Black Hills & Badlands National Park Family Multi-Adventure Tour
South Dakota’s Prairies, Pinnacles & Mount Rushmore
Soak up the wild natural beauty of South Dakota, where plunging canyons, soaring pinnacles and colorful rock formations carve an unforgettable landscape. In this wide-open corner of South Dakota, there's plenty of room for adventure.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Bike through the striated and richly hued landscapes of the Badlands and the Black Hills’ pinnacles and pine forests
- Ride a scenic stretch of the Mickelson Trail, a former rail route with tunnels, trestle bridges and historic mining camps
- Pass through Wild West towns like Deadwood, Mystic and Hill City, all rich with frontier history
- Visit Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, icons carved into the granite heart of the Black Hills
- Gather around the campfire at a glamping resort for s’mores and stories beneath a star-filled sky
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Rapid City Airport & Travel Details
- Bike through spectacular Badlands National Park
- Pedal past rugged rock formations and prairie dog towns
- Pause at scenic overlooks for sweeping views of colorful cliffs and spires
- Kick off the trip at our welcome reception and toast the adventure ahead.
Night 1
Casual Hotel
Located six miles from the entrance to Badlands National Park in Wall, Badlands Frontier Cabins offers custom-built log cabins. Each stand-alone cabin features rustic wood interiors and modern amenities. Selected for its setting on the edge of the Badlands, it’s an easy and practical base for taking in the region’s striking landscapes.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Ride into the Black Hills along the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
- Pedal beside 1,000-foot limestone cliffs in a gorge older than the Grand Canyon, with towering walls less than a mile apart
- Unwind at our rustic retreat nestled at the base of the canyon walls.
Night 2
Casual Hotel
Set in the heart of Spearfish Canyon, this rustic lodge is surrounded by soaring limestone cliffs and forested canyon walls. Simple, comfortable rooms and inviting common spaces offer a relaxed place to unwind, and its onsite restaurant, the only in the canyon, makes it easy to settle in after a day outdoors. The scenic setting provides easy access to nearby waterfalls and trails in the Black Hills.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Bike the car-free, packed-gravel Mickelson Trail along a 19th-century railroad grade
- Lace up your hiking shoes for a morning among the granite spires of Custer State Park
- Hit the trail: if you choose to hike to the summit of 7,242-foot Black Elk Peak, you’ll reach the highest point in the state
- Visit the yet-unfinished Crazy Horse Memorial, a modern-day engineering feat of epic proportions and currently the world’s largest mountain carving
- Settle into your upscale safari-style tent and enjoy an evening of campfire camaraderie or serene stargazing
- Take in the grandeur of the 60-foot sculptures carved into rock at Mount Rushmore, one of the country’s most iconic sites.
Nights 3-4
Casual Hotel
Under Canvas Mount Rushmore offers a glamping experience set among ponderosa pines on the site of a former gold mining settlement, just a few miles from Mount Rushmore. Safari-style tents feature comfortable beds, wood-burning stoves and private decks that balance rustic surroundings with modern amenities. Recognized by Condé Nast Traveler, it’s a relaxed base for exploring the Black Hills.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Rapid City Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 1-3
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Fully equipped Backroads titanium bike, Wahoo GPS device, helmet and accessories
Bike fitting and equipment support throughout your trip
Lightweight carbon hiking poles
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads cycling jersey, t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
