Black Hills Centennial Trail Tour
RIDING TYPE
Intermediate
DURATION
5 Days
SEASON
July - August
Black Hills 5-Day Intermediate/Advanced Centennial Trail Tour
Conquer South Dakota’s Centennial Trail by Bike
Join Western Spirit Cycling for an unforgettable 5-day Centennial Trail bike trip, a premier Black Hills mountain bike tour that combines exhilarating riding with rich history and breathtaking natural beauty. This challenging route, developed to celebrate South Dakota’s centennial, traverses the sacred Black Hills, offering experienced riders a unique blend of singletrack and gravel roads. Discover why this region is cherished as you conquer rugged granite peaks, explore limestone canyons, and witness abundant wildlife.
Since 1990, Western Spirit Cycling provides fully supported bike tours where every detail is expertly managed. Our expertise allows you to focus solely on the adventure, exploring iconic destinations like Mount Rushmore and experiencing the best of mountain biking in South Dakota.
Intermediate/Advanced Challenge & Iconic Landmark Access
This Centennial Trail adventure is tailored for Intermediate/Advanced riders seeking structured challenge, featuring:
Iconic Immersion: Enjoy a rare opportunity to visit Mount Rushmore National Monument and Crazy Horse Memorial from a unique perspective.
Trail Diversity: Ride significant sections of the 111-mile Centennial Trail, featuring a mix of singletrack, gravel roads, and doubletrack through dense Ponderosa pine forests.
Wilderness & History: Conquer challenging terrain of the Black Hills and explore the remnants of historic mining sites, offering a glimpse into the region’s past.
High-Altitude Riding: Cycle at altitudes up to 6,500 feet, ensuring cool temperatures, breathtaking vistas, and opportunities for refreshing swims.
-DAY-BY-DAY
Itinerary
Your Black Hills bike trip begins in Rapid City, SD. We’ll start with a short shuttle to the awe-inspiring Mount Rushmore National Monument.
After taking in this iconic landmark, we hit the Centennial Trail, riding north.
A strenuous climb around Samelius Peak rewards us with panoramic views, including South Dakota’s highest point, Black Elk Peak.
A thrilling descent then leads us to our comfortable camp at Sheridan Lake.
Pedal out of camp into wide-open grasslands that offer sweeping 360-degree views of the hills.
Experience a fast singletrack descent that dives from the open prairie into a lush, dense forest canopy known as the “green tunnel.”
The trail hugs the shores of Deerfield Lake, offering incredible views and opportunities for refreshing swims.
Follow a gradual, scenic forest climb along a mixed-use route up to Pactola Reservoir and wrap up the ride at your waterfront campsite with a refreshing swim in the reservoir.
Prepare for a day of dramatic contrasts! Ride through the thick, dark ponderosa pine forests that give the Black Hills their name.
As we pedal, the landscapes transition to expansive, beautiful meadows, with opportunities for exciting creek crossings.
Watch for local white-tail deer, coyotes, and regional bird species as you pedal through the backcountry.
Wind down for a classic backcountry evening at a peaceful streamside camp along Boxelder Creek.
Today’s ride blends natural beauty with rich history. We’ll explore trails that wind through the remnants of old mining sites.
Follow rugged trails that skirt the historic late-1800s timber town of Nemo.
Wind through majestic limestone-capped canyons before descending to Dalton Lake for a midday swim.
Camp under the stars at a quiet, primitive site near Elk Creek deep in the heart of the forest.
Conclude your Black Hills mountain bike tour with a spectacular ride featuring breathtaking limestone-capped cliffs and unique geological formations.
The trail meanders through diverse landscapes, offering a final opportunity to soak in the beauty of the region and views of the wide open plains.
After a final exhilarating descent, we’ll shuttle back to Rapid City, celebrating the successful completion of your unforgettable Centennial Trail cycling adventure.
-TRIP NOTES
The fine print
Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.
Road Surface
Primarily packed dirt, with sections of rocky terrain, loose gravel, and smooth asphalt.
Overall Rating
Challenging riding on a mix of singletrack, doubletrack, gravel roads, and pavement. Requires intermediate to advanced technical mountain bike handling skills and strong physical fitness. Intermediate/Advanced
Technical Difficulty
Intermediate to Advanced (expect some challenging climbs, rocky sections, and technical maneuvers).
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate to Advanced (due to varied terrain, some steep climbs, and multi-day riding).
Altitude
4,000 - 6,500 feet.
Biking Mileage
13-22 miles per day
Hiking Mileage
13-22 miles per day
–Travel Logistics
Getting there.
Rapid City, SD. Begins 8:00 AM MST at Hilton Garden Inn, 815 E Mall Dr, Rapid City SD 57701.
Getting There
400 miles (6-7 hrs) from Denver. Flying into Rapid City (RAP).
Taxi Service
Airport Express Shuttle 605-399-9999; Fast Lane Taxi 605-939-8837.
Lodging Before Your Trip
Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City
815 E Mall Dr, Rapid City South Dakota 57701.
Adoba Eco Hotel
Super 8
Hotel Alex Johnson
PACKING
Standard western spirit packing list
- Meals/camp gear provided
- Bring/rent bike & helmet, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cycling & camp clothing, personal items, tipping cash (10-20%)
Bring or rent
Bringing or renting
- Bike (rentals come with flat pedals)
- Helmet (gratis w
- Rental bike)
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
Cycling clothing
- Cycling shoes
- 3-5 pair cycling shorts
- 3-5 cycling shirts
- Long sleeve cycling shirt
- Long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
- Cycling socks
- Windbreaker
- Tights or leg warmers
- 2 pair cycling gloves
- Rain jacket & rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
- Warm layer
- Sunglasses
Camp clothing
- Camp shorts/shirts
- Warm socks
- Long underwear
- 2 pair warm long pants
- Fleece/sweater
- Pile or down jacket
- Warm gloves and hat
- Brimmed hat
- Bathing suit
- Hiking shoes
- Sandals
- Rain gear
Personal
- Toiletries
- Medication
- Towel
- Biodegradable soap
- Wet-wipes
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Sunglasses
- Optional day bag
- Stuff sacks
- Cash for tipping (10-20% of trip price)
Optional
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Favorite beverages
- Books
- Maps
- Portable USB charger
Need more information about our bike trips?
Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page, what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by subscribing to our newsletter.
Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732.
Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page, what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by subscribing to our newsletter.
Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732
Gallery
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Western Spirit
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