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Rapid City

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Rapid City

Things to Do around Rapid City

Rapid City is a region in South Dakota, positioned at the convergence of the Black Hills and the Badlands. This unique geographical setting provides a diverse landscape for outdoor activities. The area features forested peaks, rocky outcroppings, and dramatic buttes, making it suitable for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, mountain biking, road cycling, and more. Rapid City serves as a central point for exploring these varied natural environments.

Things to Do in Rapid City

Rapid City offers more than…

41

Routes

5

(6)

Average rating

245

People visited

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Hiking in Rapid CitySee all
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Leonard “Swanny” Swanson Memorial Pathway

22.5km

05:45

70m

90m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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5

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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129km

09:33

1,990m

1,990m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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4

riders

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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5.0

(1)

3

riders

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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5.0

(1)

19

riders

8.64km

00:51

180m

180m

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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2

riders

76.7km

04:08

1,320m

1,320m

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Top attractions in the region

Canyon Lake

Lake

Roosevelt Pond

Lake

Explore the region

Hiking around Rapid City

Most popular attractions in Rapid City

Places to see

Collections

Paha Sapa in South Dakota and Wyoming — the Black Hills loop

Cycling Collection by

Vincent Reboul

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Rapid Valley

Things to Do around Box Elder

Frequently asked questions

What outdoor activities are available in Rapid City?

Rapid City offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, touring cycling, mountain biking, road cycling, and jogging. The region provides access to diverse landscapes from the Black Hills to the Badlands, catering to different interests and skill levels.

What are the most popular hiking areas in Rapid City?

Popular hiking areas include M-Hill (Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park) within city limits, offering over 20 miles (32 km) of trails. The Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park also provide extensive hiking opportunities. For specific routes, refer to the Hiking around Rapid City guide.

Are there easy hiking trails in Rapid City?

Yes, Rapid City offers easy hiking options suitable for various fitness levels. The Leonard Swanson Memorial Pathway along Rapid Creek provides a paved, shaded route within the city. Dinosaur Park also features family-friendly paths. More options can be found in the Easy hikes around Rapid City guide.

What are the best cycling routes in Rapid City?

For touring cyclists, the George S. Mickelson Trail offers a 109-mile (175 km) crushed limestone path through the Black Hills. Within the city, the Leonard Swanson Memorial Pathway provides a paved route along Rapid Creek. More details are available in the Cycling around Rapid City guide.

Where can I find mountain biking trails near Rapid City?

M-Hill (Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park) is a prominent mountain biking hotspot within Rapid City, featuring over 18 miles (29 km) of trails. Mountain biking is also permitted on most sections of the Centennial Trail in the Black Hills. Consult the MTB Trails around Rapid City guide for more options.

What are the scenic road cycling routes around Rapid City?

Scenic road cycling routes include Iron Mountain Road, known for its unique 'pigtail' bridges and tunnels, and routes near Sturgis and through Badlands National Park. These routes offer diverse topography and views. The Road Cycling Routes around Rapid City guide provides further details.

Are there family-friendly outdoor activities in Rapid City?

Yes, Rapid City offers several family-friendly options. Dinosaur Park features accessible paths and views. The Leonard Swanson Memorial Pathway is a paved, easy route suitable for families. Custer State Park, a short drive away, also has diverse landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities.

What are the main natural features or viewpoints near Rapid City?

Rapid City is near the Black Hills National Forest, known for its forested peaks and rocky outcroppings. To the east, Badlands National Park presents dramatic buttes and spires. M-Hill and Skyline Wilderness Area offer scenic views of Rapid City itself. Custer State Park features granite spires and Sylvan Lake.

How popular is Rapid City for outdoor activities on komoot?

Rapid City is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 270 visitors having explored its routes. The region features 38 routes across various sports, which have an average rating of 4.89 out of 5 stars.

Are there komoot guides available for outdoor activities in Rapid City?

Yes, komoot offers several guides for Rapid City, including Hiking around Rapid City, Cycling around Rapid City, and MTB Trails around Rapid City. There are also guides for easy hikes, road cycling, and running trails.

Are permits required for hiking or cycling in Rapid City?

General hiking and cycling on public trails in Rapid City and surrounding areas typically do not require specific permits. However, some state parks or national monuments may have entrance fees or specific regulations. It is advisable to check with individual park authorities for any specific requirements.

How can I contact the City of Rapid City for more information?

For general inquiries, the City of Rapid City's information line is +1-605-394-9300. Additional information can be found on their official website, rcgov.org.

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