FAMILY VACATION
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
USD $3199/per child
Child rates apply for children 12 years and under.
Next available departure
11 Jun - 16 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.
Experience the best of “the land of infinite variety,” from rolling prairies and glacial lakes to iconic American monuments, including Mount Rushmore and the ever-evolving Crazy Horse Monument. Explore the rambunctious wildlife, pine-studded Black Hills, and dynamic history of South Dakota. Step back in time to the Wild West as you bike, hike, and explore the dusty streets of Deadwood and Wind Cave National Park, one of the world’s most unique national parks. Enjoy the finest in regional accommodations and cuisine as you spend time creating unforgettable memories with the kids and fall in love with the outdoor treats and national treasures of South Dakota. Get to know the many spectacular wonders of this expansive state on this South Dakota family vacation, enjoying the simple pleasures of hanging out with your family and actively exploring its diverse and amazing lands.
This trip is operated by Austin Adventures
Day 1
Begin your vacation by exploring Bear Butte State Park and summit the mountain trail yielding sweeping panoramic views for miles and miles. Experience the Old West and learn why Bear Butte is considered one of the most sacred lands by the Plains Indians. Afterward, 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 our home for the next couple nights, Deadwood. 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. If time permits we will explore the world of gold panning at Golden Boot. Tonight’s dinner is at the Deadwood Social Club. Packed full of history and surrounded by the wild west.
Four Points by Sheraton Deadwood (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 4.4 miles (7 kilometers)
Day 2
Today, we head over to the nearby town of Spearfish for a bike ride through a neat canyon. Enjoy a delicious guide-prepared lunch at a local park. Following lunch, we will walk to the Trout Hatchery where we can learn and explore the Von Bayer Museum or visit the Neo-Colonial Revival Booth House. This afternoon, enjoy some downtime or walk around the Mount Moriah Cemetery where Wild Bill and Calamity Jane were laid to rest; visit one of several of Deadwood’s museums, highlighting life in the days of outlaws, gold panning, and Native American skirmishes; or take an “old-time,” black and white photo at Woody’s Wild West. Dinner in Deadwood. Night on your own for dinner tonight.
Four Points by Sheraton Deadwood (Breakfast, Lunch)
Biking: 20 miles (32 kilometers)
Day 3
After a hearty breakfast, we head to one of the many trailheads of South Dakota’s Mickelson Trail to cycle the historic Deadwood to Edgemont Burlington Northern rail line, which serviced gold country for nearly a century. Regenerate yourselves with a lunch prepared by your guides. After lunch transfer to Crazy Horse for a tour. Still, in progress, the Memorial is destined to be some 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.
Sylvan Lake Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Biking: 17 miles (27 kilometers)
Day 4
Today, eat a big breakfast because we have an exciting day ahead of us! From Sylvan Lake, we’ll depart on a neat hike to Little Devil’s Tower. Snake through quaking aspen and Black Hills Spruce to make your way to the granite scramble at the base of the tower. The summit greets you with jaw-dropping views of the Cathedral Spires, Black Elk Wilderness, and the brick fire tower atop 7,242-foot Harvey Peak. This afternoon, we depart for a scenic tour of the Needles Highway on our way to explore Mount Rushmore. Dinner in the historic town of Keystone.
Sylvan Lake Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 3 miles (5 kilometers)
Day 5
This morning, we will partake in a beginner top rope climbing adventure on the Black Hills granite rock surrounding Sylvan Lake. You’ll have all of the equipment and instruction you need to feel comfortable and safe, even if you’ve never climbed before. Indulge in a delicious picnic lunch back at Sylvan Lake. 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. End the afternoon by driving the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park on the lookout for bison, antelope, and wild burros on our way to our final night’s dinner at the State Game Lodge.
Sylvan Lake Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Rock Climbing: 2 hours
Day 6
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the dining room before loading up the van, luggage in tow. Say goodbye to the Black Hills and head back to Rapid City for our farewells.
No Accommodation (Breakfast)
Discounted child prices are available for children 12-years-old and under.
Child rates apply for children 12 years and under.
Filling Up
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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.
