Old Hill City Route

The Hill City to Keystone via Old Hill City Route offers a truly immersive touring cycling adventure through the heart of the Black Hills. You'll pedal past dense pine forests and rugged granite formations, enjoying beautiful panoramas that unfold with every turn. The route itself is a mix of paved and unpaved sections, including some short singletrack, making it a challenging yet rewarding experience for those who appreciate varied terrain.

Planning your ride is straightforward, with both Hill City and Keystone providing amenities and historic attractions to explore before or after your journey. While the route is considered difficult, the limited traffic ensures a peaceful ride. Be sure to check the weather forecast for the Black Hills before you go to ensure optimal conditions for this 21.7-mile (34.9 km) trek.

One of the most unique aspects of this route is its close relationship with the historic 1880 Train, with the cycling path running parallel to and crossing the tracks multiple times. This adds a charming, nostalgic element to your ride, connecting you to the region's rich history. With 1552 feet (473 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes, this route is perfect for advanced touring cyclists looking for a memorable Black Hills experience.