Mickelson Trail Forum

I have one long day of biking (7AM to 5 PM) and a second day of 3 hours on the trail. Staying at Hill City, SD.

Where should I go to get most bang for the buck on such a short stay?

I'm only speaking for myself but using your schedule I'd ride north out of Hill City. You'll see more forested/scenic views rather that the open plains view if you rode south. Plus, when I've been on the more open southern portion it can be very windy.

Hill City is at MilePost 60. The northern end of the trail at Deadwood is MP 108. So that's 96 miles roundtrip in one day. If you only went to Rochford at MP 82, now you are down to only 44 miles roundtrip. Very doable. Plus, you'll go through 3 of the 4 tunnels on the trail (there are no tunnels going south) and you could reach all 4 tunnels going another 7 miles north of Rochford.

I'd look over this map to see the elevation changes because that's a big part of any distance you'll plan, especially if it's very hot and humid the day you ride.

Here's the link:
https://www.scribd.com/document/92691828/Mickelson-Trail-Guide

The map will show you both distances and elevation gain or loss. If you are up for 96 miles in one day, going north to Deadwood would be my choice. But even going to Rochford is a fun ride. JMHO.

Good luck and stay safe.

Thank You so much for the details.

Hope I helped a bit. Let us know how you liked whatever portion of the trail you wind up riding. Thanks!

I have spoken to the people in the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks who oversee the Mickelson trail about E-bikes. The interpretation of the State law is that any e-bike that functions as a class 1 bike may use the trail. What does this mean? Class 1 and class 2 bikes that have the throttle disconnected may use the trail. Class 3 bikes are prohibited unless the throttle was disconnected and the speed was limited to 20mph. Disconnected means that it cannot not be engage without the bike fully stopped. If the throttle can be reengage while still riding this may not count as disconnected.
I know this will make some people happy and others mad, but it’s just the facts. I put 140 miles on the trail in the past two weeks and the only safety issue i had involved a leashed dog who's owner permitted to nip at my feet. Courtesy is the key to any trail use.
The trail is not supervised, the state does not have the budget for that. But you are liable for your actions and any harm you cause.
Please be courteous, please remember others on the trail. Buy a pass (it costs more to park your car at any sports venue than the pass costs. In the words of Aretha Franklin, RESPECT.

New to the trail. I biked most of trail 89 years ago . Finally getting back into riding again. I'm wondering what the ride is like from Dumont south to Rochford.

The Dumont to Rockford run is a beautiful down hill ride the entire way. About 1 1/2 degree average. It is under 10 miles. If you wanted a some more you could go to Mystic, about 18 total miles and only a couple slightly less than 1 degree uphills near the end. It would add some very scenic views. Hope you have a wonderful time.

Fortunately I read this forum before we traveled to ride the Mickelson Trial as it was on our bucket list. However our Class 3 bikes are not permitted! Couldn't a posted speed limit (20 mph) taken care of this issue?
We now have canceled our hotel in Lead for 3 nights ($488.), our hotel in Hill City ($173), our shuttle service ($225), our camp site in Custer State park ($105), Badlands ($45) not to mention the fuel, food and miscellaneous expenses in SD. Thank you for posting this about the restriction on the trail so we didn't spend the estimated $1,500 plus in SD.

As far as I remember, there aren't posted speed limit signs on the trail now.

I think it's like the posted speed limits on the Interstate Highways. As many people ignore the limits as obey them. I know between Sioux Falls and Rapid City, I-90 is like a racetrack much of the time. And that's with the current 80 mph speed limit!

I don't think adding signs would slow down e-bikes on the trail or take care of the issue.

For a few days, you could rent Class 1 e-bikes and have a wonderful bucket list ride. It wouldn't cost that much extra than what you were already spending. I know it's probably more complicated than that for you, but it is an option. Lots of other things to see in South Dakota while you are there, too.

Good luck.

I totally agree with the principle of restricting throttles on non-mortorized trails. I find myself being a “throttle nazi” on public multi-use trails. Specially when e-bikes are used as an electric motorcycle. I ,myself, own a class 2 bike and use the throttle extremely rare (mostly to get my momentum going from a stop on a hill or in an “awckward” pedal position.
My question is: can I disconnect my throttle and leave the control at home. Thus, essentially making my bike a class 1 e-bike. I’d appreciate any input on this matter as we are planning a trip to the “Mickelson area”from Montana in Sept.

My god some of these comments make e-bikers look like the spawn of hell. I can be just as safe on a class 3 e-bike than most people on a normal bike. And what's wrong with fat tires on bikes, it improves traction. If you want danger try riding the Mick on thin gravel tires.They probably don't even enforce the ban on class three's. Do they have some people riding the trail to pass out tickets? If they stopped me I'd give them a piece of my mind and tear the fricken ticket up. Just let people ride their bikes, and just close the trail down if it's gonna be this much of an issue. There are plenty of other places to ride. SCREW EM'

Replying to Lee: I really don't know the answer to your interesting question. I would think you would be okay, but you might want to check with someone at the SD Parks and Recreation.

Replying to Dick Shitler: WOW, you are just the kind of human being the laws are made to protect SANE people from. Guys like you on the trail are how others get hurt...and it's obvious from your attitude that you could not care less if you did hurt someone.

FAT tires on 70# bikes (which many e-bikes do weigh) going up to 28mph (the Class 3 limit) is a serious danger. I really don't care what you think you know. It's simple physics.

You might tear up your ticket, but that won't mean you won't have to pay it. And if you hurt someone riding your ILLEGAL Class 3 bike on the trail, I hope you have a very good lawyer, because I will personally guarantee that you will need one.

By the way, I've ridden the trail more than once on thin gravel tires without a problem. Maybe some training wheels would help you out on whatever class bike you ride. Just a suggestion.

Honestly, you sound just like the 2 e-bikers who ran over me, knew I was hurt, and didn't even stop to help. They just kept going knowing that they had caused a major accident and injury. If guys like you never rode the trail, it would make the trail a safer, better ride for people who care for more than just themselves.

The South Dakota Game Fish and Parks manage the Mickelson Trail. I called and asked about disconnecting a throttle on class 2 bike to make it acceptable for the trail. They have not called me back for two days now. Sorry but no answer. If I hear from them I will post it. What I can tell you about the trail is that it is great, but if that is the only place you ride in the Black Hills you are missing out on the best bike riding anywhere.

Too bad about the ban on class 2 and 3 bikes. We have a group of eight that are 70ish and we’re looking forward to coming out in September until we heard about the law. Guess we’ll spend our thousands of $$ elsewhere.

Too bad about your silly ban on e-bikes. We have a group of 8 in our 60’s and early 70’s that travel all over the country to ride bike trails. From Glacier to Bryce and Zion to Florida and Georgia and points in between. Especially in Wisconsin and Minnesota and upper Michigan all summer long. We’ve never encountered a ban. We were planning a trip to your trail in September but now we’ll just go and spend our thousands of $$’s elsewhere! No money spent at restaurants, casinos, gas, lodging. I think you’re cutting your own tourism throats!

You know, not everything in this country is about dollars. Maybe the SD legislature weighed your dollars against safety for OTHER traditional riders on the trail and they made the decision that your dollars weren't the priority. I know that's a concept that some e-bikers don't get. (Not all, but enough.)

Every now and then (not often), politicians get it right.

Have you stopped to consider that many more like me will now go to the GSM Trail now that class 2 and 3 bikes are banned? Maybe we more than make up for your dollars. I know my family spends a lot when we go there. And glad to do so. It's a great place to visit.

Honestly, I love going to South Dakota and I've never been there when there was a lack of tourists. The few people like you may not go to the Trail, but many will still go to see Mount Rushmore and the many other wonderful attractions that beautiful state has to offer.

I really have tried to stay out of this E-Bike thread because EVERYONE knows my thoughts on e-bikes. But when you put it strictly into dollars and cents and don't look at the safety aspect...well, I had to make a comment.

I hate to admit this, but I'm older than anyone in your group. To me, riding a non-assisted bike on the Mickelson Trail is half the fun. (The other half is the scenery.) The day I need a battery and a throttle to get me up a hill on the trail, I'll just stay home and ride in the local park.

By the way, I know a lot of trails that ban Class 3 bikes and many ban Class 2. I guess it depends on where you ride.

What's "silly" to you is not so funny to the people who have been injured by e-bikes. Like me. Of course, you could always move to SD and try to get the law changed.

I'll acknowledge that a person can get hurt by a traditional bike, but the damages and injuries are usually less. When you get run over by a 70# e-bike...well, you'll know the difference. You still can rent class 1 or traditional bikes for those people who want to ride a beautiful trail. Yuu should consider that.

LOL, I know I'm the Debbie-Downer in this thread. But when you wind up in an ER in Rapid City because of 2 e-bikers, you won't worry about "tourism dollars." You'll be thankful that the SD legislature put safety over those potential dollars.

Thank you.

Gregory, sorry that you and your friends will not get to ride in our wonderful State. Mark knows I do not fully agree with the States decision on the trail, but there are many reasons for that decision. South Dakota is a very welcoming state. It is one of the best places in the world to ride bikes, and for the most part we love it when people come to our state and ride with us. But we are a little sensitive when it comes to threats of spending your money else where. We just had to deal with a quarter million people of which too many think they own everything because they paid to visit. If you have that attitude we are glad you are not coming. But you are missing out. People here are helpful, friendly and hospitable. We have the Mickelson trail, plus 3000 miles of gravel riding in the Black Hills alone. Some of the best road riding anywhere, hundreds of miles of groomed mountain bike trails. You could spend a year riding E-bikes in the Black hills and not see it all.

Pat always has the most rational comments in this e-bike thread. I always admit my injury makes me less rational.

Pat is so correct about the people in South Dakota - friendly, helpful, and hospitable. From Sioux Falls to Chamberlain to Deadwood to Hill City, we've stayed all over the state. Always welcoming. The first trip we ever took back in the 70s was to Mount Rushmore. Even the people at the ER in Rapid City treated me like a neighbor. Really could ER care, too.

We go back to SD every chance we get. We went to Sturgis once not knowing it was the same week as the Motorcycle Rally. Won't make that mistake again, ha-ha. Nothing against bikers, but the hotel prices that week were insane...if you could get one.

I'd still recommend to anyone to rent Class 1 e-bikes for the Mickelson. The trail is one you want on your bucket list...even if you've done it before.

Happy riding.

getting mixed information on ebike, we have a level 2 ebike ( with throttle) are they permitted on the trail?

No, only Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on the Mickelson Trail. The South Dakoto legislature passed a law prohibiting all other e-bikes. You can read the details here:

https://kbhbradio.com/house-passes-bill-limiting-mickelson-trail-to-class-1-e-bikes/

The governor signed the bill a month after the House passed it.

https://kbhbradio.com/rhoden-signs-bills-including-school-cash-mandate-mickelson-trail-e-bike-limitation-911-surcharge/

Violations would fall under the state’s lowest class of misdemeanors, punishable by a maximum of 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.

The state law says only level 1. There are sings at each trail head that state “only level one”. I would love to say obey the laws but I ride the trail every week, just road 70 mile yesterday. There is no one checking and I have never had an issue with anyone on an e-bike. There are problems in town but not on the trail. Those of us on gravel bikes are always going faster than the e-bikes. Go for it! The only safety issue on the trail are joggers with earbuds and dogs not on a leash.

Yeah, "GO FOR IT" sounds like great advice until you accidentally run over a child and/or hurt someone with your ILLEGAL bike.  Then I'm sure Pat will help you pay for the lawyer you will surely need...especially after you've ignored all the posted signs.

I say all this because I was injured on the trail by two e-bikers (Class 2 btw) and wound up at the emergency room in Rapid City because the urgent care facility in Hill City was closed.  

Yeah, I'm jaded because the injuries I acquired are still with me six years later and will never go away along with the scars to my neck and face.  The fact that my bike required $1000 in repairs was just icing on the cake.

GO FOR IT.  Hell, why do we even need any laws?  It's Thunderdome out there.  Just do whatever makes YOU happy.  Forget the consequences to others and especially to some young child you run over with your 70# e-bike. 

Sorry for the rant.  I didn't sue the last time.  I won't make that mistake again. 

Wait?  What?  Pat from Spearfish won't help you pay for the lawyer you WILL need.  Who could have guessed that?

I am sorry that you had a bad accident, but the Facts remain, e-bike accidents on the trail, though not tracked are listed by local authorities as “very rare”. If we keep banning every thing that can possibly harm us we won’t have a trail. There are barely enough people using the trail now to justify its costs. This law has hurt local rentals and eliminated many people from the trail. I have ridden the trail atleast 40 times a year for the past 25 years and the only accidents I have witness have been caused by dogs. And small children. I don’t think we need to ban either.

I DO APOLOGIZE for taking out my rant on you.  I know you were just trying to give some friendly advice.  So, excuse me for my bad behavior. 

It's like I get triggered when I hear about Class 2 or 3 e-bikes on the trail, HAHA. 

Accidents are "very rare" UNTIL they happen to you, or maybe someone you care about.

I worry that we are fast becoming a "ME, ME, ME" society regardless of what laws are passed.  When I choose only the laws I will obey and you choose only to obey the laws you like, chaos is the ultimate result.  

I'm assuming the South Dakota legislature passed the bill, and the governor signed it based upon evidence and good reasoning. 

If we don't like a law, we should work to change it...not ignore it at the possible risk to others. 

As to "I don't think we need to ban dogs and small children..."  Okay, but the current law DOES ban Class 2 and 3 e-bikes.  That's the difference.  Work to change the law if you feel it needs to be changed.

I will admit that my EXTREME BIAS is due to the accident I had.  All the medical bills and deductibles were on me and my insurance.  Why?  Because the two twenty-somethings that ran over me wouldn't even stop to help me even though they saw the condition I was in.  Blood streaming down my face with my bike in pieces.  Cuts to both sides of my face with scars that won't go away.  (Had I not been wearing a helmet, the injuries probably would have been even worse.) 

I didn't have a cell signal between Deadwood and Hill City, so I couldn't call for help. The few people I met on the trail didn't have cell service either.  Had to slowly walk my bike over 10 miles to Hill City.  Thankfully, it was mostly a downhill grade. When I got to Hill City, urgent care was closing and they told me I needed to drive myself 30 miles to Rapid City.

The effects are still with me in many ways.  My neck has never healed to where I feel like riding more than a few miles, let alone go bikepacking.  I also enjoyed hiking in the Sierras and the injury to my back doesn't allow that.

I probably need to remove myself from these Mickelson Trail alerts!  This topic comes up EVERY year, and I rant about it EVERY year.  Since I'll probably never be able to ride the trail again, I get triggered for no reason.

But I do worry about other people (especially seniors and young children) getting run over by 70# e-bikes with a 200# rider going 25-30mph.  I'm not a scientist, but that math sounds like a recipe for serious injury.

You don't need to reply.  We'll just have to agree to friendly disagree on Class 2 and 3 e-bikes on the trail.  I will say if they aren't going to patrol the trail and enforce the law as it is currently written, they should just repeal the law.

The only advice I would give anyone is that if you do choose to ignore the law and all the posted signs...and you injure someone...well, personal injury lawyers like to make money. Lots of it.

All the best to you.  Stay safe out there. I do hope I get to ride the trail once more before I die.

Mark, I hope you will continue to share your story on the forum. Though I don’t care for the law it is still important that people are aware of risks. It is never a bad idea to share safety concerns. I do hope you can have a more complete recovery, and I hope you come out to the Black Hills again. We have great fishing too.

Mark,

Sorry you had that experience. I have a class 2 ebike that cannot exceed 19.8 MPH when using the throttle. That said I have had non-electric bike pass me going much faster than that and without given any notice they were coming up from behind. I have a friend that has a class 2 three-wheel bike because they have MS but like going on the trails. Those too are set not to exceed 19.8 mph but I rarely see him over 8mph. To me its a shame there are no exceptions for handicap people like that. I understand the safety needs on the trail but every person using the trails should keep safety in mind whether you are walking it or riding it. I would also like to remind people when riding it on any bike to let people you are approaching that you will be coming up on their left. People with pets please use leashes. I hate getting bit by startled unleased dogs. It is just commonsense folks.

My Wife and I have class II ebikes (Max 20 MPH) and have rode the Mickelson back in 2023 without issue. We were going to hit the trail again in a few weeks on our way to yellowstone but will probably have to bypass the trail with this new law and stop somewhere else. I have MS and wife is going on her second hip replacement so these bikes have been a game changer and have allowed us to bike thousands of miles in the past few years. On the trail we average 10-12 Mph and typically are just enjoying the scenery. We have been pushed off the trail by both inconsiderate ebikes and road bikes going too fast. So it really doesn't matter what you are riding just how safe and considerate you are. its really is a shame there are not exceptions for people with health issues or age consideration.

I'm replying to Jim from Oak Lawn. I agree with your sentiments about riding safely. The only thing I'd add is that the weight of e-bikes makes a big difference regarding the safety issue.

An electric bike typically weighs between 40 and 80 pounds (18 to 36 kg), depending on its components and design. Standard bicycles usually weigh significantly less, around 17 to 25 pounds (8 to 11 kg).

That 20# to 60# difference over my 22# Trek gravel bike along with the much larger tires on some e-bikes, does complicate the issue. I don't know how much the e-bikes that hit me weighed, but I know they were a lot heavier than my 22# bike. Factor in that much difference, the size of the rider, and the speeds they were going...well, I missed physics class that day, but I know it makes a difference.

That said, (A) I'm not worried about riders like you and your wife and (B) I wouldn't be opposed to exceptions for those with special needs. Maybe the legislature could look into that. Possibly a special permit for those who need the assistance of an electric bike.

I would hope something could be done to accommodate those like you to allow you to ride the trail. I just don't have the answer to that. Keep riding.

Thanks Mark, sorry about your accident and hope you do not have any lasting issues. Our bikes are not fat tire and are pretty light bc I am dragging a camper behind us and have to put them on the bed of the truck. That said being from St Louis I am guessing you ride the Katy trail we and finally finished it this year and absolutely love it. Its our goal to hit all of the hall of fame trails, we started over 3 years ago and have about 15 down and have a lot to go. I will need to consider just getting Class 1 bikes but the throttle has helped on some of the steeper hills and getting going from a stop especially crossing busy roads. Enjoy the ride !!

Hi Jim,
15 of the HOF trails? That's impressive. I hope to get there someday.

Yes, I've ridden the Katy Trail end to end several times. It is a beautiful trail. I've been wanting to ride the Trail of the Coeur D'Alenes and the Hiawatha Trail for many years and I'm hoping to get those done this fall. (I'm now retired, so more time to do these trails.)

I've ridden the American River Trail (AKA the Jedidiah Smith Trail) from Sacramento to Folsom following along the American River for parts of 32 miles. The area near downtown Sacramento is a little sketchy these days (it didn't use to be), but it's a trail worth riding. It's all paved and there are many access points away from downtown.

I'd also recommend the Rio Grande Trail from Aspen, CO 40 miles down to Glenwood Springs. It's all paved and it's mostly downhill if you start at Aspen at 8,000 and coast down to GS at 5,700 feet. A bus can take you and your bikes back up to Aspen for a very nominal cost.

And there is the Glenwood Canyon Trail 32 mostly flat miles roundtrip from Glenwood Springs (a town worth visiting) to Dotsero and back. It's paved and follows the Colorado River through the canyons. One of the most scenic trails I've ever ridden. I-70 is right beside the trail so it can be noisy through the canyon. Easy ride with your bikes (if you haven't already done that trail).

So many trails, so little time!

Have you looked into contacting the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks office to see if there are exceptions to the e-bike rule that might accommodate you? It might be worth a try. Here's the link:

https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/george-s--mickelson-trail/

Again, it might be worth asking.

All the best to you and your wife. Enjoy the ride.

The last time on Mickelson trail my wife ran into wall in tunnel B cutting her arm. No lighting in tunnel due to Parks management wanting to keep it rustic. About e-bikes, my max speed is 15 mph, trail riding is not a race. Walkers/runners/groups of people need to pay attention for riders and stay to the right of trail. The trail is also kept rustic by Parks department with a limestone surface which makes stopping any bike more difficult. So everyone should be respective of others and not let themselves be hurt. Most modern rail trails have been updated to asphalt and lighting when needed. Ride and walk safely. Enjoy together.

Sorry to hear your wife got hurt. I know I will after close one eye about 50 yards from the tunnel entrance so I can open that eye when I enter thew tunnel and have better night vision. I always worry about something being on the ground and not seeing it. As far as “rustic” it has to do with money. To pave this trail would cost a fortune, that means fees, people to collect fees, so more money. It is perfect how it is. Lighting on solar charges for the tunnels might be a great upgrade. I will suggest that to our local representatives.

I have limited time to bike the trail while I’m in the Badlands and was wondering which section is most scenic if you only have a few hours. I was thinking of starting in Mystic and heading north but it appears that 2 of the tunnels are to the south. I’ll be going round trip and returning to my starting trailhead. Any suggestions?

I have a class 2 ebike however I am able to remove the throttle from the bike and disconnect it totally, which if I read the law correctly would make it a class 1 bike because all other items are then within the requirements for a class 1 bike including motor and being pedal assist only at the point when the throttle is removed. Renting bikes is very costly there. I did that last year. If I remove the throttle and just put regular bike grips on and have everything else meet class 1 requirements can I use it the on the trail?

That's an interesting question that I've never seen before on this forum. The short answer is no.

Here is what I found in regard to the law:

In the U.S., e-bike classes are defined by the bike’s design and motor assist features, NOT by whether you’ve removed a component. Removing a throttle from a Class 2 e-bike does not automatically make it a Class 1 e-bike — the classification is based on the bike’s original configuration and intended operation.

Here’s how it works:

Class 1 e-bike: Pedal-assist only, no throttle, motor cuts off at 20 mph. No motor power without pedaling.

Class 2 e-bike: Has a throttle (can propel without pedaling) plus pedal-assist, both capped at 20 mph.

Key point: Federal and state regulations treat the bike as the class it was designed for. If you remove the throttle, the bike still has the same motor and pedal-assist system. If it still provides pedal-assist up to 20 mph, it remains a Class 2 under the classification rules — even without the throttle.

The “throttle” is just one feature; the class is defined by the assist type and speed limit.

Practical implications:

Legal standing: If you remove the throttle, you may gain more trail access, but you’ll still be riding a Class 2 bike in legal terms.

Bottom line: Removing the throttle from a Class 2 e-bike won’t change its official class — it will still be classified as Class 2. If you want the broadest trail access, you’d need to buy a pedal-assist-only bike (Class 1) rather than modifying a Class 2.

ALL THAT SAID, I guess it depends on how strict the current law is enforced. Technically speaking, you'd still be riding a Class 2 bike, but you might get away with it. I wish they would make the law/policy a lot clearer for everyone. In their minds, maybe they have. IDK.

You know, you make a good point. I have had regular bikes go by me (without warning) just as fast as the e-bikers that ran over me. I think the one difference is the weight of some e-bikes. I'm guessing the bikers that hit me were on 70# bikes and they had those huge fat tires. Both guys were pretty hefty in addition to the weight of their bikes. Of course, I don't know for sure because the two guys (teens really) didn't even stop to help me. I think that added to my frustration.

I will say once I was able to drive myself over to Rapid City, the care I got there was magnificent. And to answer Pat above, I do hope to get back to South Dakota and the trail this year, or next. It's definitely one of my favorite states.

Anyway, I don't have the answers to this e-bike thing on the trail. I'm old-school (and old, too!), so I'll never have an e-bike. I like the feel in my legs after pedaling 50-100 miles a day. Sore, but a good sore.

I know e-bikes are where the industry is going. You can't stop progress. If we can find a way to make it safe for everyone, then my personal experience doesn't matter that much. And, for sure, regular bikers can be dangerous, too.

The Mickelson Trail is so perfect and so beautiful that it would be nice if you could ride the whole trail knowing everyone is looking out for everyone else.

Thanks for your input. And thanks to Pat for inviting me back. I like fishing, but I'm better at riding!

We love the black hills and trail but it looks like we cannot enjoy the trail any more!!!

Exemptions for Senior Citizens

There are no specific exemptions for senior citizens regarding the e-bike law on the Mickelson Trail.

All riders, regardless of age, must adhere to the same regulations, which only permit Class I e-bikes.

Implications
Senior citizens who wish to use the trail must use a Class I e-bike to comply with the law.

This uniformity in the law means that age does not influence the type of e-bike allowed on the trail.

The last time I was in Hill City and Deadwood there were a couple of places that rent Class 1 e-bikes. Since the new law passed, there may be more places offering to rent Class 1 bikes. I'm not sure. Here is a link to some of them:

https://www.mickelsontrailaffiliates.com/bike-shops

Hi, I am looking to book a shuttle with Crossroads Bike Tours from Edgemont to Deadwood on August 8th or 9th and wanted to see if anyone was interested in joining to share the cost. Are there other good shuttle services that cost less?

Hello - We have rented a Shuttle to pick us up at 3pm on Tuesday June 9 from Edgemont transporting us to Deadwood. We have room for others. Please let me know if you would like to join us (and help pay).

Just curious if you have any takers on joining in on your shuttle this early summer. Cost share would be beneficial.

Curious if you have found fellow bikers to share cost on shuttle transportation? I may be interested.

Hello - We are still looking for anyone interested in traveling back from Edgemont to Deadwood on Tuesday June 16. My email is wiscmari@aol.com.

We will ride trail for the first time next week. I am told water is at each trailhead in the summer. Is this the case for June 1?

We are roadtripping and plan to ride the Mickelson from Deadwood to Edgemont over 2 days. Our vehicle will be left overnight unattended with all of our gear/clothes/food.

We were thinking about leaving the vehicle in Edgemont and getting shuttled to Deadwood the morning of. I have looked at the Edgemont campground, Cowboy Inn, and the Edgemont trailhead.

Is there anywhere you'd recommend to leave our car overnight that would be safest? Or would leaving it in Deadwood and getting shuttled back after our ride be a better option?

I have never left a car overnight in Edgemont, but it is a very small town and they are used to having vehicle stay there because of the trail. Deadwood has a very good parking area for the trail and has regular police patrols. I do not think Edgemont would even have a police department. They are probably patrolled by the county Sherriff. I would not be afraid of either but if the cost and logistics with a shuttle are the same I would prefer Deadwood as a parking place. Overall crime is low out here but teens can be just as bored and stupid in small towns as in big cities.

A group of us (3-4 people) are planning to ride the Mickelson Trail at the end of August. We'd probably prefer to camp but I'm having trouble finding campgrounds that would work for our preferred mileage. We will be on mountain bikes and want to do only about 30-35 miles each day. What suggestions can you make for camping? If camping isn't doable, what suggestions do you have for lodging every 30-35 miles down the trail? We'll be going north to south.

Sharon, this may have been mentioned before but in the Black Hills dispersed camping is allowed with a few exceptions (near camp grounds, around lakes and right along the trail. You just need to make sure you are not on private land. I have used trail heads for water and bathroom facilities then just find a spot about a quarter mile or so away and 50 yards off the trail for camping. You could then find a designated camp ground every couple of days.

Thanks for the reply!