June 13-17, 2026
Black Hills & Badlands Gravel Ride
Unearth South Dakota’s rugged history and best-kept secrets on two wheels. Our unique gravel tour is your gateway to the state’s premier national parks, historic monuments, and impressive rail-trails. This is where adventure meets the trail.
About the Ride
From the dramatic moonscape of the badlands to the lush forests & spires of the black Hills.
June 13-17, 2026
Rapid City, South Dakota
Go beyond the pavement and discover the rugged soul of South Dakota on a gravel adventure unlike any other. This unique bike tour connects the state’s hidden gems, guiding you through the stunning landscapes of national parks, past iconic historic monuments, and along impressive rail-trails. Pedal through history and experience the wild heart of the American West.
Can’t make it this time?
Event Details
Positive Planet Impact
Full Event Story
Embark on an unforgettable gravel adventure through two of America’s most legendary landscapes on the South Dakota Black Hills & Badlands Tour. This 5-day journey begins by immersing you in the otherworldly terrain of Badlands National Park, where you’ll pedal through a stunning moonscape of dramatic, multi-hued spires and pinnacles.
From the stark beauty of the Badlands, you’ll transition to the lush, pine-scented forests of the Black Hills. Here, you will explore the iconic George S. Mickelson Trail and the scenic gravel roads of Custer State Park, home to vast, free-roaming bison herds. This route is steeped in history and grandeur, taking you past the monumental sculptures of Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, with a stop in the historic Old West town of Deadwood.
With full support and long and shorter options each day, the riding is adventurous with some challenging climbs. As a fully supported Climate Ride event, you’ll be powered by a sense of community and purpose, complete with a shared goal that your proceeds benefit vital environmental causes. Join us for a ride that combines epic scenery, rich history, and adventure advocacy into one incredible gravel tour.
Photo Gallery
Itinerary Overview
Itinerary subject to change, your Ride Guide will include full details.
Each day’s route has a mix of pavement and gravel roads. Your daily ride can be lengthened or shortened depending on your ride goals!
Day 0
Arrive in Rapid City, South Dakota
Please arrive in Rapid City today. We’ll have an evening route talk to get ready for tomorrow.
Your Ride Guide will have a recommended hotel.
Day 1
Badlands Loop
59 mi +1,725 ft, -1,725 ft
37 mi +961 ft -1,296 ft (with shuttle)
After an early breakfast we’ll shuttle 45 min to start the Badlands National Park loop. Cycling the Badlands National Park loop is an unforgettable journey through a surreal and ancient landscape. This route along the scenic byway presents a rewarding challenge with its series of rolling hills, short but steep climbs, and exhilarating descents.
As you pedal, you are surrounded by the park’s iconic, multi-hued spires and dramatic buttes, contrasted sharply against the expansive mixed-grass prairie. The ride offers numerous pull-offs for breathtaking vistas and opportunities to spot iconic wildlife like bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs. The stunning, otherworldly beauty makes it a truly remarkable cycling experience. After the ride, we’ll shuttle 1.5 hr to. Spearfish, SD to our hotel. We’ll enjoy a hearty dinner in town.
Day 2
Spearfish Canyon to Deadwood
40 mi, +2,677 ft -1,827 ft (shorter options with shuttle)
Bicycling Spearfish Canyon to Deadwood is one of the most scenic segments of the Mickelson Trail. Starting amidst the towering limestone cliffs and lush foliage of the canyon, you connect to the trail for toward Deadwood.
The trail’s smooth, crushed gravel surface winds through the dense pine forests and quiet meadows of the Black Hills, offering a peaceful immersion in nature. The journey beautifully contrasts serene wilderness with history, as you roll directly into the lively, old-west town of Deadwood.
Tonight we’ll stay near Deadwood where you can take the trolley through town to check out the historic buildings and lively scene.
Day 3
Deadwood to Hill City via the Mickelson Trail
53 mi, +2,972 ft – 2,667 ft (shorter options with shuttle)
The bicycle route from Deadwood to Hill City on the Mickelson Trail is a classic Black Hills journey, covering nearly 50 miles.
Starting from the historic town of Deadwood, we’ll begin a steady climb that winds through the dense forests of the Black Hills. The rewarding ascent takes you through cool, dark railroad tunnels and over spectacular high trestle bridges that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. After reaching the trail’s high point near the old mining outpost of Rochford, the route transforms into a long, enjoyable, and gentle descent all the way to the town of Hill City.
Tonight, we’ll reach out hotel where we’ll stay for two nights.
Day 4
Needles Highway to Custer State Park’s Wildlife Loop
59 mi, +4,327 ft – 4,327 ft (shorter options available with shuttle)
Want to ride all the way back? Try the 80 mile option!
Today is one of the conic road cycling experiences in the Black Hills.
The journey begins with the Needles Highway, a narrow road renowned for its spectacular granite spires, sharp hairpin turns, and steeper climbs. You’ll enjoy single-lane rock tunnels, including the famous Needle’s Eye Tunnel.
After conquering these pine-covered peaks, the route transitions to the much gentler, rolling hills of the 18-mile Wildlife Loop. Here, which will feel like a serene safari on two wheels. Enjoy a relaxed pace through open grasslands, which are famous for offering close-up views of the park’s free-roaming bison herds, as well as pronghorn, burros, and prairie dogs. On the way back we’ll visit the Crazy Horse Memorial. Tonight we return to our hotel to rest up for the final day!
Day 5
33 mi, +2,018 ft, -4,521 ft (lots of fun descending!)
Our ride ends with a grand finale, connecting the iconic monuments of the Black Hills via some of America’s most unique roads.
We begin with a scenic ride through the forested, rolling hills of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway toward Mount Rushmore. The anticipation builds with each climb as you catch intermittent glimpses of the famous presidential faces in the distance.
After arriving at Mount Rushmore, the adventure culminates with a descent along the historic Iron Mountain Road. This road is a masterpiece of Depression-era engineering, designed for a scenic, unhurried pace. You’ll navigate thrilling, spiraling “pigtail” bridges that allow the road to loop down the mountainside. The true magic lies in the series of one-lane tunnels, which were ingeniously designed to perfectly frame the faces of Mount Rushmore in the distance as you ride away. This unforgettable route blends monumental history with stunning natural beauty, making it a truly epic conclusion to a cycling tour of the region.
We’ll load up your bikes and shuttle you back to Rapid City, arriving around 2 PM.
Ready to get started?
FAQs and More Info
What is included?
Included:
- Expert guides, route support, and luggage transfer
- Pickup and drop off in Rapid City, South Dakota
- Hotels
- All meals (except one dinner), electrolytes and snacks
Not Included:
- Bicycle – gravel bike required. Need to rent? We’ll have rental options for you!
- Travel to/from the event & any pre- or post-ride accommodations
- Travel/supplemental medical insurance
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips for guides (In your Ride Guide we will indicate recommended tips.)
- Single supplement fee. If you prefer your own room, there is a fee for the week.
What does my fundraising support, and why is it so important?
Cyclists can choose from the more than 100 incredible beneficiary organizations in our network! One of the things that make Climate Ride such an effective charitable event is that you can select the organization(s) you wish to fundraise for from our extensive list of beneficiary organizations. Our beneficiaries were selected for their work on the environment, conservation, sustainability, climate education, and active transportation advocacy. At the end of the year, Climate Ride grants the proceeds from our events to these hard-working organizations.
Travel Information
The meeting location for this trip is Rapid City, South Dakota. We will meet early in the morning of Day 1. We’ll return to Rapid City around 4 PM on the last day. If you are driving to the start of the trip, we’ll offer a location to leave your vehicle for the week.
If you are flying to Rapid City (RAP) for this event, please arriving the day before the trip starts. You can book flights after 3 PM on the last day, but flight schedules might require that you overnight in Rapid City.
We’ll meet everyone the night before the trip for a briefing at the recommended hotel.
Can I rent a bike?
Gravel Bike rentals are available for this trip. After registering, contact your participant manager for more information.
Accommodations & Meals
Each evening, we’ll stay in hotels.
All meals and snacks are included with the exception of one dinner.
Fundraising and Transfer Deadlines | Important Dates
Fundraising Deadlines:
| $500 | TBD |
| $1,475 | TBD |
| Transfer Deadline | TBD |
| $2,950 | TBD |
Note: If you’d like to register after or near a fundraising deadline, don’t worry, we’re here to help you get up to speed!
More Questions?
Be sure to review our general FAQ and policies or contact us!
