: & Adventure

Trip Summary

Mention the Black Hills of South Dakota and most of us remember an old Beatles song about one very special raccoon who resided there. For others, visions of Sturgis, the world’s largest motorcycle rally, come to mind. What many don’t imagine is an oasis of pine-clad mountains and prairie land, abundant wildlife, world-class National Parks and forests and a host of dedicated Rails to Trails bike routes. The legendary Great Plains and Black Hills of South Dakota are the perfect backdrop for your six-day biking adventure. Follow an abandoned railroad along the Mickelson Trail, traversing countless bridges and rock tunnels. Hike the base of Mount Rushmore, walk around the Native American cultural center at Memorial and explore the depths of Wind Cave. At the end of the day, curl up somewhere with a good book and enjoy a delectable meal before calling it a night in the comfort of your comfortable hotel or lodge.

The toughest part is going home.SM South Dakota: Black Hills & Mount Rushmore Adventure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Rapid City | | | Deadwood

Rapid City Arrival: Welcome to South Dakota! Your guides will pick you up in the morning from your pre-trip hotel. Transfer Time: 1 Hour Bear Butte Hike: Embark on a hike, around four miles round trip, in Bear Butte State Park. You’ll trek up about 1,000 feet in elevation to a wooden overlook to view the landscape over the butte. Learn why Bear Butte is considered one of the most sacred lands by the . Come back down after taking in the rugged terrain that surrounds you. Black Hills: The Black Hills are a small and isolated mountain range rising from the Great Plains of western South Dakota. The name comes from how dark the hills look at a distance and the “hills” themselves are made up of a mosaic of green pines, swaying grasslands, and unique rock formations. Spearfish Canyon Bike Ride: Pedal through the Black Hills and Spearfish Canyon on this scenic byway for a breathtaking view of dense forests, rugged limestone cliffs, and waterfalls along the way. You’ll ride up to 14 miles on this trip, losing 1,700 feet in elevation as the landscape rolls past you. Deadwood, South Dakota: Deadwood is a National Historic Landmark that was originally settled illegally by gold rushers. Experience the historic town that embodies the lawless west as you explore Deadwood’s museums and downtown. Walk the same streets as the likes of , , Wyatt Earp and Buffalo Bill, to name just a few famous Wild West characters. Accommodation: Mineral Palace (L,D)

Day 2: Mickelson Trail | Deadwood

Mickelson Trail: Sprawling across 109 miles of the beautiful Black Hills landscape, this packed gravel trail was once an old railroad, the Burlington Northern Line, which allowed trains access from Edgemont to the northern Black Hills and Deadwood gold mines. Along the way there are over 100 converted railroad bridges and four rock tunnels to pass through. While this trail is mostly suitable for adventurers of all skill levels and the trail does not exceed four percent grade, there are some more difficult stretches.

The toughest part is going home.SM Mickelson Trail - Rochford to Deadwood Bike Ride: Begin this biking adventure in Rochford, an old gold mining town in the northern Black Hills. On this 27-mile ride, you’ll experience a gradual 12-mile climb up the trail and a 15-mile descent as you head for Deadwood. The trail follows the historic Deadwood to Edgemont Burlington northern rail line, which served gold country for nearly a century. Deadwood Downtime: Explore on your own in Deadwood this afternoon. A walk-through downtown will make you feel like you're back in the days of the Wild West. Dress up for an old- time photo, stop into one of the several historic museums near Main Street, or pick up a kitschy souvenir for your family and friends back home. The afternoon is open to do what you please. Night on Your Own: Enjoy a night on your own this evening for dinner. Your guides will give you restaurant options to choose from in the area and will provide ideas on things to do on your own time. Alternatively, feel free to just relax tonight after a wonderful activity-filled day! Accommodation: Mineral Palace (B,L)

Day 3: Mickelson Trail | | Mount Rushmore

Mickelson Trail - Rochford to Hill City Bike Ride: On this leg of the Mickelson Trail, you’ll be biking 22.5 miles to Hill City, with an 8-mile descent to Mystic Trailhead and a 7-mile climb afterwards. The final 8-mile decline will take you into Hill City, the second-oldest town in the Black Hills. Custer State Park: This park is home to 71,000 acres of the Black Hills and offers adventurers splendid views of granite and limestone spindles and formations pushing through the dense, dark forests. Custer is also a wildlife reserve where bison, pronghorn, mountain goats and other creatures roam free. Iron Mountain Road Scenic Drive: This scenic winding drive will have you ogling out the window as you pass in and out of tunnels that frame Mt. Rushmore. The road is famous for its views, horseshoe curves, and the three places it makes 360-degree turns called “pigtails,” allowing the road to climb/descend rapidly. Transfer Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

The toughest part is going home.SM Mount Rushmore National Memorial Tour: Here’s your chance to meet four of America’s presidents -- at least, a giant granite sculpture of them carved into a mountain! Mt. Rushmore is an American masterpiece not to be missed, and is rather incredible how the detail in each face of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt look realistic. This colossal rock carving took 14 years to complete, finished in 1941, with the help of around 400 men. Accommodation: Sylvan Lake Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 4: Mickelson Trail | |

Mickelson Trail - Hill City to Pringle Bike Ride: This 29-mile stretch of the Mickelson Trail will take you to Crazy Horse Memorial before arriving at your last stop of this trail portion in Pringle. The first nine miles you’ll pedal uphill, then five miles downhill from Crazy Horse Memorial to Custer City, with a final 12.4 miles of rolling trail to Pringle. Crazy Horse Memorial Tour: Still in progress after 70 years, the Memorial is destined to be some 10 times the size of Mt. Rushmore. Take a tour of this site that is more than just carvings in stone; it is a compound that will eventually pay tribute to the American Indians and the great Indian Chief, Crazy Horse, housing the Indian Museum of North America, Indian University of North America and a host of other properties. Wind Cave National Park Tour: Delve into the dark, cool depths of Wind Cave on a ranger-led tour where you can explore this cave that was the first of its kind to be named a National Park. It is also one of the world’s longest and most complex maze caves. On this journey you’ll examine rare boxwork formations, cave popcorn, and other cave geology. Transfer Time: 1 Hour Accommodation: Sylvan Lake Lodge (B,L,D)

The toughest part is going home.SM

Day 5: Mickelson Trail | Sylvan Lake

Mickelson Trail - Pringle to Edgemont Bike Ride: Complete the final section of the 109-mile Mickelson Trail biking journey. This easygoing 32-mile section of trail passes through rolling foothills, expansive private ranches, and “as-far-as-the-eye-can-see” prairies. You’ll bike downhill gradually for 15.9 miles, with one major climb from mile 26-27 and another notable ascent leaving Pringle for about half of a mile. Your last 16.1 miles are rolling descents. Sylvan Lake Downtime: Relax with some downtime at Sylvan Lake. This beautiful lake looks like something off the front of a postcard and is perfect for a swim on a hot day. Scramble around the rocks on the lake's edge or find the perfect beach spot to sit down and take in the views. Accommodation: Sylvan Lake Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 6: Sylvan Lake | Rapid City Departure

Sylvan Lake Hike: Take a stroll clockwise around Sylvan Lake located in Custer State Park on a shore loop. This 17-acre lake is surrounded by rock outcroppings and walls that emerge directly from the water. Transfer Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Rapid City Departure: Your guides will shuttle you back to Rapid City to get ready for your departure home. Accommodation: (B)

*Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.

The toughest part is going home.SM South Dakota: Black Hills & Mount Rushmore Adventure

Distinctive Accommodation

Mineral Palace - 2 night(s) Located in the heart of historic Deadwood, the Mineral Palace Hotel & Gaming complex includes a grand and gracious 75-unit hotel, the biggest casino in Deadwood and a first-class restaurant called the Gem Steakhouse and Saloon that offers the largest variety of superb steaks in the Black Hills. Whether you’re partaking in Deadwood’s Legendary gaming halls, exploring the stunning backcountry of the Black Hills or enjoying a romantic rendezvous, the tastefully appointed guest rooms offer welcome and luxurious comforts.

Sylvan Lake Lodge - 3 night(s) Rich in history and natural beauty, Sylvan Lake Lodge holds the designation of Custer State Park's "crown jewel". This property features beautifully renovated lodge rooms and cabins, a lounge, a restaurant and an outdoor veranda which offers breathtaking views. The location of Sylvan Lake Lodge can't be beat, thanks to the design inspired by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. When the original lakeshore resort burned down in 1935, Wright suggested the current location amidst a forest of pine and spruce trees. The recently renovated Sylvan Lake Dining Room features the best in steaks, seafood, and chef's specialties. The awe-inspiring views, comfortable accommodations, exciting activities, and mouthwatering meals will leave you so satisfied you may never want to leave!

The toughest part is going home.SM South Dakota: Black Hills & Mount Rushmore Adventure

Activities Featured on This Trip

Hiking: Most hikes on this adventure are considered easy to moderate (2 to 4 miles with up to 400 feet of elevation gain). Oftentimes, we’ll do several shorter hikes over the course of one day. If a more difficult hike is listed on this itinerary, its mileage and elevation gain will be listed in the day’s activity description within the detailed itinerary. Biking: Most bike rides on this trip are considered easy to moderate (10 to 20 miles, flat and/or rolling terrain). If a more difficult bike ride is included on this itinerary, more specific details will be included in the day’s activity description within the detailed itinerary. Bike rides are van supported, meaning that there will be checkpoints along the way in which you can access the van/guide if needed or can end your ride early. There will also be one guide accompanying the group by bike. What's Included?

Included in Trip Price:

• Double occupancy rooms with private baths • All meals as listed in itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) • Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners • Any necessary equipment - all safe and well-maintained • Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip • Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service • Access to a guest portal with trip planner materials • Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities, and national park entrance and permit fees

Not Included in Trip Price:

• Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides • Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities • One dinner during the trip • Pre- and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses • Air and land transportation to/from host cities • All types of travel insurance • Personal expenses The toughest part is going home.SM