Mickelson Trail Forum

I apologize if this has been covered elsewhere in the forum, but I couldn't find anything about it:

Is there a trail that takes you from the Mickelson Trail to Mount Rushmore?

If so, where is it.

If not, is there a recommended way to get to Mount Rushmore from Mickelson Trail by bicycle (or by foot, if necessary)?

Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide.

I have done the Cowboy Trail in Nebraska and the Katy Trail in Missouri, and your websites for those trails were super helpful. Thank you for providing all of this information, including the forums that are very helpful when there are trail closures, and for fielding questions from people like me.

You'll probably get better information from the locals, but this is my two cents:

There are no "trails" as such to get from the Mickelson Trail to Mt. Rushmore. There are 3 highways and all will originate from Hill City as the Mickelson goes right through downtown HC.
1. You can go north on US 385 out of Hill City to US 16 over to Keystone and then 3 miles south on SD 244 to Mount Rushmore. 14 miles. Lots of cars in the summer and many like to go fast. I see bikers doing it every time I'm there, but I wouldn't.
2. You can go south on US 385 to SD 244 into Mount Rushmore. About 14 miles also. Lots of traffic going to and returning from Mount Rushmore. Not a road I would feel safe on.
3. You can bike or hike Old Hill City Road out of Hill City. About 10 miles to Keystone and 3.5 more (uphill grade) to Mount Rushmore. Traffic not too bad until you get to Keystone. 1.5 hours on a bike maybe 5-6 hiking that road. If I was determined to bike or hike, Old Hill City Road is really the only route I would consider.

You could also consider a local taxi to take you to Mt. Rushmore, explore the entire day, and then taxi back. Not cheap, but something to consider. As I said, locals will probably give you a lot better information than I can give you based upon my many trips to the area. But most likely Hill City will be your starting point.

By the way, I lived in Sacramento 2006-2009 on a work assignment. Loved Sacramento. Rode the Jedediah Smith Memorial trail along the American River several times each week from downtown 32 miles to Folsom Prison and it was one of my all-time favorite trails. Reading the reviews at ALLTRAiLS.com, it seems like it's not a safe place to ride 15 years later. Homeless encampments, drug use, and lots of trash along the river. Is that true? I hope that's an exaggeration as I was looking forward to taking our bikes on our next trip to San Fran and Sacramento. Thanks.

Thank you for the detailed answer! I definitely don't want to ride on roads that are sketchy, vehicle-wise, so I appreciate your focus on staying off the busy roads as much as possible. I'm traveling all the way from Sacramento just to be able to ride a long trail without having to deal with cars, so you know where I stand on this issue!

I have been to Mount Rushmore a few times by car, and spent a lot of time in the visitor center, watching the lighting ceremony, and all of that kind of thing, so my main goal this year is to try to reach it by bicycle, just for the sake of it.

After doing an up-and-back on the Mickelson, I will return home for short layover before heading to North Dakota for the CANDAK -- a totally different experience from a solo trail ride, but a lot of fun.

Regarding the American River Bike Trail, I still ride it all the time, and I think it is safe if you exercise a normal amount of caution and ride during daylight hours. There are homeless encampments near the beginning of the trail at Discovery Park, but after a few miles it is okay. There are a lot of rangers patrolling the trail, and a lot of other cyclists, joggers and hikers around.

Part of the American River trail was underwater a few weeks ago, as Discovery Park basically turned into a giant lake due to some major storms, but it was back to being ridable last weekend. There are some detour areas near Cal Expo and Sac State University where they have been repaving the trail, but they are well-marked and the detour route is only about 20 feet away from the trail itself, so it's not a big deal. When the weather is nice and I'm getting ready for a big ride, my favorite route is to ride from my house to Folsom Lake and back, which is an 85-mile round trip. I usually stuff my jersey pockets with enough food to take a decent lunch break in the picnic area by the lake, then enjoy a few miles of descending after lunch.

If you are going to San Francisco, I advise caution. Mostly, don't leave anything in your vehicle, because the area is plagued with thieves, and cars get broken into at an alarming rate. In the Oakland area, there have even been smash-and-grab vehicle robberies while people are stopping at a traffic signal, or in line for fast food. It is out of control. I have only ridden there a couple times, and it was in a year that started with "198," so I don't have any useful information about the actual cycling part.

Thanks again for your answer.

Enjoy your trips Dave! Thanks for the updates on the American River Trail. Such a fun ride up to Folsom Lake and back. I know SF/Oak is something we really need to think about. I've always wanted to ride across the Golden Gate Bridge but we might need to cross that off our list.

I've never heard of CaNDak. I found this link. https://candak.net/about. That sounds REALLY interesting. May have to put that on the future list for sure. We're planning a bikepacking tour on the 142-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail in North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park this summer. Thanks again and stay safe.

I rode across the Golden Gate Bridge about 38 years ago, and it was spectacular. Lots of people walking, jogging and riding, but it really is a one-of-a-kind experience.

While I stand by my comments about the vehicle break-ins being a big problem and the need to exercise caution in the area, I would recommend researching your options and finding a way to ride across the bridge. There is a fort below the bridge that is a great place to visit, too. Just don't let any of your belongings out of your sight.

Bill, the Old City Road route is going to be my Plan A based on your description, plus Google satellite maps and some videos of the busier highways that I found on YouTube.

It also looks like there is a trail called the Centennial Trail that might provide a shortcut away from traffic, but I have to do more research on that. In all honesty, it might just be a situation where I get there and can make a determination whether or not it seems like a good idea. If not, I just stay on Old City Road.

There aren't that many roads, I will have my Wahoo and phone, and I will never be more than 14 miles away from the hotel that I booked in Hill City, so I'm feeling confident. I decided to stay an extra night in Hill City to allow for a full day to visit Mt. Rushmore before getting back on the Mickelson Trail. Since they have bike lockers at Rushmore, I can walk around and grab a bite in the cafeteria (which I remember being pretty good) and enjoy the day.

Thanks again for your help. I will post something when I return to advise how it went, and hopefully help the next person who has this question (one that I thought would be covered extensively, but clearly isn't).

Good luck and stay safe. Let me know how your plan worked out for you. Might want to try that myself in the future.

ANSWER TO MY ORIGINAL QUESTION:

Getting to Mount Rushmore from the Mickelson Trail is not terribly difficult, but there are a few steep grades. My 10.5-mile (each way) route and recommendations:

Right next to where the trail hits Main Street in Hill City, find Old Hill City Road. It only goes in one direction (south).

Stay on Old Hill City Road for approximately 3 miles, then turn right onto Palmer Gulch Road. This is a dirt/gravel road that is packed tight and in great condition. You will see a "No Outlet" sign, but ignore it -- this road takes you where you want to go.

When you get to the KOA campground, keep going straight, toward the entrance that is on the other side of the campground. There are signs about private property, etc., but there will be a lot of people riding bikes and golf carts around the very wide paved streets, and it seemed like an innocuous violation to make the brief journey through the campground. The entrance is on Highway 244. This will be approximately 4.6 miles into the ride.

Turn left onto Highway 244 and follow this highway until you see the entrance to Mount Rushmore, which will be on your left, approximately 10.5 miles into the ride.

Some things to consider:

I HATE riding on highways or any busy streets, and I didn't feel unsafe on this route. Old Hill City Road and Palmer Gulch Road had almost no traffic, and they make up 40 percent of the ride. There were quite a few vehicles on Highway 244, which makes up the other 60 percent, but there were only two very brief portions (like 100 yards each) in which there wasn't a good-sized shoulder.

The drivers were respectful and gave plenty of room when I was there.

I had a flashing red tail light as well as a Garmin Radar that has a red light, and I wore a bright-colored jersey. I strongly recommend these basic precautions to increase your safety.

Old Hill City Road and Highway 244 both have some sections with very steep grades. I walked the bike up the steep parts, and probably ended up hiking a couple miles in each direction. I rode down the descents quickly and made up for the slow climbs.

In addition to the paved shoulder on Highway 244, there was plenty of grassy area near the shoulder, which allowed me to get even farther away from the cars when walking. I recommend wearing some good walking shoes. I had cycling shoes in one direction and flip-flops in the other, and survived okay, but some tennis shoes would have been a lot better.

You don't have to pay to enter the Mount Rushmore memorial on a bicycle.

There are bike lockers at Mount Rushmore, on Parking Level 1 (pretty much in front of you, slightly to the left, when you enter the park and start seeing employees directing cars to the parking lots). There are four bike lockers/cages there, and the locks are supplied. Go to the parking area office (right near the entrance, a short walk from the lockers) to get a key. There is no charge, but they will take down your name and info to make sure you return the key. When I was there, the employee with the keys was the only one in the entire place who knew that the bike lockers existed, and there was a pretty significant language barrier with the majority of the other employees. Ignore them when they say the lockers don't exist, and just follow the signs to parking level 1 and check the corner nearest the entrance.

They have vending machines with water and other beverages and snacks, in addition to a great cafe, so you will be able to refuel for the return ride/hike.

I hope this is helpful. I have been to Mount Rushmore a few times, but getting there on a bicycle was especially fun. I stayed at one of the hotels right next to the trail, so it was easy to hop back on the Mickelson Trail to continue my up-and-back on the day after my Rushmore side trip.

I'm planning on bike packing the Mickelson trail in May 2025 from Deadwood to Edgemont and interested in learning if there are any shuttle services available that can take me back to Deadwood. Thanks!

I used Black Hills Discovery Tours. They moved my truck for me from Deadwood to Edgemont last August. It’s a little expensive for that service but cheaper than a shuttle for two or more people plus bikes. I was solo. My truck was ready for me to load and go when I arrived. I used a real estate lock box I bought in amazon to secure the keys. Plus didn’t have to shuttle for hours back. Remember if you consider having your personal vehicle shuttled for you it takes two people because that driver needs a ride back plus it’s a long drive. Bill has sold his longtime company to new owners since I hired him.
https://blackhillsdiscoverytours.com/

Another option to research is this group promoting tourism.
https://www.mickelsontrailaffiliates.com/

Hello, I would like to come out and bike this trail. What is the closest airport to fly into from NY? How close to the trailhead would I be? Where’s the best place to rent a Hybrid bike? When I get to the other end, is there a train, shuttle, or do I have to rent a car to get back?

Hello, I would like to come out and bike this trail soon, starting in Norfolk and riding west on the trail. I would be coming from out of state.

- If I flew out there what airport would I fly to?

- Are there places (Hotels) that are close to the trail head?

- When I got to the other end (Valentine) is my only option to rent a car and drive back to Norfolk?

- If I choose not to bring my bike, can I rent one in Norfolk?

Thank you

I think you may be in the wrong group. This group is for the Mickelson Trail in South Dakota. You seem to be referring to the cowboy trail located in Nebraska. I’ve read quite a few bad reviews about the cowboy trail because it is so incredibly rough that people choose to ride on the parallel highway instead. Although that really big bridge is supposed to be amazing.
I did the Mickelsen last year over a day and a half, maybe because I’m a glutton for punishment, but it was an amazing experience and I highly recommend it. Good luck in your adventure, whatever it may be

is it better to start in deadwood and go south?

If you want to climb less, but start the ride with a pretty long climb, start in Deadwood. The scenery is great throughout the ride, but a little more interesting on the Deadwood side.

Just got back from my trip up to the Trail. Poor management of the trail. E-Bikes going way over Class 1 or 2 speeds and even a MOPED near Deadwood. I showed the rider the sign where motorized bikes aren't allowed. He said his moped was approved by the Deadwood police as long as it didn't exceed E-Bike speeds. SMH if that's true. During my 3 days on the trail, I never saw a single trail steward asking for passes or telling people to slow down. If you are considering taking young children on the trail, I would advise against that. 80% of the bikes I saw in my 3 days were E-Bikes (and the one moped) and most were going way too fast. The non-policing of E-Bikes is ruining this trail for hikers and traditional bikers. I realize E-Bikes are the future (even for otherwise young, healthy riders). But someone is going to get seriously injured by a 60-70# e-bike going 25-30mph (or faster). Trail stewards need to do better.

Bill, you are absolutely correct!
This e- bike thing is quickly getting out of control. It's bad around here also. "No Motorized Vehicles Allowed" reads the signage on nearly all bike trails. Law makers have ok'd these e-bikes on trails-there beholden to bikes dealers, etc. Someone should have educated the law makers of the definition> "Motors run on electricity".

I don't have an E-Bike --I have a ME-Bike-I make it go.

DandyDon, I've been up to the Mickelson and the Black Hills 3 times. A beautiful trail for sure. But each time gets a bit worse. Most likely, I won't be going back. I realize that more people can ride the trail with the assistance of an e-bike. Riding our "ME-Bikes" takes too much effort. E-bikes get the trail more sold passes and that's the bottom line. But if they don't control the speed better than they are doing now, people will get hurt. I am going to contact the Deadwood police department to see if they actually approved Mopeds on the trail. I will post their reply here. Keep riding!

Bill, I bikepacked Mickelson about 5 years ago and it's unique and beautiful. I do hope the local authorities govern the trail effectively. Bike On brother.

I spoke to John at the Deadwood PD today and he wasn't aware that mopeds on the trail have been approved by his department. So, I don't know if the grandfather with his grandson on the moped was told something else by a different person at the PD, or if he was just giving me a made-up excuse for being on the trail with a moped. Hopefully, the Deadwood PD would post something more specific to clear up this matter.

The Deadwood Police Department does not have jurisdiction over the Mickelson Trail therefore cannot approve mopeds for the Mickelson.

South Dakota Game and Parks does need to do something about abuse of the trail by e bikes.

Seriously an e-bike on the Mickelson? But I guess they are here to stay with the amount of lazy folks out there.

I agree with the comment that an electric bike is still a motorized bike.

Proud of all those who still enjoy the Mickelson with a real bike.

Yes, I figured the gentleman was making it up. He claimed the PD had jurisdiction within the Deadwood city limits, but I doubted him.

During my 3 days on the trail (mid-week), I'd estimate that 80% of the riders were on E-Bikes. Very disappointing but I think the Trail likes the added revenue, so they aren't going away unfortunately.

My real concern is that many are Class 3 bikes, or Class 1 or 2 converted to Class 3 speeds. Very dangerous, especially if you have young children riding with you on the trail. Unless the Trail stewards crack down on E-Bikes, I probably won't go back and wouldn't recommend the trail to others if they have young children riding.

Finding nice bike trails that prohibit E-Bikes is getting harder to find coast to coast. Sadly.

Agree that class 3 and any type of moped, motorcycle should not be allowed. However for people who physical limitations I think that Class 1 & 2 e-bikes are fine. agree the class 3 should not be allowed. I do know that the trail does have people that monitor however i do not know if they have enough. I am pretty sure it is a volunteer position. trial is open to anyone to hike bike or ride horse back. guess you feel that bikes should be the only mode of transportation on the trail. i suppose a hiker that gets hit by a 30# mountain bike with a 175 pound person on it going 40 downhill or run over by a horse would not suffer any serious injury. personally I do think the trail could be monitored better. I also think that they should limit the number of passes. if ya don't come back we wont miss ya

really depressed by this report of so much motorized traffic...was going to visit from eastern Canada and also do Route of the Hiawatha but if both are plugged with sandal wearing helmet missing clowns on "motorcycles" there is no point...I'm 72 and ride high tempo gravel race bike and will do so into my 80's god willing...will stick to my local road rides of solitude.

E-Bikes are always the topic of conversation no matter the trail. I easily recognize the frustrations people feel and I do understand them. Most societies of the world contain some selfish people who ruin whatever the activity for the many, and that is sad. Most E-bikers I know complain of the "Spandex Brigade" who speed by with not a single "On Your Left." I wonder how many of the e-bike complainers are these same people? I hope not! My wife and I are soon to be in our 70's and I am type 1 diabetic. I wouldn't get 10 miles without my e-bike, but I'm reasonable sure the offenders are few. Regarding the "No motorized vehicles" signs, our government tries to protect the weakest, such as myself, with definitions such as defining any e-bike not greater than 750W motors as non-motorized. Federal law, the ADA, sets these guidelines. My E-bike is sometimes defined by them as a personal mobility device. I won't say we would never speed if there was a good reason, but I can tell you that we rarely exceed 10-12 mph. IMO, for every vehicle on the trail, the most important restriction is 15 mph, regardless of equipment, but weight should be considered to protect the trail surface. I regret that a few selfish people give the rest of us black eyes.

I disagree that Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are tantamount to mopeds or motorcycles, but agree that class 3 speeds should be verboten, as absolutely should mopeds and any kind of motorcycle. Sounds like enforcement is needed. And many of these bikes are rented, so the rental shops could maybe be doing a better job of encouraging decent behavior.

When I last rode a Mickelson section, three years ago, on my regular bike I saw plenty of e-bikes but no real problems. I am bringing my class 1 e-bike this year (also so that I can explore the vast network of gravel forest roads in the BH) but will keep it down to 15mph or less on the Mickelson, so I can best enjoy the mileage.

I and three others in our late 70's will be riding the Mickelson on our class 2 e-bikes next week. We will be riding reasonably and wearing our helmets.
I am surprised to read that some of the standard bikers are concerned about having an accident with a 40 to 50 pound e-bike but demand that real motor vehicles share the roads with them. They seem to have no fear of having an accident with a 2 to 4 TON car or truck moving along at 55 plus MPH but a 50 pound e-bike is a serious problem. Go figure!!

Technically, current South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Department law does not allow Class 2 e-bikes with throttles on the Mickelson trail. But that doesn't stop e-bikers because many don't care about laws anyway. Many modify their e-bikes to go much faster than the rated speed. That's just a fact they brag about. And while the average e-bike weighs in the 50lb range, others weigh as much as 65-73 pounds.

It's only a matter of time before a hiker or traditional bike rider is run over by one of these 70lb bikes going 30mph or faster. Serious injury or worse is guaranteed to happen. Your comparison to riding on highways with a 2-ton truck is just plain silliness. No one is suggesting that riding on a highway on a bike is safe. That's why we ride on bike trails. Stay on point. The point is that 60-70 pound e-bikes with a throttle are a danger on the Mickelson Trail and anyone who disputes that isn't being honest. You'll feel different if you ever get run over by a 22-year-old kid weighing 250lbs on a 65lb e-bike. Ask me how I know.

For most people, the complaint about e-bikes is violation of speed limits. Throttles seem to irritate a few as well.

Without the throttle, I might have a medical emergency. I have seen my friends crash in circumstances that the throttle would have prevented, and I have saved myself from a pack of dogs a couple of times, but back to the speed limit.

One gentleman mentioned the providers of the e-bikes doing something more to prevent speeding.

Many 18 wheelers on the highway have speed governors.

Perhaps the rental facilities could install governors, or simply program the bikes to limit speeds to 15mph, where that is the limit, which I believe is most trails. It would help some.

Is there an RV park in Deadwood or Lead that is close to trail?

There is one in Hill city. Right on the trail

IF I don't care to ride from Deadwood to Hill City in one day, where can I find lodging? Along the Mickelson.

Are there places close to trail for renting bikes either for several days or daily.

I found this online: https://www.crossroadsbiketours.com/MickelsonSelfGuided

Is the Fantail Loop worth taking south Leads?

I took that route on my ride southbound. It was less traveled and perhaps more interesting with a stop/shelter on the way. It does add a little more elevation with two steep climbs that might require hike-a-bike for a short distance.

After completing the Mick (north to south), my nephew and I rode the loop counter-clockwise and would recommend doing it if you wish to ride the entire system.

Is camping allowed at this trailhead?

I don't think camping is allowed at ANY of the trailheads, nor along the trail itself. Most Forest Service campgrounds, so far as I'm aware, are at least a few miles off the trail. There are some private campgrounds near the trail, particularly in Custer and Hill City: https://www.mickelsontrailaffiliates.com/campgrounds

I think most people who tour the entire trail are doing it credit-card style and staying in hotels/lodges along the way. To me the dearth of nearby camping options is the biggest limitation to the Mickelson as a touring trail.

Understand the Sentenial Hiking trail is very near to the Mickelson trail. Is this also a popular hiking trail?, I am interested in hiking the trail from Edgemont to Deadwood in September. Appreciate any comments on the subject.

The Centennial Trail is a 100+ mile trail that runs more or less parallel to the Mickelson. Some parts of the Centennial are quite popular, but many parts are very quiet and remote. Except for the Wind Cave National Park and Black Elk/Norbeck section it is also open to mountain bikes, though it's not as popular for mountain biking as the dedicated trail systems. One stretch of a few miles is also open to ATVs, though you're not likely to have to deal with that.

It is only "very near" the Mickelson trail if you're in a car (or looking at maps while sitting on a computer five states away!) While they're never more than 10-15 miles apart, that's a pretty long hike (like, a day or longer) in each direction to connect the two. If you were on a bike, connecting between the two would likely involve either riding on busy, narrow highways overloaded with vacationers in RVs, or on remote, hilly gravel roads that don't necessarily connect the two in much of a straight line.

As for connecting between the Mickelson and the Centennial on foot, there may be a few places (like the Black Elk Wilderness or the Flume trail) where you could do that on hiking trails, but why? There are hundreds of hiking trails in the Black Hills. The Centennial would be very low on my list if you're hiking the Mickelson and want to venture off it to do some "real" hiking. Not that it isn't a great trail, but it's not exactly "near' when you're on foot. Seems to me these two trails are separate picks. Better hiking picks close to the Mickelson would be Deerfield Trail, the Flume Trail or the magnificent Black Elk Wilderness. There are also numerous great hiking opportunities off Spearfish Canyon (haven't done them, but hope to hit some when I'm there next month), and you could probably exit the Mickelson somewhere between Lead and Englewood and head across the mountains on quiet dirt roads to those areas.

I'm not an expert on the Black Hills by any means, and others can probably provide better hiking suggestions than me, but I can at least share this much.

My Husband and I are planning to ride the Mickelson this May (26 - 29) and I heard that they don’t turn the water on at the rest stops until June 1st. Is that True?

I'm hoping somebody will answer the water question. I am planning early May

I just talked to the Trail Office in Deadwood today (5/16) and she said the water should be on now.

Rode from Edgemont to Hill City today and all of the pumps I stopped at were working - Pringle, Mountain, Harbach Park (Custer), and Tracy Park (Hill City). Riding into Deadwood tomorrow and then back to Edgemont 5/21-5/22. I’ll update on the northern taps tomorrow. Southern portion of the trail is in good shape, though heavy rain forecast for the next couple of days.

All pumps working on the northern section, too. Trail is in good shape. Enjoy.

Hello, spending a few days riding the trail. Any recommendations for parking in a safe, secure area in Deadwood? Is it recommended to leave a car with personal items at the trailhead for a few days?

There is a nice, paved parking lot next to the trailhead in Deadwood. I parked there for several days and didn't have a problem. I didn't leave any personal items of real value in the vehicle. In this day and age, I'm not sure there is any "safe" place to do that. I did have a fairly expensive KUAT bike rack on my SUV and it was still there when I got back. Of course, YMMV.

I'm not sure if you can park overnight at one of the casinos, or not. Or if they would charge to do so. I suppose one downside of parking at the Trailhead is that people assume you may not be back for a few days. Good luck.

I'm looking to do the North to South route in August. I would like to do 3 days so that I can enjoy the views. Any suggestions as to which towns to stay (I will stay in Hotels)? It looks like weather will be warm. I'm from Texas so I don't believe heat will be an issue. Any concerns this time of year?

I stayed In Deadwood and Custer, staying at Cedar Wood and Chalet. The Chalet was retro but updated and I really liked it. Don’t miss Purple Pie Place. In case you don’t know, avoid the entire state before/during/after Sturgis. I have no problem with the rally or those attending but you need a place or three to stay and you’ll want to eat, why compete with tens of thousands of people also doing those things? Give it a week before/after. Be aware that renting side by side ATVs is a huge attraction up there and a few visitors might be combining that activity with some tasty adult beverages. Those things willl be on the city streets and highways legally. We can all have fun, it’s just a good time to perhaps not be on a bike around then. Also the trail goes under the paved driveway up to Crazy Horse. Bring some cash for entry and ride up to the monument and museum. It’s worth it. Allow 30-60 minutes for museum or more if you like. The free film is 25 minutes. There is a bicycle rack in the parking lot directly across from museum entrance and in clear view so I felt safe leaving my loaded bike. Facebook is a great resource for Mickelson Trail since you’ll generate more responses. I still like this group. Scroll to bottom for sister trail pages on this site.

Good information except for the Crazy Horse Memorial part. You might want to read up on that before contributing to what is called the biggest "scam, sham, and shame" tourist trap in America. It was started in 1948 and was to be completed in 30 years (over twice as long as Mt. Rushmore). 76 years later there has been minimal progress towards completion of the entire sculpture. It's basically just a perpetual money-making machine for the Ziolkowski family foundation - non-native Americans by the way. $10-$12 million per year. It will never be completed - at least not in this century. In fact, the Foundation has stated they don't know WHEN or EVEN IF the sculpture can be completed. Google "Crazy Horse Memorial Controversies" and you'll see what I mean.

Hello! Where can I buy a trail pass in Hill City, please?

You can buy a pass at the Trailhead at 512 S. Newton Avenue in Hill City. Or you can purchase a pass online for $15, but they add a $2 shipping and handling fee. If you use Google Maps and enter the 512 S, Newton Avenue address, you will be able to see the self-registration box left of the "Welcome to Tracy Park" sign where you can buy your pass. (There may be other places to purchase a pass in Hill City, but I know that one is there for sure. I bought mine at one just like it in Deadwood.) Good luck. By the way, a day pass is $4 while an annual pass is $15.

Website says 0.2 miles from the trail but I can't tell from the map how you get there from the trail. Is there a path or do you have to ride on highway or bushwack?

I used google maps, then used street view to figure your problem out. By the looks of that guardrail I would not trailblaze. You can access the highway and ride on the paved shoulder a short distance but it may be uphill depending on your direction of travel. On the south end the trail accesses the highway at “bear gulch” although there appears to be a private driveway that would cut your short highway travel in about half. Calling the campground might get better local info.

We're riding the trail in mid-June, staying in hotels and carrying our 5-yr old son on the back of our tern ebike. It's the bike my wife rides most days with our son. We intend to take this bike and my gravelish touring bike. We've run into some rail-trails with deeper gravel and are concerned about the tern in these conditions.

The trail appears almost all hard-packed, or limestone but are there any softer areas? Especially prolonged areas (over 3-5 miles)

Thanks!

There were a few soft spots but they would be measured in yards, not miles. One section was undergoing maintenance and was probably hard packed days later. I found the trail easy to ride from end to end other than that long stretch coming out of Deadwood, but that is because it’s uphill, not a surface issue. I rode it in a day and a half. I hired Bill from Black Hills Discovery Tours to drive my truck from Deadwood to Edgemont. It was a little expensive for me as a single rider but less money and time for a couple plus child to take a shuttle back. I’m going to cut/paste my itinerary below followed by my Strava if day one. Don’t miss Purples Pie Place, I went there directly from trail, then motel which was very clean and comfortable. Sage Creek was excellent. Great reviews for Mickelson on Facebook Rails to Trails and Mickelson Trail pages.

South Dakota: Mickelson Trail 109 miles

Wednesday, August 23
Sioux Falls, lunch at Capriotti’s or Jersey Mike’s
Rapid City, stop at Acme Bicycles
Spearfish, stop at Two Wheeler Dealer
Deadwood, stay at Cedar Wood Inn, dinner at Jacob’s Brewhouse

Thursday, August 24
Breakfast at Lou Lou’s Bombdiggity
8 am Meet Bill from Black Hills Discovery Tours at trailhead 605-920-1020
Depart Deadwood for Custer, about 64 miles
Hill City, Stop at Granite Sports shop, if hungry Box Car Eats & Treats
Crazy Horse
Custer, stay at Chalet Motel, dinner Sage Creek Grill or Mt Rushmore Brewing Co,
Dessert from Purple Pie Place, if time allows South Dakota Outdoor Shop 730am-700pm

Friday, August 25
Breakfast from Miners Cup
Ride to Edgemont, about 45 miles
Drive home
https://strava.app.link/mVlHC530wIb

Looking for a luggage shuttle to transport luggage from overnight stop to overnight stop. Do the bike shuttle services also offer this service. Post names, phones, etc. Group of 5 of us plan on doing the trail in late May - early June. Thanks.