HARDEST ELEVATON
- + Hi!
Myself and three other woman are coming out to ride soon. We are trying to navigate degree of diffiulty and mileage per day. What are the hardest areas(elevation climbs)? We are planning north ...
Discussion started 08/08/2023 08:05 AM by kRISTI - 5 replies (last reply by kRISTI at 08/08/2023 07:46 PM)kRISTI from CHICAGO on 08/08/2023 08:05 AM
Hi!
Myself and three other woman are coming out to ride soon. We are trying to navigate degree of diffiulty and mileage per day. What are the hardest areas(elevation climbs)? We are planning north to south.
Anyone have any valuable insights? Tips? Recommendations? Thanks so very much for any input!
jaydee from 98312 on 08/08/2023 08:46 AM
North to South direction is a good plan.
That said, I would recommend riding from Englewood to Deadwood since it is the most "difficult" section. By riding that section in that direction you will be mostly coasting on a downhill grade for about 8 miles. Once you finish that section, shuttle from Deadwood to Englewood and continue your ride south to eventually Edgemont.
Bill from Springfield, IL on 08/08/2023 09:07 AM
I'm assuming you've seen the elevation map (link here: https://gfp.sd.gov/userdocs/mickelson-trail-map.pdf) that gives a pretty good description of the entire 109 miles. The first 5.9 miles out of Deadwood are probably the most difficult. After that it's mostly downhill into Hill City (approximate mid-point of the trail).
You'll have a slight climb out of Hill City for about 4 miles and then it's mostly downhill (or flat) all the way to Edgemont.
Since this is a former railroad line, the steepest gradient can't be more than 4% -somewhat like riding into a moderate wind. Of course, those climbing miles are offset by downhills on the other side.
Again, the link to the elevation map I included might be of help, if you haven't already seen it. Enjoy the ride.
kRISTI from CHICAGO on 08/08/2023 11:11 AM
Thank you so much Jaydee and Bill! I really appreicate your input. Great information!!!!!!!
jaydee from 98312 on 08/08/2023 12:04 PM
If riding peddle-assist bikes, Deadwood to Englewood is not "difficult".
kRISTI from CHICAGO on 08/08/2023 07:46 PM
We will be riding Mountain bikes and Gravel bikes! Appreciate the tips!
Mickelson Trail cycling jersey or T shirts
- + I’m looking for cycling jerseys from the Mick, or even South Dakota. I’d settle for a nice T shirt if no jerseys can be found….maybe a local bike shop has one. Where can I find these along the trail o...
Discussion started 08/06/2023 08:49 PM by Eric - 1 reply (last reply by Yodd at 08/07/2023 02:39 AM)Eric from KCMO on 08/06/2023 08:49 PM
I’m looking for cycling jerseys from the Mick, or even South Dakota. I’d settle for a nice T shirt if no jerseys can be found….maybe a local bike shop has one. Where can I find these along the trail or online? My Mickelson trip is being planned now and I am considering this month because September looks cold. Most of the cycling jerseys I own pay tribute to a bike or a hike I have traveled to complete. Currently I have jerseys for: Katy Trail, Bike Across Kansas (pending trip, but lots of rides over there) Arizona, Canada and Iceland.
Yodd from Saxton,Pa on 08/07/2023 02:39 AM
I rode the trail 2 years ago and picked up a shirt from Granite Sports in Hill City. They had a nice selection of shirts and jerseys.
spring creek inn
- + My husband and I are heading eastward for a graduation next Spring...early May, 2024. I want to ride the Mickelson trail from Hill City to Dead wood. I can rent a bike in Hill City. Has anyone stayed ...
Discussion started 08/05/2023 03:50 PM by Jude - 1 reply (last reply by Bill at 08/05/2023 05:23 PM)Jude on 08/05/2023 03:50 PM
My husband and I are heading eastward for a graduation next Spring...early May, 2024. I want to ride the Mickelson trail from Hill City to Dead wood. I can rent a bike in Hill City. Has anyone stayed at the Spring Creek Inn or any other place in Hill City? Looking for recommendations.
Bill from Springfield, IL on 08/05/2023 05:23 PM
My wife and I have stayed at the Comfort Inn & Suites on Old Hill City Road twice. Both times have been very good. Clean rooms, comfortable beds, and friendly staff. Last stay was summer 2022.
I've also heard good things about the Holiday Inn Express in Hill City, but I've never stayed there.
Sorry, I don't have any information on the Spring Creek Inn. I did read something about its cancellation policy not being very good, so you might want to verify that before making a reservation.
I'll be going back for a solo ride in September, and I'll stay at the Comfort Inn again only because my two prior experiences were very good. It's not the most economical in town (a little less than the Holiday Inn Express), but it's reasonable. If my September stay changes my mind about the Comfort Inn & Suites on Old Hill City Road, I'll update this comment. Have a great trip and a great ride!
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. - 9 replies (last reply by Brian at 08/04/2023 07:35 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?
Brian from Kansas Citi on 08/04/2023 07:35 PM
Eric from KC. Please give me a call. My friends and I are going to ride 9/5/23 deadwood/Edgemount. Would be interesting to talk to you.
913-660-5955
Which direction to ride Michelson Trail
- + Which direction is the more scenic ride from the Blackhills Trailside RV Park?
Discussion started 07/12/2023 11:22 AM by Kelly - 1 reply (last reply by Bill at 07/12/2023 01:17 PM)Kelly from Franklin, TN on 07/12/2023 11:22 AM
Which direction is the more scenic ride from the Blackhills Trailside RV Park?
Bill from Springfield, IL on 07/12/2023 01:17 PM
I suppose that depends on what you are looking for. All 4 tunnels are north of Hill City. North of Hill City is mostly through beautiful forest areas. South of Hill City is more open and can be very windy on some days. You can see the Crazy Horse Monument going south and you can cut over to Custer State Park (fee required) to see some bison, too. If I only had time to do one way, I'd do Hill City towards Deadwood. But that's just me.
Bike rentals.
- + We are here in Rapid City for
The second time in 3 years that we just love.
I just found out about this Trailhead. Is there a place to rent bikes along the trail anywhere ??
Discussion started 07/08/2023 08:15 PM by Lorena Zatcoff - 3 replies (last reply by Bill at 07/09/2023 05:39 AM)Lorena Zatcoff from Delray Beach Florid on 07/08/2023 08:15 PM
We are here in Rapid City for
The second time in 3 years that we just love.
I just found out about this Trailhead. Is there a place to rent bikes along the trail anywhere ??
Lorena Zatcoff from Delray Beach Florid on 07/08/2023 08:17 PM
We want to bike this trail are there bike rentals along the way ?
Eric from KC MO on 07/08/2023 11:03 PM
https://www.mickelsontrailaffiliates.com/
Try this site.
Bill from Springfield, IL on 07/09/2023 05:39 AM
You can give these a try (I'm not sure how current the info is). Hill City is close to midway on the trail so you could ride either direction. Good luck.
Rabbit Bicycle Rentals & Shuttle Service https://www.rabbitbike.com/
Bike rentals/repair: 605.574.4302
Shuttle service: 877.469.9446 Toll Free
Mickelson Trail Adventures: Hill City, SD http://www.mickelsontrailadventures.com/
Bike rentals: 605.391.4491
Shuttle service: 605.574.4094 866.574.4094 Toll Free
lunch: Deadwood or Lead?
- + Having completed Hill City to Deadwood in a day's round trip July 2023, would offer this feedback. Study maps and terrain, north of Englewood carefully, before riding.
A big advantage is traveling v...
Discussion started 07/04/2023 12:56 PM by Allen, - 0 repliesAllen, from Fort Collins on 07/04/2023 12:56 PM
Having completed Hill City to Deadwood in a day's round trip July 2023, would offer this feedback. Study maps and terrain, north of Englewood carefully, before riding.
A big advantage is traveling very light, snacks only, as trailheads have cold, tasty well water. Next time I will choose to cut over into Lead, instead of continuing to Deadwood, and avoid a lot of elevation change - just to reach the official 'end\start.' A wonderful trail, so well liked and maintained!
Electrical Outlet
- + Is there a place to charge ebikes in Pringle?
Discussion started 05/13/2023 12:03 PM by Cyndie - 1 reply (last reply by Allen, at 07/04/2023 12:01 PM)Cyndie from Irvine, CA on 05/13/2023 12:03 PM
Is there a place to charge ebikes in Pringle?
Allen, from Fort Collins on 07/04/2023 12:01 PM
Pringle did not appear to have any businesses other than a biker bar. A prominent, creepy pile of hundreds of junked bicycles as well, arranged for all to see. I only noticed E-Bikes within a few miles of Englewood, then into Deadwood, and plus \ minus five miles of Hill City.
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 - 2 replies (last reply by Allen, at 07/04/2023 11:51 AM)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?
Allen, from Fort Collins on 07/04/2023 11:51 AM
I purchased day passes from an outdoor store in downtown Custer City, with a credit card, because the online system was ineffective. I also know that some merchants require cash for a pass purchase.
does the goat head thorn live in the Black Hills?
- + These goat head or puncturevine has spoiled some trips on soft-surfaced trails on the Colorado front range for us. Does it grow in that part of South Dakota?
Discussion started 01/20/2018 12:18 PM by Allen - 1 reply (last reply by Allen, at 07/04/2023 11:46 AM)Allen from Ft. Collins on 01/20/2018 12:18 PM
These goat head or puncturevine has spoiled some trips on soft-surfaced trails on the Colorado front range for us. Does it grow in that part of South Dakota?
Allen, from Fort Collins on 07/04/2023 11:46 AM
... answered my own question after completing Hill C. to Pringle and back day 1, then Hill C. to Deadwood and back day 2. The surface is very well groomed, thorns are definitely not any concern!
Tunnel locations
- + How do I locate the tunnels. Would be hiking/walking trail
Discussion started 06/28/2023 12:24 PM by Su - 1 reply (last reply by Bill at 06/28/2023 02:09 PM)Su from Box Elder on 06/28/2023 12:24 PM
How do I locate the tunnels. Would be hiking/walking trail
Bill from Springfield, IL on 06/28/2023 02:09 PM
There are 4 tunnels all are north of Hill City (Milepost 60)
Tunnel A is at Milepost 72
Tunnel B is at Milepost 73
Tunnel C is at Milepost 76
Tunnel D is at Milepost 85 just north of Rochford
The link will give you a great map of the trail including elevations and those trail markers. mickelson-trail-map.indd (sd.gov)
Have a great ride.
Lost sunglasses
- + We are enjoying the Mickelson Trail. We rode from Edgemont to Custer on Friday, June 9 and then to Deadwood on Saturday in the rain. Then we rode back to Hill City on Monday and to Edgemont on Tuesday...
Discussion started 06/13/2023 09:56 AM by Joost de Gouw - 0 repliesJoost de Gouw from Boulder, Colorado on 06/13/2023 09:56 AM
We are enjoying the Mickelson Trail. We rode from Edgemont to Custer on Friday, June 9 and then to Deadwood on Saturday in the rain. Then we rode back to Hill City on Monday and to Edgemont on Tuesday. Wonderful trail, beautiful country and great people.
The only downside is that I lost a black case with Oakley prescription sunglasses somewhere between Custer and Deadwood. They were dear to me and no good to anyone but me. Please let me know if you have found them.
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
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.
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.