George S Mickelson Trail

Discover unrivaled natural beauty, geologic wonders and an abundance of wildlife in combination with historic ghost towns, train trestles, bridges and tunnels, reminders of a bygone era.

Independent Tourist is excited to introduce a new departure for the summer of 2020!! Nestled in the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota, one of the nation’s most scenic, historic and memorable cycling adventures awaits, the 109 mile George S Mickelson Trail. This converted “Rail to Trail” once provided the booming “Wild West” mining community of Deadwood with a means to transport ore, supplies and people along its rugged path. As you cycle this well maintained, but challenging trail, you will discover unrivaled natural beauty, geologic wonders and an abundance of wildlife in combination with historic ghost towns, train trestles, bridges and tunnels, reminders of a bygone era.

For 2020, we will offer this longer, 6 day tour which includes 2 days of road cycling. This tour is considered advanced due to long continuous grades and higher elevations than most are used to. Note: The 2 days of road cycling routes require fitness to handle the higher mileage and substantial elevation changes along with more advanced skills to safely navigate the many railroad crossings and the few cattle guards encountered on the final day.

6 Days –190 miles— Rating: Advanced—due to regional elevations of 3200’ to as high as 6500’, extended climbs (though no steeper than 4% grade) and some longer days in the saddle.