The Summer Trail Trek is a 3-day, 109-mile supported bicycle ride through the heart of the Black Hills on the George S. Mickelson Trail. This ride offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the beauty of the Black Hills in a way that can't be seen from the road. Participants will journey through four hard rock tunnels, cross over 100 trestle bridges, and traverse several picturesque areas, creating unforgettable memories.

While most of the trail maintains a manageable grade of no more than 4%, some sections are considered strenuous. The highest point is Dumont, with the 19-mile stretch from Deadwood to Dumont being the longest incline.

Riders can revel in the stunning beauty of the Black Hills, journeying through scenic valleys, old railroad tunnels, and historic mining towns. The Trail Trek is a thrilling 3-day, 109-mile supported bicycle ride. It's a point-to-point adventure, not a loop, adding to the excitement. Limited transportation is available at the start and end of the ride to help participants return to designated locations. Each day, participants will enjoy riding an average of 30-40 miles. There's only one route offered each day, complete with well-stocked rest stops, SAG support, and mechanical assistance.

The registration fee includes.
• daily trail passes
• shuttle service
• SAG support while on the route
• Portable restrooms at Rest Stops
• Snacks at specific Rest stops
• Meals provided at Minkahata and Rochford Rest Stops
• Two Mickelson Trail Vouchers for Custer, Hill City and Deadwood.
• An amazing time with new Friends!

Check-in:
Thursday, June 19, 2025
from 2:00 - 7:00 PM
Mount Rushmore Brewing Company, Custer, SD

Thursday, June 19
Check-in 2:00 PM -7:00 PM.
Location: Mount Rushmore Brewing Company, Custer, SD

Driver ONLY shuttle vehicle to Edgemont
4:30 - 6:00 PM- Bus leaves Edgemont to Shuttle driver back to Custer Staggered times
(last bus leaves Edgemont @ 6:00 PM)

Friday, June 20
Late Check-in Location: Custer Chamber in Custer
6:00 AM
- Driver ONLY shuttle vehicle to Edgemont
- 6:00 AM - 8:30 AM Bus leaves Edgemont to shuttle driver back to Custer (last bus leaves @ 8:15 AM)
- 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM Start: Bicycle from Custer to Edgemont (44.5 miles)
- Breaks and lunch included
- Riders and bikes return to Custer
- Mickelson Trail Voucher provided for evening meal (see list in registration packet)

Saturday, June 21
- 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM Start: Bicycle from Custer to Rochford (39.5 miles)
-Bicycles stored in secured area in Rochford
-Shuttle buses return riders to Custer
-Breakfast and evening meal on your own
-Breaks and lunch included

Sunday, June 22
-Riders drive to Deadwood Trailhead
-Shuttle buses take riders to Rochford (7:00 am - 9:00 am/ last bus leaves Deadwood at 9:00 am)
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM Start: Bicycle from Rochford to Deadwood (24 miles)
-Ride ends in Deadwood where participant's vehicles are parked
-Lunch Deadwood Gold Bucks Voucher provided
-Breakfast on your own
-Breaks included

Lodging will be the riders' responsibility. The ride starts in Custer on Friday and Saturday and in Deadwood on Sunday, so plan your lodging accordingly. For information on area hotels and attractions, contact the following Chamber of Commerce offices:

• Custer 605-673-2244
  
• Deadwood 605-578-1876
  
• Edgemont 605-662-5900
  
• Hill City 605-574-2368
  
• Hot Springs 605-745-4140
  
• Lead 605-580-7393
  
• Rapid City 605-343-1744
  
• Spearfish 605-642-2626

Another option is to contact Travel South Dakota. They have information for all of your travel needs including hotel accommodations, camp site reservations, rental cars, airline reservations. Attractions admissions, gaming coupons and more!

For more lodging information:
visit their website at www.travelsouthdakota.com

Lodging will not be provided for any riders.

Elevations along the trail vary from a low 3,400 feet at Edgemont to a height of nearly 6,350 feet near Dumont, temperatures will vary widely due to changes in the elevation. Also, the temperatures will probably be cool in the mornings and evenings (50-65 degrees) and warm during the day (75-90 degrees). It is possible to have mid-afternoon rain and/ or hailstorms.

Layered clothing is strongly suggested in order to accommodate the weather. Major swings in temperatures can take place in a few minutes.
Although you will have to carry all that you need, make certain you have what you need to be comfortable and safe. There is a risk of both hypothermia (low body temperature) and hyperthermia (high body temperature). There are several long upgrades and corresponding downgrades on the trail. You will sweat going up so have clothing to put on so you do not get chilled on the ride down.

It is critical to drink fluids on the ride to avoid dehydration. Bring full water containers and fill them up at every opportunity. For long distance; padded bicycle shorts and gloves are recommended. Lycra tights are great for cool mornings and evenings.

BE SURE TO REMEMBER YOUR HELMET!! They are mandatory!

The George S. Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills of South Dakota is more than just a recreation Trail, it’s a trail of history. Burlington Northern built the rail line more than 100 years ago to accommodate the miners who had rushed to the area to pan for gold. In 1983, the rail line was abandoned and this incredible trail was envisioned and became a reality in 1998.
Other information:
• The Trail is a former railroad bed that has been resurfaced with crushed limestone.
• The 109 mile route was inducted into the national Rail-Trail Hall of Fame in 2010.
• A mountain bike is by far the bicycle of choice.
• A road bike with narrow tires will not work.
• Pedal Assist E-bikes are welcome. All battery charging will be the responsibility of the rider, the Mickelson Trail does not have charging stations
• Please note that cell service is very limited along the trail.

For event-related questions, please click on the Contact the Organizers button on the left-hand side of this page.