Black Hills & Badlands National Park Multi-Adventure Tour
5 days
4 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Casual Hotels
Black Hills & Badlands National Park Multi-Adventure Tour
5 days
4 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Casual Hotels
2025: May-Sep
South Dakota’s Prairies, Pinnacles & Mount Rushmore
Amid the rolling expanse of the Great Plains is a gem of wild landscapes and national treasures. South Dakota’s vast prairie. The Badlands' colorful rock formations. The Black Hills’ jagged pinnacles and plunging canyons. Here, in this sparsely populated state, you’ll find plenty of breathing room—plus an abundance of bucket list-worthy adventures to experience.
Highlights
- Experience the otherworldly landscapes and wild natural beauty of South Dakota’s Black Hills on foot and by bike
- Ride a scenic section of the Mickelson Trail—a premier rail trail of tunnels, trestle bridges and old mining camps
- Discover a region steeped in history and be awed by the engineering feats of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial
- Enjoy the good life while glamping—at any age, nothing beats campfire stories and s’mores under a starry night sky
Start/EndRapid City
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Day 1
Venture into a spectacular area of Badlands National Park • Pedal past rugged rock formations and prairie dog towns • Scenic overlooks throughout the route provide opportunities to take in picturesque cliffs and colorful spires • Join us at our welcome reception to toast the adventure-filled days ahead.
Night 1
Be welcomed to your individual, custom-built log cabin at this conveniently located property, located just 6 miles from the entrance to Badlands National Park.
Day 2
Explore the Black Hills by bike, riding along the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway • Marvel at the 1,000-foot limestone cliffs of this ancient gorge that predates the Grand Canyon and features towering walls less than a mile apart • Relax at our rustic retreat located at the base of mountainous canyon walls.
Night 2
Relax at this rustic retreat, located at the base of 1,000-foot-high canyon walls, while enjoying its creature comforts and stunning views.
Days 3-5
Traverse the heart of the Black Hills on two wheels while cruising the car-free, packed-gravel Mickelson Trail along a 19th-century railroad grade • Explore Custer State Park’s 71,000 acres of wilderness, home to abundant wildlife including bison, elk, mountain goats and even a band of burros • 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 • Relish a leisurely morning at camp, whether that’s lingering over coffee and a book or stretching your legs along the resort’s pine-lined walking trails • Take in the grandeur of the 60-foot sculptures carved into rock at Mount Rushmore, one of the country’s most iconic sites • After lunch we head back to lively Rapid City.
Nights 3-4
Praised by Condé Nast Traveler this unique glamping resort is nestled among ponderosa pines on the site of a gold mining settlement, located within a few miles from Mount Rushmore.
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
At Under Canvas properties, we stay in large canvas-walled platform tents. Each is outfitted with a king-size bed including linens, a wood burning stove, and an en suite bathroom. While our tents are comfortable, they do not have electricity or air-conditioning. The property has limited cell reception and does not have Wi-Fi. With canvas walls and doors, sounds may carry from nearby tents and chirping crickets, so we suggest packing earplugs.
The properties we use on this trip are chosen for their character and ideal location—they are not known for their food. Meals can be simple and menu options tend to lack variety, with few other restaurant options nearby. Please be aware that options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and low-carb meals will be especially limited and substitutions are rarely available.
Hotels
Adventure-Ready Hotels
Ideally located with ready access to trip activities, our Casual hotels are also known for their character and charm.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Night 1
Casual Hotel
Be welcomed to your individual, custom-built log cabin at this conveniently located property, located just 6 miles from the entrance to Badlands National Park.
Night 2
Casual Hotel
Relax at this rustic retreat, located at the base of 1,000-foot-high canyon walls, while enjoying its creature comforts and stunning views.
Nights 3-4
Casual Hotel
Praised by Condé Nast Traveler this unique glamping resort is nestled among ponderosa pines on the site of a gold mining settlement, located within a few miles from Mount Rushmore.
Gallery
Bikes
Choose Your Perfect Bike
Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Included in your trip price
Included in your trip price
- Suited for a wide range of cyclists
- Comfortable ergonomic seat
- Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
- Upright handlebars only
Included in your trip price
- One of the lightest e-bikes available
- Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
- Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting
- Upright handlebars only
- Limited availability on Unplugged Bike Tours; learn more
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.