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Custer – George S. Mickelson Trail loop from Shop

Custer – George S. Mickelson Trail loop from Shop

Hard

2.9

(27)

riders

Custer – George S. Mickelson Trail loop from Shop

07:51

127km

1,640m

Gravel riding

Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: June 29, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Black Hills National Forest

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

31.7 km

Custer

Highlight • Settlement

Custer is in the heart of the Black Hills. In this town, you will find a few kilometers to the north - taking the Crazy Horse Memorial Highway - "Thunderhead Mountain" where the monument to the memory of Crazy Horse is located.

In response to the gigantic statues of the 4 faces of American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln on Mount Rushmore, a sculptor of Austrian origin wanted to pay homage to the famous Lakota warrior Tashunka Witko - Crazy Horse.

He sculpts an entire mountain while trying to represent the historical character riding his horse. Only the head has been sculpted for over 30 years. Suffice it to say that this work will certainly never be finished. The site, due to its gigantism, is impressive. It’s an incongruous visit to make.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

57.1 km

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

57.4 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

58.5 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

69.7 km

George S. Mickelson Trail between Mystic and Redfern

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The portion of George S. Mickelson Trail between Mystic and Redfern is a bit hilly, climbing gently down towards the base of Redfern Mountain. Enjoy a quiet environment surrounded by plentiful plants, trees and grassy fields with gorgeous views of the many nearby peaks.

Tip by

80.1 km

George S. Mickelson Trail between Rochford and Mystic

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Here the trail splits off from Rochford Road to run alongside Rapid Creek down to Mystic. The trail continues along its signature singletrack, tucked deep into the nature of Black Hills National Forest, winding through rocky canyons, gorges, a short tunnel, alongside waterfalls and across well-maintained bridges.

Tip by

86.8 km

Waterfall by Rochford Road

Highlight • Waterfall

Beautiful, small waterfall alongside the George S. Mickelson Trail. This is a great spot to take a break and enjoy the quiet, peaceful surroundings.

Tip by

97.6 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

127 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

84.0 km

24.8 km

16.0 km

1.18 km

977 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

92.2 km

27.1 km

4.10 km

3.02 km

581 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (2,080 m)

Lowest point (1,470 m)

Weather

Today

Wednesday 8 July

22°C

12°C

71 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Custer – George S. Mickelson Trail loop from Shop

Custer

Black Hills Museum of Natural History

Hill City

George S. Mickelson Trail between Redfern and Hill City

George S. Mickelson Trail between Mystic and Redfern

George S. Mickelson Trail between Rochford and Mystic

Waterfall by Rochford Road

George S. Mickelson Trail

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