Mickelson Trail Forum

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.

There is no "turning the water on" option. They are all cisterns that are replenished by the trail administrators. Every cistern we encountered in mid-August had plenty of water

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?

Rapid City is the closest airport. Getting from there to Deadwood requires a shuttle. There seems to be a number of shuttle companies to help. Lots of places rent e-bikes--they are many times right next to the trail. I presume they have non motorized bikes as well. Call Deadwood Chamber of Commerce.

Am I correct that to ride the entire trail staying in motels, I have to ride a couple of 40-50 mile days, I.e. Edgemont to Custer (43.8), Custer to Hill City (15.8), and Hill City to Deadwood (47)? There's no lodging in between? Thanks.

We just rode the trail and you are correct--no hotel options except in Deadwood, HC, and Custer. (Get a shuttle ride out of Edgemont at the end. Enjoy the short second day and use it to look around town and rehabilitate from the first couple of days riding. You will enjoy the short day.

Just pointing out we went the other way than you, but my answer above is the same :)

Do the self service trail pass kiosks accept credit cards, or do we need to bring cash? Thanks.

I don't recall being able to use a credit card at the kiosks. You can order a pass online at the link below. The pass is good until May 17th, 2025.

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

No credit card use to buy pass on the trail. Always bring cash.

Hey! I'm going to bike the trail this Tues-Wed (10/17-18). I know there was snow earlier. Is the trail open? What condition is it in?

How did your rides work out? Planning on a few rides while Im in the area mid October 2024
Thanks

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

MD, as Eric stated, you are thinking of the Cowboy Trail in Nebraska. Having ridden both of these trails in recent years, I STRONGLY recommend that you skip the Cowboy Trail and ride the Mickelson Trail. Everything about the Mickelson trail is better -- much, much better.

I'm partially disabled and can no longer use my standard bike to run the trail. Is there any legal issues with using my E-bike on the trail?

Get a doctor to write a letter stating that it’s necessary for you to ride an ebike due to your disabilities. Keep it with you all the time. That’s what I do

Class 1 e-bikes are legal on the trail. You don’t need any notes from a doctor. Class 1 bikes are ubiquitous on the trail these days. Class 2 and 3 are not allowed. Modified Class 1 are not allowed either but I have seen those too. On my last trip I saw more e-bikes than traditional bikes.

I would still keep a letter from your doctor in your bag. You never know

Brad: you did not specify what type or class of e-bike you have. This is an important distinction when discussing whether e-bikes are allowed. Do you have the type of e-bike that requires you to pedal in order to receive power assist? If yes, you’re good. If you have the type of ebike that has a throttle of some sort than it’s probably against the rules. I’m from the “Show-Me” State, so I’m going to provide some supporting information here in the form of a link to the trail rules and a second link to a news article from this year that describes the new rules. Those new rules allow pedal assist Class One AND they now allow a specific type of Class Three known as Class 3E which is a pedal assist bike that can travel up to 28 mph BUT requires you to pedal in order for it to supply a power boost. I realize Patty is trying to help, but there is not an exception if your Doctor writes you a note…….but you MIGHT get some sympathy and discretion from an authority.

https://www.keloland.com/keloland-com-original/e-bikes-bill-on-mickelson-trail-tabled/

https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/george-s--mickelson-trail/pages/44/

We rented e-bikes in Custer for the day. They are allowed on the trail.

as long as your bike has pedals its ok ive been checked by trail patrol dozens of times this summer on my aventon aventure 2 a class3 ebike and they do not care as long as it has pedals.

I am coming to the area shortly, and I am wanting to get the best of the best of the trail. looking at the many pictures, I am interested in the tunnels and the bridges along the old railbed. Where is that located? Ive exhausted my google skills to find it. Hopefully someone can tell me the best section for that type of scenery. Our (my) skills and stamina wont allow me to do the entire trail to find it on my own.
thank you so much

All 4 tunnels are located north of Hill City

Hill City Milepost #60.
Tunnel A MP #72
Tunnel B MP #73
Tunnel C MP #76
Tunnel D MP #85 (Just north of Rochford.)

This map may help you with elevations.
https://gfp.sd.gov/userdocs/mickelson-trail-map.pdf

Hill City north to Deadwood (IMO) is the most scenic and definitely the most wooded. South of Hill City it's still scenic, but mostly flat, open, and can be very windy on some days. You'll find bridges all along the trail. Enjoy.

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/

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.