George S. Mickelson Trail – Custer loop from Hill City
George S. Mickelson Trail – Custer loop from Hill City
4.9
(8482)
15,873
riders
George S. Mickelson Trail – Custer loop from Hill City
05:06
89.4km
870m
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: June 9, 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
Translated by Google •
Tip by
508 m
Hill City
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
19.2 km
George S. Mickelson Trail
Highlight • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
26.2 km
George S. Mickelson Trail between Redfern and Hill City
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
63.4 km
Custer
Highlight • Settlement
Translated by Google •
Tip by
63.7 km
Painted Bison Sculpture, Custer
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
89.4 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
85.1 km
2.06 km
2.03 km
244 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
68.4 km
17.5 km
2.25 km
888 m
473 m
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Elevation
Highest point (1,790 m)
Lowest point (1,520 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Thursday 25 June
15°C
9°C
30 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 16.0 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.
Description
If you're looking for a challenging and immersive gravel biking experience through the Black Hills, the George S. Mickelson Trail – Custer loop from Hill City is definitely worth your time. This difficult 55.6-mile (89.4 km) route packs in 2863 feet (873 metres) of elevation gain, taking around 5 hours and 5 minutes to complete, making it ideal for riders with very good fitness and advanced skills seeking a substantial day out.
What to expect on George S. Mickelson Trail – Custer loop from Hill City
This loop offers a journey through varied and stunning Black Hills scenery. You'll ride primarily on a well-maintained crushed limestone and gravel surface, which, thanks to its rail-trail origins, keeps most grades gentle. However, don't let that fool you; the overall elevation gain on this specific loop makes it a demanding ride. Expect to traverse dense ponderosa pine forests, enjoy ample shade, and pass over numerous converted railroad bridges and through rock tunnels. The landscape shifts from mountainous areas to high mountain meadows, offering glimpses of valleys and potentially wildlife like deer and wild turkeys. Keep an eye out for the Crazy Horse Sculpture around mile 59, a truly unique landmark.
Planning your visit
To enjoy the George S. Mickelson Trail, you'll need a daily or annual trail pass, which helps fund its excellent maintenance. The trail features 15 trailheads, including one in Hill City, offering convenient parking, self-sale pass stations, vault toilets, and tables. While the trail is largely car-free, be mindful of occasional road crossings. Given the duration and difficulty, plan to start early, especially on warmer days, and carry plenty of water.
Trail details
- Distance: 55.6 miles (89.4 km)
- Elevation gain: 2863 feet (873 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 5 hours and 5 minutes
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