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, a former railroad bed that has been resurfaced with crushed limestone.. 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 10-mile stretch from Rochford 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. Transportation is available for riders 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.
•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 and/or Hill City and Deadwood.
•An amazing time with new friends!

Check-in:
Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 2:00 - 7:00 PM Custer Chamber of Commerce, 615 Washington St, Custer, SD 57730.

Mickelson Trail Trek – Event Overview

The 3-day Summer Mickelson Trail Trek takes you through some of the most scenic stretches of the Black Hills. This year’s event is based out of Custer on Friday and Saturday, then wraps up in Deadwood on Sunday.

Vehicle & Shuttle Information

Drivers will drop their vehicles in Edgemont either Thursday afternoon or Friday morning, then be shuttled back to Custer.

The ride will end in Edgemont on Friday, where your vehicles will be waiting.

On Saturday, participants will ride from Custer to Rochford, then be shuttled back to Custer. (Note: Bikes will be stored securely in Rochford overnight)

On Sunday, riders will drive to Deadwood, then be shuttled to Rochford for the final leg of the trek, ending back at their vehicles in Deadwood.

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Thursday – Check-In Day (June 18)

Location: Custer Chamber of Commerce, 615 Washington St, Custer, SD 57730.

What to do:

Check in, pick up your rider packet, and enjoy meeting fellow participants.

Drivers can shuttle their vehicles in preparation for Friday to Edgemont in the afternoon and return to Custer on provided buses.

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Friday – Ride Custer to Edgemont (44.5 miles)

The adventure begins! Start your trek from Custer and head south to Edgemont.

If they have not already, drivers can shuttle their vehicles to Edgemont in the early morning and return to Custer on provided buses.

Late Check in - Custer Chamber of Commerce, 615 Washington St, Custer, SD 57730.

Enjoy scenic rest stops and a provided lunch along the way.

Riders will drive their personal cars with their bike back to Custer at the end of the day.

Use your Mickelson Trail Voucher for dinner in Custer or Hill City that evening.

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Saturday – Ride Custer to Rochford (39.5 miles)

Start your journey north toward Rochford.

Lunch and rest stops provided.

Bikes will be stored securely in Rochford overnight. (Please note there is no charging stations provided in Rochford) 

Riders will be shuttled back to Custer for the evening.

Breakfast and dinner are on your own—enjoy Custer’s or Hill City's local dining options!

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Sunday – Ride Rochford to Deadwood (24 miles)

Drive to Deadwood in the morning and catch the shuttle to Rochford.

Ride the final stretch of the trail from Rochford to Deadwood, completing your three-day trek!

Enjoy lunch in Deadwood with your Gold Bucks Voucher.

We’re excited to announce this year’s participant giveaway — a Storm Creek Sightseer Performance Hoodie! Designed for adventure, these hoodies feature moisture-wicking fabric and UPF 30+ sun protection to keep you comfortable on and off the trail.

Be sure to check the size chart below to ensure you get the perfect fit. Please note that event merchandise cannot be exchanged, so double-check your selection before completing your registration

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 605-591-0209
  
• Rapid City 605-343-1744
  
• Spearfish 605-642-2626

Custer is also near Custer State Park which offers camping and lodging. More Information can be found at CusterStatePark.com or CusterResorts.com 

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 want to be comfortable and safe. There is a risk of both hypothermia (low body temperature) and hyperthermia (high body temperature). There are several long inclines and corresponding declines 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!

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.
•Class 1 or equivalent 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.

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 140 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.