Just finished the trail!
- + We finished the trail today and just loved every minute of it.
We rode North to South as we wanted the hardest day of climbing first.
We are trying to get a shuttle tomorrow from Edgemont to Hill Ci...
Discussion started 05/20/2023 07:07 PM by Lisa D. - 8 replies (last reply by Cyndie at 06/01/2023 12:22 PM)Lisa D. from Columbus OH on 05/20/2023 07:07 PM
We finished the trail today and just loved every minute of it.
We rode North to South as we wanted the hardest day of climbing first.
We are trying to get a shuttle tomorrow from Edgemont to Hill City. Rabbit can’t do it and we have left a message for Dave of Dave’s tours but haven’t gotten a reply. Any help is appreciated!
Eric from KC MO on 05/20/2023 07:32 PM
I called them yesterday, seemed helpful and like worth trying in future. Good luck
https://blackhillsdiscoverytours.com/mickelson-trail-bike-shuttle.html
Bill from Springfield, IL on 05/20/2023 09:16 PM
Good luck on finding a ride to Hill City. I don't know much about the options. How many days were you on the trail North to South? How hard was the first day of climbing? Was the trail in good condition and was it windy? Thanks and again good luck.
Bubba on 05/20/2023 09:36 PM
You have bikes which need shuttled also?
Eric from KC MO on 05/20/2023 09:49 PM
Submitted a few hours ago but it requires review, possibly because I included a link. Try Black Hills Discovery Tours at 605-431-1200
605-920-1020 I called them yesterday and spoke about possibly arranging a ride soon. Seemed very helpful. And the price for one person with bike from south end to north end was $170. Please share cost and your outcome.
Bubba from Waterloo, IL on 05/21/2023 06:00 AM
Give me a call
321.759.3433
Bubba from Waterloo, IL on 05/21/2023 11:20 AM
Give me a call
321.759.3433
Lisa Daris from Columbus OHIO on 05/25/2023 06:44 PM
Sorry for the delay in my response. We were able to get a shuttle through Bill of Discovery Tours. Vince was our driver and he was great.
WONDERFUL trail.
Our itinerary was:
Day 0 - Rabbit Bicycles shuttled us and bikes to Deadwood
Day 1 - Deadwood to Hill City
Day 2 - AM - Sight seeing and set up camp in Custer SP
PM - Hill City to Custer SP
Day 3 - Custer to Edgewood (caught shuttle back with Discovery Tours next day)
We finished up each day around 4:30 - 5:30
Cyndie from Irvine, CA on 06/01/2023 12:22 PM
What route to you recommend where it splits at the Kirk trailhead, the sugarloaf route or the other route?
Finding trail head
- + Is it easy finding trail heads I want park car ride trail in sections
Discussion started 05/29/2023 06:04 PM by Raymond martin - 1 reply (last reply by Math Teacher at 05/29/2023 06:56 PM)Raymond martin from East Longmeadow mass on 05/29/2023 06:04 PM
Is it easy finding trail heads I want park car ride trail in sections
Math Teacher from Wyoming on 05/29/2023 06:56 PM
It isn't hard to find trailheads. Order an official trail guide(money goes back to trail), it is very useful. When I did it last year, my wife would meet me at different towns or trailheads in her car. I also met two people who were doing it in sections like you. They didn't seem to have any issue.
Finding trail head
- + Is it easy finding trail heads I want park car ride trail in sections
Discussion started 05/29/2023 06:04 PM by Raymond martin - 0 repliesRaymond martin from East Longmeadow mass on 05/29/2023 06:04 PM
Is it easy finding trail heads I want park car ride trail in sections
Finding trail head
- + Is it easy finding trail heads I want park car ride trail in sections
Discussion started 05/29/2023 06:02 PM by Raymond martin - 0 repliesRaymond martin from East Longmeadow mass on 05/29/2023 06:02 PM
Is it easy finding trail heads I want park car ride trail in sections
Current Trail Conditions
- + Planning to ride the Mickelson on September 13th. Can anyone tell me if there are any planned trail closures around that time?
Discussion started 09/01/2022 08:39 AM by Mike - 1 reply (last reply by Cyndie Soo at 05/29/2023 12:57 PM)Mike from Irvine, CA on 09/01/2022 08:39 AM
Planning to ride the Mickelson on September 13th. Can anyone tell me if there are any planned trail closures around that time?
Cyndie Soo from Irvine on 05/29/2023 12:57 PM
Hi Mike,
Since you have ridden the trail, can you please tell me how to purchase the trail pass. I know it is an honor system. Do you pay at a kiosk? Do they accept credit cards?
Bike helmet
- + Are bike helmets required to ride on the trail? We have ebikes.
Discussion started 05/15/2023 11:50 AM by Jan Ballance - 2 replies (last reply by NoddyDon at 05/16/2023 08:27 AM)Jan Ballance from Lavaca, AR on 05/15/2023 11:50 AM
Are bike helmets required to ride on the trail? We have ebikes.
Bill from Springfield, IL on 05/15/2023 12:55 PM
I know helmets are mandatory during the Summer and Fall Trail Treks, but I don't see anywhere that says they are required outside of those dates. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong about that.
Summer Trek 2023: June 13-15
Fall Trail Trek 2023: September 15-17
https://gfp.sd.gov/UserDocs/summer-trek-info.pdf
JMO, I crashed on a very similar trail WITH a helmet. Had I not had that helmet on, I probably wouldn't be writing this. JMHO!
NoddyDon from Fairfield, Ohio on 05/16/2023 08:27 AM
Uhmmm...Well I don't have an E-Bike, I use a ME-Bike,(I make it go).
Wearing a bike helmet reduces serious head injury by approximately 87%. If you fall while riding, your head speed can accelerate (with inertia) to as much as 20 mph. Imagine smacking your head against a wall at 20 mph. (Nuff said.) Did bike pack Mickelson and it is beautiful. Good luck.
Electrical Outlet
- + Is there a place to charge ebikes in Pringle?
Discussion started 05/13/2023 12:03 PM by Cyndie - 0 repliesCyndie from Irvine, CA on 05/13/2023 12:03 PM
Is there a place to charge ebikes in Pringle?
Mickleson trail directions
- + Hello, For those that are familiar with the trail, could you please give me detailed riding directions for these two areas: 1. Going south into Hill City to the Comfort Inn & Suites. 2. In Edgemon...
Discussion started 05/12/2023 05:24 PM by Cyndie Soo - 0 repliesCyndie Soo from Irvine on 05/12/2023 05:24 PM
Hello, For those that are familiar with the trail, could you please give me detailed riding directions for these two areas: 1. Going south into Hill City to the Comfort Inn & Suites. 2. In Edgemont - From the end of the trail to the Edgemont Trail Head/Park. Also, have riders experienced a lot of head wind the last half? We are riding in the middle of June, do we need mosquito repellent?
Gold Rush E-Bikes in Deadwood
- + Are ebikes allowed on the Mickelson Trail ?
Discussion started 12/05/2021 05:16 PM by Ben - 4 replies (last reply by Cyndie Soo at 05/12/2023 04:20 PM)Ben from Lyons, Co. on 12/05/2021 05:16 PM
Are ebikes allowed on the Mickelson Trail ?
Patty on 12/05/2021 09:31 PM
I rode my ebike there.
JDM from ND on 12/06/2021 09:52 AM
They are indeed. But you may get some funny looks from traditional bike riders who are busting their rears to climb hills as you zoom past... I know I did! LOL!
Joe from Carlsbad Ca on 12/25/2021 01:38 PM
E-bikes are definitely OK, even some of the Rangers/ trail ambassadors ride them. Just like anything else ride responsibly.
Cyndie Soo from Irvine on 05/12/2023 04:20 PM
Four of us seniors in our 60s are riding ebikes on the trail, staying overnight in Hill City. In Edgemont, we have to meet our shuttle service at 3 p.m. If you have ridden your ebikes, approximately how long did it take from Hill City to Edgemont?
Leaving Car
- + Hi,
I am trying to plan an anniversary trip for my husband and I. Since there is just two of us does anyone have suggestions on leaving a car on either starting point? Is there a shuttle that can ta...
Discussion started 05/12/2022 10:19 AM by SLH - 8 replies (last reply by Cyndie Soo at 05/12/2023 04:01 PM)SLH from Douglas, WY on 05/12/2022 10:19 AM
Hi,
I am trying to plan an anniversary trip for my husband and I. Since there is just two of us does anyone have suggestions on leaving a car on either starting point? Is there a shuttle that can take you all the way back? I only want to ride one way this year since it will be my first long bike ride.
Thank you.
JDM from ND on 05/12/2022 10:46 AM
Do you want to ride predominantly uphill or down? You could probably leave a car at a local hotel. Deadwood would have many more options. I don't know that there is really any type of lodging in Edgemont. I stand corrected. Google says there are two.
In my mind, your car will be less likely to be messed with in Edgemont due to it's lower population and remoteness. But it would probably be safe in Deadwood too.
However, the hurdle of getting a ride back is difficult. We're talking 95 miles by car. I do not recall a shuttle, but perhaps someone else knows something I don't. Uber? Lyft?
Have you considered breaking the trip up? Do some shorter out and backs on the prettier sections of the trail and just moving lodging accordingly?
BikerChick from Topeka, KS on 05/12/2022 12:11 PM
I've been told that Rabbit Bikes in Hill City will shuttle - no idea on the cost though
BikerChick from Topeka, KS on 05/12/2022 12:12 PM
I've been told that Rabbit Bikes in Hill City will shuttle - no idea on the cost though
Denise from Colorado Springs on 06/06/2022 09:52 PM
There are two shuttles that I know of. Rabbit Bike and Rental and Black Hills Discovery Tours. I have a group of 5 and Rabbit can accommodate us and our bikes in one vehicle. Black Hills Discovery Tours can only take a max of 4 per vehicle. So we would have had to pay for two vehicles.. With Rabbit you get a significant discount by paying cash.
MathMan from Wyoming on 06/06/2022 11:50 PM
I would read the reviews on the shuttle before going with Rabbit. There are plenty of reviews that make them seem a little shady. Just FYI, do some research before you put money down. Also, check out the Mickelson Trail FaceBook page for more help.
Mike from Irvine, CA on 06/17/2022 03:42 PM
I parked at the trailhead in Edgemont (plenty of safe parking) and used Discovery Tours for the shuttle to Deadwood. They were great. On time and professional.
McGuirk on 07/12/2022 01:39 PM
Nothing shady about Rabbit Cycles at all. Chris and his partner were very helpful and kind to me. They helped me with a mechanical issue and shuttled us from Edgemount to Deadwood.
Cyndie Soo from Irvine on 05/12/2023 04:01 PM
We booked with Dave's World Tours. We haven't ridden the trail yet, but Dave has been super nice and responsive. He has great reviews too. I was also hesitant about Rabbit after I read some reviews.
Late April riding
- + Is the trail doable in late April if snow stays away?
Discussion started 04/01/2023 11:10 AM by Roger - 1 reply (last reply by SR at 04/14/2023 07:57 PM)Roger from Central Iowa on 04/01/2023 11:10 AM
Is the trail doable in late April if snow stays away?
SR from Mntka, MN on 04/14/2023 07:57 PM
We rode the trail between Deadwood and Custer the last week of May 2022. Previous to that week the high ground had enough snow to be a problem for biking. Biking in April on the Deadwood end at elevation is risky. If you go in April stay to the lower elevation and watch the weather and be prepared for temps in 30 - 50 degrees.
Parked Car Safety
- + How safe are vehicles when parked for a few days at the southern terminus trailhead?
Discussion started 02/18/2023 05:37 PM by Ann - 2 replies (last reply by JDM at 04/05/2023 09:46 AM)Ann on 02/18/2023 05:37 PM
How safe are vehicles when parked for a few days at the southern terminus trailhead?
Big T from Loveland Colorado on 04/05/2023 09:32 AM
I've left my truck in Edgemont three different times and it has been perfectly safe!
JDM from ND on 04/05/2023 09:46 AM
I'd think leaving a vehicle on the southern end of the trail would be significantly more safe than the northern part. But you're riding uphll from there, which may be part of the challenge.
Recumbent trike
- + Can you ride a recumbent trike on the trail? I would like to do a 2 day or three day overnight trip on the trail. also looking for ideas where to leave my vehicle. my husband and I are planning a trip...
Discussion started 02/24/2023 01:31 AM - 1 reply (last reply by Big T at 04/05/2023 09:31 AM)Anonymous on 02/24/2023 01:31 AM
Can you ride a recumbent trike on the trail? I would like to do a 2 day or three day overnight trip on the trail. also looking for ideas where to leave my vehicle. my husband and I are planning a trip. Is there a shuttle service that would take us and the trikes back to our vehicle?
Big T from Loveland Colorado on 04/05/2023 09:31 AM
The trail is great for all bikes! It can be more hilly than you would expect though.
Bill at Discover Tours (Discoverytours@rushmore.com) offers shuttle services, but I don't know if he does trikes.
Trail surface/users
- + Are motorized ATV/etc allowed on the trail? Is the surface hard packed or is it sandy/gravelly?
Discussion started 03/22/2023 09:28 AM by StfniFllr - 1 reply (last reply by JDM at 03/22/2023 10:44 AM)StfniFllr from Ogden, Utah on 03/22/2023 09:28 AM
Are motorized ATV/etc allowed on the trail? Is the surface hard packed or is it sandy/gravelly?
JDM from ND on 03/22/2023 10:44 AM
The only motorized vehicles allowed on the trail as far as I know, are E-bikes.
That being said, there has to be a plethora of trails in the surrounding national forests??
camping
- + Is the trail through public land? Can I wild-camp anywhere, or do I have to use established campgrounds?
Discussion started 03/22/2023 09:27 AM by StfniFllr - 0 repliesStfniFllr from Oglden, Utah on 03/22/2023 09:27 AM
Is the trail through public land? Can I wild-camp anywhere, or do I have to use established campgrounds?
Trail
- + Every year my family enjoys visiting the area. We alwasy try one day of activities. Hiking, walking, biking etc. This year, I would like to ride the trail. I am in shape for my age! Can you ride ...
Discussion started 03/17/2023 09:33 AM by Jeff - 1 reply (last reply by JDM at 03/20/2023 09:29 AM)Jeff from Sheldon on 03/17/2023 09:33 AM
Every year my family enjoys visiting the area. We alwasy try one day of activities. Hiking, walking, biking etc. This year, I would like to ride the trail. I am in shape for my age! Can you ride the trail in one day? I would be on a trek mountain bike. I would have my wife n kids drop me off at the beginning and pick me up in Deadwood. So see roughly 106 miles give or take. Is this correct? I thought it was longer and thought of spending one night out out on the trail but not sure. Any and all thoughts would be great!
JDM from ND on 03/20/2023 09:29 AM
It is entirely possible to ride it in one day for very well prepared people. I was in descent shape when we did the trail, but we still split it up into 4 (3?) days. Memory a little fuzzy, but I know we powered thru the last day and finished a day earlier than planned.
Granted, we were 4 adults and 4 kids, so there were other limitations, but most days, I was ready to be done with it.
Being your first time, my recommendation is to ride the opposite way (Deadwood to Edgemont) as it predominantly downhill:
https://bikemickelson.com/elevation.aspx
Car
- + Where is the safest place to leave your car overnight in Custer to ride the trail?
Discussion started 03/14/2023 09:32 AM by Donna - 1 reply (last reply by JDM at 03/14/2023 10:03 AM)Donna from Colorado springs on 03/14/2023 09:32 AM
Where is the safest place to leave your car overnight in Custer to ride the trail?
JDM from ND on 03/14/2023 10:03 AM
We stayed at Buffalo Ridge Best Western and it seems like a safe enough place to park and a very easy ride to the trail from there. Across the road are two other hotels that probably wouldn't notice an extra car in the parking lot for a night.
Snowshoe the mickelson trail
- + Is there a place to rent snowshoes to go snowshoeing in the deadwood lead area?
Discussion started 01/03/2023 02:50 PM by KS - 0 repliesKS on 01/03/2023 02:50 PM
Is there a place to rent snowshoes to go snowshoeing in the deadwood lead area?
New to this
- + I am new to this and the Michelson trail will be my first long ride. What is the recommendation for gear and how far to travel each day? I will be starting in Deadwood and i want to do the whole trail...
Discussion started 09/30/2022 11:48 AM by Randy - 1 reply (last reply by Mike at 10/31/2022 10:11 AM)Randy from Wakeeney on 09/30/2022 11:48 AM
I am new to this and the Michelson trail will be my first long ride. What is the recommendation for gear and how far to travel each day? I will be starting in Deadwood and i want to do the whole trail.
Thanks in advance for all your help,
Randy
Mike from Irvine, CA on 10/31/2022 10:11 AM
I would recommend a mountain bike or cx/gravel bike. I have done it twice on mountain bikes with XC tires. The surface is hard packed and very fast. I would say whatever distance you are comfortable with on the road would be similar on the trail. My first time I did it over 2 days (staying the night in Hill City). I was bored to tears. Got done riding before lunch, and there was NOTHING to do in Hill City. The next time I did it all in one day, and it wasn't bad at all. Both times I have gone north to south. If you can do a century on the road you'll be fine doing it all in one day. It's also easier to do in one day since you don't have to pack gear for overnights.
Thru Hike
- + I just completed a solo 109 mile thru hike from Deadwood to Edgemont from 7-10 October. If you have any questions please let me know. My email is richcrim@hotmail.com.
Discussion started 10/15/2022 08:38 PM by Rich Crim - 1 reply (last reply by JAM at 10/18/2022 10:11 AM)Rich Crim from Nemo, SD on 10/15/2022 08:38 PM
I just completed a solo 109 mile thru hike from Deadwood to Edgemont from 7-10 October. If you have any questions please let me know. My email is richcrim@hotmail.com.
JAM on 10/18/2022 10:11 AM
Hey question - I called the trails office and they informed me that the trail is closed from Minnekahta to Edgemont with no detour. Just wondering how you went through? It was closed October 3. I’d like to cycle it but don’t know if it’s possible.
Thru Hike
- + I just completed a solo 109 mile thru hike from Deadwood to Edgemont from 7-10 October. If you have any questions please let me know. My email is richcrim@hotmail.com.
Discussion started 10/15/2022 06:40 PM by Rich Crim - 0 repliesRich Crim from Nemo, SD on 10/15/2022 06:40 PM
I just completed a solo 109 mile thru hike from Deadwood to Edgemont from 7-10 October. If you have any questions please let me know. My email is richcrim@hotmail.com.
non interactive trail map
- + guidebook suggests cell service is slim to non-existant. looking for a good map of the trail that i don't have to access from the web. don't want to rely on resources that are unavailable while on the...
Discussion started 08/29/2022 11:35 AM by isabel - 2 replies (last reply by JDM at 09/15/2022 02:32 PM)isabel from PHILADELPHIA on 08/29/2022 11:35 AM
guidebook suggests cell service is slim to non-existant. looking for a good map of the trail that i don't have to access from the web. don't want to rely on resources that are unavailable while on the trail.
Ann from Rio Rico AZ on 09/15/2022 02:04 PM
When you pay fee at trailhead you can pick up Good maps
JDM from ND on 09/15/2022 02:32 PM
There are also downloadable ones I found somewhere?? But a paper map is always a good backup in case batteries die!
Oreville Campground
- + How do you get to Oreville Campground from Mickelson Trail?
Discussion started 08/22/2022 12:17 PM by JB - 2 replies (last reply by Ann at 09/15/2022 02:01 PM)JB from Columbia MO on 08/22/2022 12:17 PM
How do you get to Oreville Campground from Mickelson Trail?
JDM from ND on 08/29/2022 11:54 AM
Seems there are gravel roads that intersect with hwy 385 and the trail both North and South of the campground, with the south being closer to the entrance to the CG, but uphill once on the highway to the CG. Whereas the North entrance appears to have a little down, transitioning to level and maybe slightly up? Hard to tell from Google Street view.
Ann from Rio Rico AZ on 09/15/2022 02:01 PM
Go left out of campground but stay on the very wide shoulder going against the traffic for about 1/4 mile. Look for road to your right and I think you can see the Oreville shelter. Carefully cross the highway to the trail. Not normal to go against traffic but you will see why this is safer. If you go with the traffic there is no shoulder on a fast downhill.
bridges and caves
- + I am interested in finding the bridges and caves that are supposed to be on the trail. How can I find these? We are going to be there in tow weeks for the Annual Buffalo roundup but want to take tim...
Discussion started 09/14/2022 12:34 PM by Carleigh - 0 repliesCarleigh from RhodeIsland on 09/14/2022 12:34 PM
I am interested in finding the bridges and caves that are supposed to be on the trail. How can I find these? We are going to be there in tow weeks for the Annual Buffalo roundup but want to take time on the trail too!
Thorns on trail?
- + Are thorns an issue on the trail? I ask because I do the Cowboy Trail each year in Nebraska and goat head thorns are the scourge of that trail. Riding in a couple of weeks and want to be prepared if...
Discussion started 08/03/2022 02:18 PM by Dougt - 2 replies (last reply by Martie at 08/31/2022 08:31 AM)Dougt from Onawa, Ia on 08/03/2022 02:18 PM
Are thorns an issue on the trail? I ask because I do the Cowboy Trail each year in Nebraska and goat head thorns are the scourge of that trail. Riding in a couple of weeks and want to be prepared if necessary. Thanks!!
JDM from ND on 08/03/2022 03:04 PM
While prepared for flats, our group of 8 didn't pick up any.
Martie from Rapid City on 08/31/2022 08:31 AM
No thorns like The Cowboy Trail. No thorns at all on Mickelson