Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

George S. Mickelson Trail – Hill City loop from Hill City

George S. Mickelson Trail – Hill City loop from Hill City

Hard

4.6

(7729)

7,730

riders

George S. Mickelson Trail – Hill City loop from Hill City

02:49

46.4km

630m

Gravel riding

Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: March 22, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Black Hills National Forest

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

246 m

Black Hills Museum of Natural History

Highlight • Monument

The collection of this prehistoric museum is just amazing. In one room, gigantic ammonites, antediluvian crocodile skulls, carapace fish of impressive sizes that seem straight out of a science fiction film, and of course the inevitable allosaurs and T-Rex. All of these animal fossils are American and the majority of them have been found in the region, as well as in the states of the Dakotas and Montana. A visit not to be missed while passing through Hill City! Admission only costs a few dollars. They also serve coffee and you will find the inevitable souvenir shop. A way to remind you that the American West is a paradise for all dinosaur hunters.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

1.65 km

Winneshiek Park

Highlight • Rest Area

27.6 km

George S. Mickelson Trail

Highlight • Trail

The George Mickelson Trail is more than 100 miles through the Black, Hills of South Dacota. The absolute highlight is the section between Hill City and Rochford. I was happy to pay the $4 fee per day and person.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

34.0 km

Redfern

Highlight • Historical Site

Redfern was once a booming railroad town in the late 1800s. Named after the Redfern family, who settled here during the construction of the Black Hills and Fort Pierre Railroad, the town played a crucial role in transporting goods and people across this rugged region. Today, remnants of Redfern’s railroad past can still be seen, including the old train depot and nearby railbeds.

Tip by

34.5 km

George S. Mickelson Trail between Redfern and Hill City

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

After passing through Redfern, the trail continues gently downhill towards Hill City. You'll ride along peaceful prairies at the base of Lowden Mountain, Smith Mountain, and the mountains surrounding Hill City.

Tip by

45.9 km

Major Lake Park

Highlight • Lake

Major Lake Park is a quiet lakeside spot in Hill City, perfect for a picnic, a wildlife break, or a quick detour off the Mickelson Trail. Look out for geese, deer, and the local osprey.

Tip by

46.3 km

Hill City

Highlight • Settlement

Hill City, South Dakota, has a rich history and plenty of outdoor activities. Founded during the Black Hills gold rush, the town is known as "The Heart of the Hills." You can take a ride on the 1880s-era train for a scenic trip through the area. Hill City is also close to Custer State Park and the George S. Mickelson Trail for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. The Black Hills Institute of Geological Research has fossil exhibits, including the famous T. rex, Sue. With local wineries and easy access to Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, Hill City offers an exciting mix of history, nature, and culture.

Tip by

46.4 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

33.2 km

11.6 km

875 m

692 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

43.3 km

1.52 km

1.45 km

221 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (1,760 m)

Lowest point (1,500 m)

Weather

Tuesday 19 May

11°C

-3°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Nearby routes

Moderate

4.0

Hill City loop from Hill City

02:21h

41.4km

380m

Hard

4.0

Hill City – Crazy Horse Memorial loop from Sylvan Lake

03:08h

52.7km

670m

Moderate

George S. Mickelson Trail – Hill City loop from Castleton

02:15h

38.6km

410m

Hard

Custer – George S. Mickelson Trail loop from Medicine Mountain

07:51h

127km

1,640m

Hard

George S. Mickelson Trail – Hill City loop from Hill City

02:49h

46.4km

630m

Hard

George S. Mickelson Trail – Custer loop from Hill City

05:06h

89.4km

870m

Hard

Custer – George S. Mickelson Trail loop from Custer

04:48h

67.8km

630m

Easy

Custer loop from Custer

00:42h

12.9km

110m

Hard

Custer – Pringle loop from Custer

05:34h

75.9km

1,040m

Hard

Pringle loop from Big Pine Campground

04:28h

58.7km

490m

Moderate

Pringle – Custer State Park loop from Custer

03:29h

49.8km

440m

Moderate

Hill City – Major Lake Park loop from Hill City

01:26h

25.3km

230m

George S. Mickelson Trail – Hill City loop from Hill City

Black Hills Museum of Natural History

Winneshiek Park

George S. Mickelson Trail

Redfern

George S. Mickelson Trail between Redfern and Hill City

Major Lake Park

Hill City

Nearby routes

Sign up or log in to keep exploring this route

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️