Rapids City is a region in the United States situated at the base of the Black Hills, offering a diverse landscape for outdoor activities. The area features rugged mountains, dense forests, and serene lakes, providing varied terrain for exploration. This geographical setting makes Rapids City a relevant destination for several sports like road cycling, touring cycling, and jogging.
The Rapids City region provides a range of outdoor activities for enthusiasts. With 1 routes available…
17
Routes
4.5
(27)
Average rating
140
People visited

29
riders
55.1km
03:03
100m
100m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

17
riders
36.4km
02:10
100m
100m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

10
riders
23.7km
01:21
60m
60m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4
riders
48.9km
02:17
150m
150m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.0
(1)
10
riders
45.5km
02:42
120m
120m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

14
riders
42.6km
02:32
110m
110m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(26)
12
riders
29.4km
01:44
60m
60m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

8
riders
62.6km
03:45
160m
160m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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6
runners
11.4km
01:11
70m
70m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5
runners
9.10km
00:57
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5
runners
7.53km
00:47
40m
40m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
runners
8.08km
00:51
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Rapids City offers diverse outdoor activities including road cycling, touring cycling, and jogging. The region provides a variety of routes, from paved city paths to challenging mountainous terrain. More than 100 visitors have shared experiences, resulting in an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars for routes in this area.
Yes, Rapids City features various road cycling options. The Leonard 'Swanny' Swanson Memorial Pathway offers an easy, paved ride over 10 miles (16 km) along Rapid Creek. For more challenging rides, routes like the Rapid City to Hill City Loop traverse the Black Hills National Forest. Explore more options in the Road Cycling Routes around Rapids City guide.
Touring cyclists can find routes such as the difficult 80.4-mile (129.4 km) Rapid City to Hill City Loop, which offers significant elevation gain and scenic views through the Black Hills National Forest. The George S. Mickelson Trail, a 109-mile (175 km) rails-to-trails path, is also accessible about 30 minutes from the city. Further touring options are detailed in the Cycling around Rapids City guide.
Rapids City offers several excellent jogging locations. The Leonard 'Swanny' Swanson Memorial Pathway provides a flat, paved surface along Rapid Creek. The Skyline Wilderness Area Park and Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park (M Hill) offer extensive trail networks with a remote feel and city views. Find more details in the Running Trails around Rapids City guide.
The Leonard 'Swanny' Swanson Memorial Pathway is an easy, paved route stretching over 10 miles (16 km) through Rapid City. It follows Rapid Creek and connects various parks, making it suitable for leisurely rides and family outings. This pathway offers a safe and accessible environment for cyclists of all ages.
Rapids City is known as the 'Gateway to the Black Hills' and is near several iconic natural features. These include the Black Hills National Forest, Badlands National Park, and Custer State Park. Other notable sites are Spearfish Canyon, Wind Cave National Park, and Devil's Tower National Monument.
Skyline Drive offers panoramic views of downtown Rapid City and the Black Hills. Iron Mountain Road is an engineering marvel featuring three tunnels and three 'pigtail' bridges, providing a thrilling and scenic ride. These routes showcase the diverse landscapes of the region.
Komoot offers several guides for the Rapids City region. These include Road Cycling Routes around Rapids City, Cycling around Rapids City, and Running Trails around Rapids City. These guides provide detailed information on routes for various sports.
The official website for Rapids City is rcgov.org. This resource provides information about the city's services and local details. For tourism-specific information, VisitRapidCity.com is also available.
The phone number for the city of Rapid City is +1-605-394-9300. For tourism inquiries, the Visit Rapid City phone number is (605) 718-8485. These contacts can provide further assistance and information about the area.
Yes, advanced cyclists can find challenging routes in the Rapids City region. The Rapid City to Hill City Loop is a difficult 80.4-mile (129.4 km) path through the Black Hills National Forest with significant elevation gain. Iron Mountain Road also offers a thrilling ride with its unique engineering features.
Rapids City is special due to its accessibility to diverse terrain, offering flat city paths and challenging mountainous routes. Its proximity to national treasures like Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park makes it a central hub for exploration. The region also benefits from a robust cycling community and is recognized as a year-round cycling destination.

