you have submitted your reservation online, a Trip Consultant will contact you within one business day to answer any questions you may have and to confirm space, bike, and room availability on your desired trip. Your booking will be finalized once your no-risk deposit is paid. If you make a reservation more than 90 days prior to the trip, a $750 no risk deposit is due at the time of booking.** If you reserve your trip less than 90 days prior to the departure, the full balance is due at the time of booking. Once your booking is complete you will receive an email confirmation with important information pertaining to your trip.

*Please note that select trips cannot be booked online at this time. For those trips, please call a trip consultant at 866-464-8735.

**Deposit amounts vary for all Race, Cross Country, Special Edition, Ride Camp, and Self-Guided tours. Please confirm deposit amounts for all trips with your Trip Consultant at time of booking.

When a trip is booked, a guest confirmation email is immediately sent out. One week prior to the trip start, you’ll receive an email containing your trip start meeting location reminder and any last-minute information that you’ll need to know. You will also receive instructions to download the Ride with GPS app before your trip to provide you the day to day plan and daily route guides.

With one person booked on a date, the trip becomes guaranteed.*

In the case where trips are at one or two guests, we will contact you prior to final payment to give you the following options:

Pay a small trip fee of $500 per person for two guests or $1000 for one guest, which ensures your preferred trip date will run. If there are three or more guests before departure date, the fee will be refunded in full.

or

Switch to a different trip or different departure date. Should there be any difference in trip price between your original trip and the new one, you will be expected to pay the difference, or we will refund you accordingly.

Offer only valid if Trek Travel contacts a guest to discuss these specific options. Trips with fewer than three guests may operate with only one guide. The guide will support all rides with a Trek Travel van. If you would like to discuss the option of having two guides, please speak with your trip consultant.

The small trip supplement for Ride Camps is as follows – for two guests an additional $250 or for one guest an additional $500.

*Cross Country, Race, and Special Edition trips as well as a small number of select departures have a minimum guest count to guarantee. Please check with your Trip Consultant for more information.

Unforeseen events may make it necessary to cancel or modify a trip. Our Guest Services team will update you with any changes. We reserve the right to cancel departures in cases of force majeure or the failure of third parties—such as hotels—to honor their reservations, in which case all payments received to date will be refunded, which constitutes full settlement. Trek Travel is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation for any canceled trips, such as airline tickets, or for costs that are incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations, or illness. We strongly encourage We strongly encourage Travel Protection for complete coverage.

We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your tour.

Read our Cancellation Policy

Our Trip Consultants are available to assist and can answer your questions. Please call us at 866-464-8735.

Trek Travel recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help safeguard you and your travel investment against the unexpected. We offer a travel protection plan through Arch RoamRight that provides coverage for unforeseen events that could affect your ability to travel with us. Learn more about our Travel Protection

We've collaborated with a specialized travel agency committed to delivering tailored vacation planning, ensuring your entire Trek Travel journey is nothing short of unforgettable. Learn more about our Travel Services

Sharing the joy that comes with wow moments

Trek Travel guides are dedicated to making moments that last a lifetime, and we invite you to thank them with a trip gratuity. These are customary and at your own discretion, to recognize service, hospitality, and the little extras that surprise and delight. For this trip, we recommend $200-$250 per guest and, of course, you may choose to give more if your guides made your trip an unforgettable experience.

Like everything else about your vacation, the Trek Travel team is here to make this experience easier for you. While local currency is preferred, you may also tip through the following options:

Via PayPal (please have this account set up in advance when possible) or with your guest services representative on the phone before or after the trip.

Gratuities will be divided among the guide team, so feel free to leave your gratuity with whomever you choose at the end of your trip.

You cannot put a price on a wow. But you can show your thanks for an exceptional experience.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to the most common questions that don't necessarily pertain to a specific trip. See Gravel FAQs

Want to learn more about our trips? Watch our recorded Guide-Led Virtual Events—just visit our Trek Travel Youtube Channel and search for your trip.


Guaranteed Trips

Our trips are guaranteed to run once we have one confirmed booking on the trip. Click here to view our full guarantee policy.

Trek Travel reserves the right to cancel trips with zero guests, therefore you must book with Trek Travel before making travel arrangements for the trip. We are not responsible for travel arrangements made prior to confirming your Trek Travel Trip. Select trips are not guaranteed.

Sold Out/Waitlist

This trip is currently sold out, but you may be added to the waitlist in the case of availability.

Limited Availability

If a date is marked with Limited Availability, there are few spots left to book. We will secure additional rooms from our hotels before confirming your reservation.

Looking to travel with a small group? Ask our trip consultants about private trips and learn more.

Private

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Don’t see exactly what you are looking for or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

Hotel Differences

Trek Travel offers three hotel levels to match your style. Luxury hotels provide elegant, thoughtful touches with exceptional hospitality. Explorer hotels blend modern amenities with local charm in unique settings. Comfort hotels are casual and conveniently located near Trek Travel activities.

Activity Levels

Level 1:

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).

Level 2:

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).

Level 3:

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).

Level 4:

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).

What are your trip styles?

Classic Bike:

Explore beautiful destinations with a curated blend of guided activities, local cuisine, handpicked accommodations, and itineraries to suit every traveler, from laid-back adventures to luxurious escapes.

Gravel:

Venture off the beaten path to unforgettable places, with fully-supported routes that combine gravel and paved roads in classic Trek Travel style.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Hiking & Walking:

Step into adventure with carefully designed routes, unparalleled hospitality, and deep-routed local connections.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Self-Guided:

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

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