About this tour
When Ben from our team rode the Mickelson Trail with this outfit, we got a proper sense of the Black Hills without the crowds. The trail itself is a converted rail corridor that winds through pine forest, granite ridges, and wide-open valleys — quiet enough to actually hear the guides talking about local ecology and Lakota history. It's a full-day affair that works for mixed-ability groups; you can pedal the whole way, do a partial route, or skip the bike entirely and soak in the scenery on foot. The Black Hills feel remote and surprisingly peaceful, even though you're in a popular region.
Highlights
- Converted rail trail: zero traffic, genuinely peaceful riding
- Guides weave in Lakota history and native plant knowledge as you go
- Flexible itinerary — some ride hard, others walk sections, nobody left behind
- Granite outcrops and pine forest create dramatic but manageable terrain
- Customisable distance and pace; no need to keep up with a set schedule
- Bikes and helmets supplied; no gear faff beforehand
- Trail feels remote despite being in an accessible region
What to expect
The day kicks off with a gear check and a rundown of the trail. You'll roll or walk the Mickelson corridor — the ride is mostly flat to gently rolling, so it's not a lung-buster even if you're unfit. The real draw is the quiet; you'll pass maybe a handful of other riders all day. Guides drop historical context about the area's mining past and Lakota presence, and point out native species along the way. Ben found the pacing relaxed enough to actually absorb what he was being told, rather than gasping through a tour.
The landscape shifts as you go: dense forest gives way to valley views and rocky outcrops. If someone in your group isn't keen on cycling, they can walk sections or explore nearby while others ride ahead — the flexibility is genuinely useful. The trail surface is hard-packed and well-maintained, so it's not technical. By mid-afternoon, fatigue is real but not punishing.
Good to know
This works brilliantly for mixed-ability groups because there's no judgement about pace or distance. If you enjoy landscapes without the Instagram-queue vibe, the Black Hills trail network feels genuinely remote. The guides know their local history and ecology, so you're not just pedalling — you're learning. Bikes and helmets are sorted; just bring yourself.
There's no lunch included (though it's available for an extra cost if you ask ahead), so bring snacks or budget for a packed meal. The trail is exposed in places, so summer heat can be relentless and sun protection is non-negotiable. It's not a technical ride, but you do need basic fitness to spend a full day moving. The trail can get busy on weekends, especially in peak season. Gratuities aren't included in the price, so factor that in.
Bring water (lots), sunscreen, and weather-appropriate layers. The Mickelson Trail fee is included; bikes and helmets supplied. Group sizes vary, but customisation is offered — contact ahead if you have specific needs.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.