ADULT ONLY
6 - 18 guests
Activity Level 3
Earn Your Lunch
I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.
Read more about the Active Range
Price
USD $3499/per adult
Next available departure
4 Jun - 9 Jun
Operated by our sister brand Austin Adventures
Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Earn Your Lunch
I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style.' We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
There’s no better way to truly experience the Great Plains and pine-clad mountains of South Dakota than on the 110-mile-long Mickelson Trail. Let your guides take care of every last detail and sink into ultimate adventure on our Black Hills & Mount Rushmore adventure.
Starting in Rapid City, you’ll immediately get a sense for the majesty of the Black Hills as you hike Bear Butte State Park and learn why it's considered one of the most sacred lands by the Plains Indians. From here, your journey through the wild, wild west continues. Gear up for four days of biking the Mickelson Trail. Follow the route of the 1890 Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad, bike under towering pinnacles and keep watch for the abundant wildlife. On the way, visit Mount Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park and Crazy Horse Memorial.
With our perfected blend of luxury, adventure and world-class guides, you’ll explore the best of South Dakota by foot and two wheels and enjoy local cuisine and relaxing accommodations by night. All that’s left to do is pack your bag for our Black Hills & Mount Rushmore adventure.
This trip is operated by Austin Adventures
Day 1
Your trip begins in Rapid City, known as the gateway to Mt. Rushmore. The first stop takes us to Bear Butte State Park where you’ll summit the mountain trail yielding sweeping panoramic views for as far as the eye can see. Experience the Old West and learn why Bear Butte is considered one of the most sacred lands by the Plains Indians. After a short tour of the visitor’s center, we head over to the famous biker town of Sturgis for lunch at a local spot. Load up in the van to travel a short distance away to the town of Spearfish for a bike ride through Spearfish Canyon. This evening, we arrive at Deadwood, our home for the next two nights. We’ll walk the same sidewalks as the likes of Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Wyatt Earp, and Buffalo Bill, to name just a few. Enjoy dinner in downtown Deadwood tonight, a short walk from our hotel.
Four Points by Sheraton Deadwood (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 4.4 miles (7 kilometers)
Biking: 14 miles (22.5 kilometers)
Day 2
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel this morning before heading up to the old gold town of Rochford to begin our first leg biking the Mickelson Trail. The trail follows the historic Deadwood to Edgemont Burlington Northern rail line, which serviced gold country for nearly a century. We ride the trail “backward” as we make our way back towards Deadwood. Enjoy lunch and some downtime before spending your afternoon exploring Deadwood on your own. This National Historic Landmark was originally settled illegally by gold rushers and still embodies the lawless west. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Four Points by Sheraton Deadwood (Breakfast, Lunch)
Biking: 26 miles (42 kilometers)
Day 3
We have another big and exciting day ahead of us! We’ll first transfer by van to Rochford where our continuing ride up and down the Mickelson Trail begins. Pass by the Mystic Trailhead as you make your way to Hill City, the second oldest town in the Black Hills. Near here, we’ll stop for lunch and enjoy a bit of swimming if the mood beckons. We’ll check into our accommodation for the next three nights, Sylvan Lake Lodge before we depart for a scenic tour of the Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road. Explore Mount Rushmore, America’s Shrine of Democracy then have dinner at a local restaurant.
Sylvan Lake Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Biking: 22.5 miles (36 kilometers)
Day 4
Another amazing day of biking and exploring awaits you. We’ll resume our Mickelson Trail bike ride, pedaling a stretch with rewarding views of Crazy Horse before we pedal back down to the town of Custer where picnic lunch awaits. After a nice break, we’ll begin our ride where we left off to pedal to the tiny town of Pringle. This afternoon we will take in natural beauty as we transfer to Wind Cave to tour one of the most complex and longest caves in the world. Enjoy tonight’s dinner at our accommodation’s restaurant.
Sylvan Lake Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Biking: 27 miles (43 kilometers)
Day 5
Today we complete the final section of our 177 kilometer (110 miles) Mickelson Trail journey. Take your time and savor this easygoing section of trail as you pass through rolling foothills, expansive private ranches, and “as-far-as-the-eye-can-see” prairies. Lunch is at the City Park in Edgemont, the official end of the trail, where we will celebrate our last day of biking. After lunch, enjoy a bit of free time before shuttling to the State Game Lodge for a final dinner together. Tonight, toast to a great week spent exploring the Black Hills.
Sylvan Lake Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Biking: 32 miles (51 kilometers)
Day 6
This morning we head over to the world’s largest mountain carving, Crazy Horse. Still in progress, the Memorial is destined to be 10 times the size of Mt Rushmore. This is more than just carvings in stone; it is a compound that will eventually pay tribute to the American Indians and the great Indian Chief, Crazy Horse, housing the Indian Museum of North America, Indian University of North America, and a host of other properties. After your tour, we will say goodbye to the Black Hills and head back to Rapid City for our final farewells.
No Accommodation (Breakfast)
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By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T+Cs Apply.
You’ll be inspired and exhilarated, enjoying mind-blowing scenery on foot, in a sea kayak, or by bike - all at your own pace. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime.
We're proud of our Kiwi roots and you’ll love our professional, warm and relaxed style of hosting. Plus, we’re always here to help with planning, travel, bookings... even hiking boot recommendations!
As soon as your trip starts, we've got everything covered – top notch meals, comfortable transport, superb accommodation, amazing guides and INCREDIBLE service.
With our small groups of typically no more than 14 (up to 18 max), you'll get to know our team, your fellow travellers, and have the flexibility and freedom to do as much (or as little!) as you like. It’s all about going at your own pace.
All our carefully selected guides are highly experienced and have deep personal connections to nature and culture. You’ll enjoy a special experience, authentic local knowledge and an adventure like no other.
We could hang around all day telling you how wonderful our trips are... but the best people to hear it from are our guests themselves.
