Our members get extra discounts
Cycle South Dakota: Mount Rushmore & Badlands
This tour is no longer available, here are some similar tours:
Cycle South Dakota: Mount Rushmore & Badlands
5 Days Starting and ending in Rapid City
Visiting: Rapid City, Badlands Cycling & Hot Springs, Cycle Custer State Park , Iron Mountain Road Cycling & Mt Rushmore, George S. Mickelson Trail Cycling & Deadwood, Cycle Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway & Rapid City
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SSXD
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Trip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Cycle some of the USA’s most magnificent roads, walk in the footsteps of Wild West outlaws and come face to face with one of the world’s most recognised monuments on a six-day cycling adventure through South Dakota. The Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park and Black Hills National Forest deliver in otherworldly scenery while the fabled towns you pedal to serve up a side of American history. The towering carvings of past presidents on the side of Mount Rushmore must be seen to be believed, and travelling with a local leader ensures you’ll hear the stories behind all the sights you uncover along the way.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Rapid City, Badlands Cycling & Hot Springs
Location: Rapid City, Badlands Cycling & Hot Springs
Accommodation: Hotel/Motel
Welcome to Rapid City, gateway to South Dakota’s Black Hills, Badlands National Park and the iconic Mount Rushmore. If you arrive early there is plenty to see and do here – perhaps stroll through the Historic District and the City of Presidents, a street dotted with bronze statues of past presidents beyond the four you’ll meet at Mount Rushmore. You may like to get to know the creatures at the acclaimed Reptile Gardens, or just kick back at one of the many local breweries in and around town. Meet your fellow cyclists and guide at midday (12pm) then enjoy a scenic drive (approximately 1 hour) to the Badlands National Park. After a group meeting, get fitted to your bike then take an enjoyable 16km/10 mile introductory test ride through the dramatic landscape along the Badlands Loop Road. From here its back into the vehicle for the drive to the small city of Hot Springs (approximately 2 hours), renowned for centuries for its hot springs, considered by the Sioux and Cheyenne people as sacred. The evening is free for you to explore or relax. Soothe your muscles at the Evans Plunge or Moccasin Mineral Springs or head into town for dinner with your new riding buddies.
Included Activities:
-
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
Day 2: Cycle Custer State Park
Location: Cycle Custer State Park
Accommodation: Hotel/Motel
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast, leave Hot Springs and drive north along straight roads that cut through rolling green hills before arriving at Wind Cave National Park, an extraordinary landscape home to one of the world’s largest caves. Step into a hidden world as you tour the Garden of Eden section of the Wind Cave. Learn about this intriguing environment as you pass by unique boxwork, cave popcorn, and flowstone formations. From here it's onto your bike for the ride to the western entrance of the Custer State Park (approximately 30 minutes), then enjoy a scenic 30km/19-mile ride along the famed Wildlife Loop in the southern section of the park. Keep a keen eye out along the road and the nearby hills are for the bison, elk, antelope, mountain goat, and deer that inhabit this pristine environment.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 3: Iron Mountain Road Cycling & Mt Rushmore
Location: Iron Mountain Road Cycling & Mt Rushmore
Accommodation: Hotel/Motel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today is short and at times challenging ride, but definitely one you’ll remember for a lifetime. Leaving Custer State Park behind, make you way north up the sublime Iron Mountain Road. This architectural masterpiece carves its way through the forests, valleys and mountains of South Dakota as it winds up the Black Hills, each of its 314 curves revealing a different view. While the journey is inspiring, the destination just as remarkable as you emerge from the trees to the spectacular view of Mount Rushmore. Park your bike and take a leisurely stroll up the Presidential Trail for a close-up view of sculptor Gutzon Borglum’s colossal masterpiece as the granite-hewn faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln stare out across the Black Hills. Grab lunch and take your time to soak it all in before a final drive to Hill City and an afternoon relaxing those leg muscles.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 4: George S. Mickelson Trail Cycling & Deadwood
Location: George S. Mickelson Trail Cycling & Deadwood
Accommodation: Hotel/Motel
Meals Included: breaksfast
A longer but far flatter ride awaits you today as you cycle the excellent George S. Mickelson Trail though the heart of the beautiful Black Hills. The trail runs for 109 miles, but you’ll only cover a fraction of that as you cycle the traffic-free path through spruce and ponderosa pine forests, across countless converted railroad bridges and the occasional rock tunnels. Start the day with a short drive (approximately 45 minutes) before joining the trail at Rochford, riding a gentle uphill to the high point of the trail at Dumont, then enjoying a gradual 21-kilometre descent into the legendary town of Deadwood. For those looking for an extra challenge you’re welcome to ride the entire trail section and its two long but not overly steep climbs (and descents!) from Hill City to all the way to Deadwood.
This afternoon is free for you to explore the fabled city of Deadwood, home to Wild West luminaries such as Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. The streets are paved with history and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby to soak up the atmosphere.
Included Activities:
-
Day 5: Cycle Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway & Rapid City
Location: Cycle Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway & Rapid City
Meals Included: breaksfast
After an early breakfast take a short vehicle transfer to Savoy (approximately 30 minutes) and begin your last day of cycling. This ride is short but certainly memorable as you pedal mostly downhill along the stunning Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. Named by Bicycling magazine as one of the country’s most scenic bike paths, the smooth road through vibrant foliage, past gorgeous waterfalls and beneath towering 1000-foot-high cliffs is a cyclist’s paradise and a perfect final ride. Hop back aboard the support vehicle and make the short drive back to Deadwood where you’ll have some time to freshen up before driving back to Rapid City (approximately 1 hour), where upon arrival your cycling adventure will come to and end.
Included Activities:
-
What's Included
-
The Mammoth Site
-
Cold Brook Lake Guided and vehicle-supported Cycling
-
Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Guided and vehicle-supported Cycling
Accommodation
- The accommodation we use on this itinerary is a mixture of simple 2 star hotels and motels, chosen for their comfort, position, service, and facilities.
Transport
- While there are occasions we use local public transport such as trains, buses or taxis to cover long distances or attend non-cycling activities we predominantly use the bicycle as our main form of transport. On most of our trips we also have a support vehicle as secondary transport for travelling longer distances, avoiding hazardous areas to cycle, as a backup should we have any incidents and of course an option for those that would prefer not to cycle for an hour or a day. These vehicles range from a minivan in most regions up to a full sized coach or overland vehicle in others.
- Your main luggage is transported in the support vehicle
- An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an 'on request' basis only. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking.
- BRINGING YOUR OWN BIKE
- While we’re confident in the quality and suitability of the bikes we include, we do recognise that sometimes you just need the comfort of your own bike to enjoy the ride. If you are thinking of bringing your own bike on this trip, please advise us at time of booking and take note of the below information. If you do choose to bring your own bike, please note that we will not being carrying a spare bike for you.
- SUITABLE TYPE OF BIKE
- Although the surfaces of the roads we travel on are generally good there are occasionally gravel or potholed sections of road/track. As such, we recommend a 'mountain' or 'hybrid' style bike with plenty of gear selections for easy cruising. For more details on the type of roads we’ll be riding on see the ‘Physical Rating’ section of your Essential Trip Information. Please contact your booking agent if you have any questions about the suitability of your bike.
- OUR BIKES
- We use Cannondale Quick 6 ‘hybrid’ bikes on this trip. These bikes are a hybrid/fitness bike-style with an alloy frame, flat bars, rim brakes, a fixed front fork and 21 gears. For more specific information please see https://www.cannondale.com/en-us/bikes/active/fitness/quick/quick-6
- We usually cannot accept tandem bikes on our trips as they are often too large for our transport. In some destinations we can make an exception. Please ask your booking agent if you are interested in bringing a tandem bike.
- BEFORE THE TRIP
- We recommend that you have a full service of your bike performed by a trained mechanic to help minimise any issues you may have during the trip. Please also ensure that you have specific and adequate cover for loss, damage or theft for your bike under your travel, home and contents or specialist insurance policy.
- DURING THE TRIP
- Your bike will be transported in the same way as our included bikes, usually in the support vehicle or on the bike trailer. While we endeavour to take the best care we can, you should recognise that transported bikes do get the occasional bump or scratch along the way. The same applies when we take other forms of transport, such as a train, where we are unable to pack the bikes ourselves. Your bike will be secured in the same way as our included bikes. This can occasionally be outside the vehicle (where the bikes are locked together).
- In order to reach our destination, it is necessary for us to travel via various modes of transportation, including planes and trains. Any extra costs involved with transporting personal bikes are your responsibility. This includes (but is not limited to) additional transport costs and customs/import fees.
- While our mechanics can usually assist with minor repairs, you are responsible for the safety and upkeep of your own bicycle. This includes conducting regular safety checks of your bike during the trip and cleaning your bike. In addition, any parts that require replacing are your responsibility. Most destinations have access to only limited spares along the way and access to bike shops can be days apart. Therefore, please ensure you bring any spare parts that you may require (especially specialist parts).
- TRANSPORTING YOUR BIKE TO/FROM THE DESTINATION
- Your preferred airline should have no problem carrying your bike, but many will charge an extra fee. Contact them before departing to discuss their arrangements for transporting bikes.
- A well-padded bike box (obtainable from a bike shop) is usually the best method of plane transportation. We recommend that you accompany your bicycle on the flight. Unaccompanied bicycles have been known to spend some extra days in the hands of customs authorities.
- Many taxis are not large enough to transport a bike box/bag so you may be delayed waiting for a suitably sized vehicle.
- Due to the large distances involved on this trip - and to best ensure your comfort - we use our support vehicle often to transport us between cycling legs. There are also some long climbs on this trip - you are always free to use the support vehicle, especially in very hot or cold conditions, if you feel uncomfortable.
Check out our Q&As
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this operator
What are travellers saying about Tourhub
Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit for future tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."