Mickelson Trail Forum

We are wondering about parking at the trailhead in Deadwood. We want to ride the trail with at least one over night stay during the ride and don't want to worry about the vehicle. Can anyone comment?

I can't comment regarding overnight parking, but there is a large lot at the trailhead. Deadwood seems like a reasonably safe town, but there is always risk.

Looking on the map, it looks like there are no places to stay after Custer, making it a 43 mile ride from Custer to Edgemont. I've heard rumors of a place to stay in Pringle, but not really making any headway finding it. Surely not everyone can ride the 43 miles between Custer and Edgemont in a day???? What do people do/recommend?

You can easily do the 43 mile ride from Custer to Edgemont in a day. It's mostly all downhill. I remember certain chunks of it we were cruising at 20 mph, hardly peddling. We did Hill City to Edgemont in about 6-7 hours. We were not avid bikers at the time, so if you are in decent physical shape - it shouldn't be a problem.

I agree with AJ. I did the Mickelson in 2 days (Deadwood to Hill City in 3.5hrs and then Hill City to Edgemont in 4hrs), and it was far easier than it looked on paper. Next time I'll do it in one day, and I'm not a particularly strong rider. North to South, there is a lot of downhill.

If it makes you feel any different, my group did it. We consisted of 4 adults who are not avid riders, and 4 kids ranging from 7-11.

It wasn't a cake walk, and I would say it seems mostly flat with some downhills and the occasional uphill thrown in.

Here is the elevation map:
https://bikemickelson.com/elevation.aspx

The Forest service has one as well.

The Plenty Star Ranch is just north of Pringle, so that would save a few miles. They have a couple nice cabins, plus camping shoes.

Does anyone have any updates on current trail and weather conditions for the next 7-10 days? Thank you.

Planning a couple "out and backs".
What are the most scenic sections?
Thanks!

I'd say anything north of the Minnekahta Trailhead is the prettiest sections. I think the most beautiful sections are from Deadwood to Custer. I particularly liked the sections near Hill City, which is the sections that are the most remote.

Is this route for non motorized only?
Thanks!

Is this route for non motorized only?
Thanks!

Why did they belly dump so much gravel on the trail and leave it so crowned?? You can not ride safely side by side(when traffic allows) and the crown makes it dangerous if you get on the side of it.
The new gravel is nice but I hope they get it graded out to more natural terrain. It is so humped up it is scary in spots.
I wouldn't want young children or anyone with balance issues riding it.
It also has huge ruts down the center on the stretch to Custer?
I know it's early but last year when they were grading they left it very crowned then?

I'm trying to envision this crown you are talking about. Any pictures? It does sound unsafe. Thanks.

I recall there being a section in the southern half of the trail that was quite crowned, but it was packed enough that traction wasn't an issue. I could see it being dangerous if the gravel was loose. Hopefully they have plans to drag it flat.

"crown" means it is mounded down the center and slopes to the sides.

Yes, I know what "crown" means. I was actually asking if anyone had any pictures to show how "bad" the crown is. If it's such a crown that's it's unsafe for children to ride, I'd have to wait until they level it out.

I was trying to follow the interactive map and between miles 20 and 30, the blue line that shows the trail does not match the dotted line of the trail. is there a more accurate map available?

Robert - I assume you are meaning the section between roughly Pringle and south of Argyle? Are you riding the trail north or south?

Google Maps is pretty accurate, and you can turn on the Bicycle layer so it is more clear. From my memory, the trail is very easy to follow in that area. We rode south and this was our final day of riding, so our group of 8 was pretty spread out, including kids between 8 & 11, and no one got lost. I am pretty sure my son was in the lead for most of our last push from Custer.

I wonder if something happened to the interactive map as I don't recall there being such a discrepancy before.

Last minute trip being planned for mid May. Anyone have knowledge of what the weather might be? Would like to ride the trail but without frostbite.
It's ALL Good!

Plan for all weather conditions when riding the Mick. I'll be there mid May as well. It's amazing. Enjoy!

Are you by the chance "the Bubba"?

Well, perhaps I am.

In the cycling world, there's only one Bubba. I drive 11 hours, each way, from Kansas just to ride it multiple times a year. For some reason, I can't get enough of it.

Thank you. Yes, I am THAT Bubba. Hope to be able to add a week long tour in and around the Mick.
After all
It's ALL Good

Friends always give you raving reviews! I hope to ride the Trace with you this fall. If not, then next. Bubbafest has been on my list forever so I'll eventually make it.

I've only "officially" ridden in 21 states. My criteria is a meaningful amount of miles, so that's usually a week long tour. South Dakota, specifically the Black Hills, is the one place that just keeps calling me back. When you ride the Mick make a stop at the Rochford Mall, known as the "Small of America". From the trailhead it's less then a .5 mile in to town.

I hope you enjoy the Hills as much as I do!

Thank you for the suggestion. I am excited for finally be able to make this trip.
Natchez Trace Tour is filling fast. Actually had to add a second week since the first week filled quickly. BubbaFest is amazing.
It's ALL Good!

We are planning to ride the Mickelson trail over Memorial Day weekend with another couple. We planned to leave one car in Deadwood and the other in Edgemont so we can coordinate our own shuttle back to Deadwood. I am wondering about parking on both ends of the trail to leave a car? Thanks for any ideas!

We tend to stay in Deadwood or Lead. Drive down in the morning and ride back to Deadwood. We usually have a sag driver or someone move vehicle to Deadwood durning the day.

What is the actual distance from Deadwood to Carston Cottages. The trip planner says its 25.3 miles but other sources, RidewithGPS & Google Maps say 15.8 miles?

We have road it a few times. I have 15 miles from deadwood to Michelson crest B at 15 miles. That should be pretty close

A small group of us are planning to bike out and back on the Mickelson in early to mid-June, camping along the way (leaving car in Deadwood). We travel only 30-40 miles/day. I'm wondering about camping opportunities in the Edgemont area that are quiet and safe, other than the one in town. Read about frequent trains making lots of noise at the town campground. Has anyone wild-camped near Edgemont and the bike trail? If so, did you have to fill up water ahead of time? Thanks!

Realizing each spring is different, when does the trail USUALLY become suitable for gravel-bike riding each year? Late April, mid-May? First of June? Thanks.

Planning on riding the trail the last part of May. Starting in Deadwood and heading south. My question is do I need to worry about snow? Thanks,

I would say it's not likely, but certainly possible. I use accuweather.com which seems to be fairly accurate a month out. Just keep checking weather regularly before your departure.

Thanks will do

I'm planning camping road trip Northwest in July, I'd like to incorporate Riding the Mickelson Trail, in addition to all the other points of interest...Mt. Rushmore, Wind Cave, Badlands National Park, everything. I'm travelling SOLO so have no SAG support. I had thought I'd camp somewhere mid-point on the trail (custer?) , ride in one direction and overnight at B&B, then ride back to Campground for 1 night, then ride the other direction and overnight, then back to Campground.

That would make it a 4 day ride.

Then should like to spend an additional 4 days to do all the other tourist stuff.

Question: Is Custer State Park a good choice for camping in order to do the Trail and also all the other tourist stuff? The Oreville State Forest looks nice, but no electricity (so no A/C in July).

I have a small rig....only 16', so don't need a huge site...but do appreciate hookups.

We are riding from Custer, maybe Hill City, to Deadwood, then shuttleing back to trailhead. Camping in Custer at Big Pine Campground. On another day, possibly ride from Custer to Edgemont, spend the night, then back to Custer

Check out the Mickleson Trail Trip Planner. That might help

Sarting to plan for 2022. Planning on bike packing. I feel we can do the full trail in 2 days, Deadwood to Edgemont.

Any suggestions for nearby routes (near Deadwood or Edgemont) that we could add a 3rd day? Even an out and back to the trail head could be cool, especially if there are sites to see. Looking for something in the 40 - 65 mile range.

Thanks!

Planning on riding The Mick Sept, 2022. I've read that the scenery is much better between Deadwood and Custer than it is Custer to Edgemont.
Comments/thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

Read here:
https://bikemickelson.com/talk.aspx?tid=11625&tonly=1

And there are several others to glean from.

I rode it Sept 2021. The scenery from Deadwood to Custer is greener, more mountainous, with more creeks and streams etc. Beautiful for sure. Custer to Edgemont has some of the least scenic areas (large flat fields of weeds etc), but also had some of the best scenery (canyons and spines). The whole thing is worth doing, but the northern half is more mountainous and green, and the southern half a bit more flat and dry.

Does the Mickelson Trail have a Trail Maintenance/Management Plan online?

Would like to drive the seven hours to the Hills and ride the trail Fri. and Sat. I see reports of some snow recently in the Hills. Would appreciate opinions on if the trail will be a decent ride on Fri. and Sat. this week before making the long trip out there. Thanks!

Following this question. I’m also hoping to ride the trail this weekend, but I heard snow now iOS likely be a factor.

We are in Lead now. Looked like some snow in the trail but planning to check it out this morning. I have a trail report this afternoon. We are riding from Edgemont to Denver tomorrow morning. I think we will be able to ride trail Edgemont to Custer then take road if need be. At Hill City we can take gravel roads to Deadwood if we need to.

10/22 - Hill City to Mountaintop snow covered in all shaded areas and all bridges. Had to walk the bikes maybe three or 4 miles. Mountaintop to Custer was fine. If the temp hold up the snow may be gone in a few more days.

How is the trail for biking after the snow storm we just received?

Just finished a ride from Custer to Edgemont. Leaving Custer the trail was under 2" of crusty snow, still left from the storm this week. Unrideable. Rode the highway to White Elephant trailhead. The rest of the ride was lovely.

Except for the locked gates at Sheep Canyon. WTH. The south gate even has barbed wire. Good luck getting a 70 lb. ebike through there (not my case).

Just finished a ride from Custer to Edgemont. Leaving Custer the trail was under 2" of crusty snow, still left from the storm this week. Unrideable. Rode the highway to White Elephant trailhead. The rest of the ride was lovely.

Except for the locked gates at Sheep Canyon. WTH. The south gate even has barbed wire. Good luck getting a 70 lb. ebike through there (not my case).

Talked to another rider after my previous post, and he said that the locked gates weren't actually locked to the post, and you can fit a bike through them. Guess I didn't study it hard enough.

Just wondering how snow conditions from Deadwood to Custer. Looking to ride Edgemont to Deadwood this coming Saturday. I think Tuesday is a chance for some moisture but hoping trail opens up by Saturday.

Thanks for any info
Brad

Given that the Mickelson Trail goes right past the Crazy Horse Memorial I am planning to stop and see it when I ride the trail in June. My question is regarding the Avenue of the Chiefs road that leads to the visitor center...is that road safe to cycle on? From what I can tell from Google Earth it looks very wide and may even have a bike lane or a shoulder to ride on?? Many thanks in advance for your insight.

I would say it is reasonably safe. It is 4 lanes, quite short, and slower speed limit as I recall. I don't remember if there is a shoulder, but I remember it being quite wide. We visited by vehicle, but I don't think I would have hesitated taking my family on that road. Here is a horrible, yet accurate video I found:
https://youtu.be/77FG8tjfDm8?t=158

The video should start you where the driver turns off the highway and onto Ave of Chiefs.

Thank you so much! The video shows the road is indeed quite wide and there is what appears to be a nice shoulder to ride on.

In September 2022, thinking about riding Edgemont to Custer, spend the night, then back to Custer. Pack up, do laundry, rest, go sightseeing, etc. Then travel by car to Deadwood, ride from Deadwood to Hill City, spend the night, then back to Deadwood. This would save carrying a lot of stuff, and we could see most of the trail. Need recommendations for affordable lodging that is close to trailhead in Edgemont and Deadwood. Does the make any sense?

Not sure it would help, but I know my wife and Sister-in-law looked for the most budget friendly places they could. That being said, we stayed at the Best Western in both Custer and Hill City. I believe both have coin operated laundry facilities.

After having been there just a few weeks ago, I might also dig a little deeper and search for cabin rentals. You might find something less expensive, but laundry might mean you look for a business in town to get that done. VRBO.com and Airbnb.com are also worth a try. You may be more flexible than we were as our party was 10 people.

We just completed our journey from Deadwood to Edgemont and I wanted to put some information out there that may help others as well as some of my own comments. First, it was amazing to be in the mountains again. They are certainly my happy place! Our group was 4 adults and 4 children ranging in age of 7-11 and none of us are expert riders. Our plan was to split the journey up into 5 days. We planned to ride from Deadwood to Rochford, then to Hill City, onto Custer, then Hot Springs and finally Edgemont. We decided to power thru the 4th day and ride the 44 miles from Custer to Edgemont. Logistics worked wonderfully with my in-laws being our pit-crew. I modified an enclosed trailer with bike racks so we had my rig and that of my in-laws to shuffle equipment and bodies to and from. This setup was certainly the keystone of our trip!

We all did what we could to get ourselves ready for this trip, but there were certainly some shortcomings. I think you need to be an avid rider or dedicate yourself to several long-distance rides prior to the trip to be more prepared. But aside from sore saddles and other muscles, we had a wonderful time! Collectively we felt our favorite parts of the ride where between Deadwood and Hill city because the trail is far enough from the highway that it's peaceful with less human interference. Seemed we had good Verizon cell service for most of the trail with the exception of an approx. 20 mile radius around Rockford. Once leaving Rochford, my GPS wanted to take me out to hwy 385 to get to Hill city, but that was a 2hr loop from there. So we forced it to take us South on Rochford Road enduring the 20ish miles of dirt road thru very scenic valleys.

As you leave Hill City, the scenery changes to more of a high desert; coupled with the trail paralleling the highway for most of it; this became our least favorite section. At Pringle the trail diverges again from the highway and back into more beautiful valleys. From here, there is far less traffic on hwy 89, so when it does parallel the main roads, it’s not nearly as intrusive. As you continue south, the scenery changes to open spaces with buttes, which some may find more appealing than Alpine forests, but at this point, we were ready to be done.
In Edgemont, you have to watch for signs for the end of the trail. The map on this site is accurate in that the trail ends where it meets Hwy 185 NE of town. From there you jog east and then immediately south to catch Old Hwy 18. Ride that into town looking to turn south on 2nd street. Then less than ½ mile from there, you will see the city park and the end of the trail.

We stayed our last night in Hot Springs, hoping it to be more touristy than it was. If you stay at the Baymont, set your standards low. In fact, my immediate family had planned to stay an extra night there but cancelled our reservations in favor of something in Spearfish instead. That worked out MUCH better. Nicer place to be, back in the mountains, and then somewhat closer for our journey home.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. We spent 9 days in the area splitting touristy stuff with biking and enjoying as many of the local breweries as we could. If you are researching this trail, it is very fun and we had great weather the last couple weeks in Sept. The trade off is that fewer restaurants are open, making it hard to find dinner places without crazy wait times. But we made due.