Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! We provide convenient private shuttle service for up to 4 bicycles/people anywhere along the George S. Mickelson Trail. Whether you need a drop-off to start your ride or a pickup when you’re finished, we’ll meet you at any trail access point so you can ride stress-free.

As soon as you know you are going on a Mickelson Trail adventure! Availability becomes very limited the closer you get to your date. We recommend booking several days to weeks in advance. We will make every effort to accommodate next-day service when possible, based on availability.

We can transport groups of up to 6 riders and bicycles. Our primary bicycle shuttle setup can carry up to 4 bikes, and for groups of 5–6 riders we use a second vehicle with a 2-bike rack.If you’re traveling with e-bikes, fat-tire bikes, or other specialty bicycles, please let us know when you make your reservation so we can make sure we have the right setup for your bikes.Please note: We are not able to transport trikes or tandem bicycles.

Pricing depends on your route and number of riders (up to 4). For full details, please see our Shuttle Pricing page. Our private shuttles allow for pickup and/or drop-off based on your schedule, not a set departure time. This allows you to ride at your own pace and enjoy your Mickelson Trail adventure without feeling rushed.

This is a great Mickelson Trail Map. Note the elevation map along the left-hand side of the page.

This chart is an excellent reference for determining the distances between trailheads on the Mickelson Trail along with which services are available at each trailhead. Mickelson Trail Mileage Chart

One of our favorite rides is from Dumont to Mystic (18 miles) or Dumont to Hill City (32.4 miles), with a stop in Rochford for lunch.This stretch of the trail is especially memorable, taking riders through multiple historic railroad tunnels and across epic railroad trestles, with beautiful forest scenery and classic Black Hills views along the way. It offers a perfect mix of adventure, history, and scenery, making it an ideal choice if you only have time to ride part of the Mickelson Trail.

Most riders (about 95% of our guests) choose to ride from Deadwood to Edgemont, as the overall elevation drops in that direction and makes for a more comfortable ride. Keep in mind, this is the Black Hills, so you will encounter hills regardless of which direction you choose — but starting in Deadwood and riding toward Edgemont provides the most advantageous profile overall.

Yes, we do. Our shuttle can accommodate up to four (4) e-bikes per trip. Advance notice is required at booking so we can prepare the appropriate rack and vehicle setup for safe transport.

There are a few Airbnb's along the way but not many. Generally, riders will need to stay in Hill City or Custer if they are breaking up the ride into multiple days. Check out these 3-Day Mickelson Trail Itinerary suggestions!

Yes, there is a local favorite in Rochford called Moonshine Gulch Saloon where you can get great burgers and a beer. (It's almost a required stop because when you tell people you did the Mickelson they will ask if you stopped at Moonshine Gulch.) There is also a little hotdog/steam burger stand next door. Rochford has a small, think very small, general store where you can get water and necessities. The Happy Dog Cafe offers espresso and ice creams options.

Yes, there is a place to eat in Pringle called the Hitch Rail Bar and Restaurant. Note that they are not open on Mondays.

Cell reception on the Mickelson Trail is spotty. Plan to make calls in towns along the way, or occasionally at hilltops on the trail. Texting usually works better than calling when you’re out in nature.

Yes, accessing the Mickelson Trail requires either a $5 daily fee or a $20 annual pass. You can purchase your pass at trailheads (bring cash for the envelope) or conveniently online.

Absolutely. We’ve created four different 3-day options for riding the entire Mickelson Trail, ranging from a simple single shuttle for self-supported riders to a fully supported option with luggage transfers.Our free 3-Day Mickelson Trail Adventures Guide includes suggested daily mileage, overnight stops, shuttle options, pricing, and local tips to help you decide which plan works best for you. Not sure which option is right for you? Call us at 605-430-2029. We’re happy to talk through your plans and help you figure out the logistics.

We provide private bicycle shuttle service throughout the Mickelson Trail. We regularly transport riders and bicycles between trailheads including Deadwood, Dumont, Rochford, Mystic, Hill City, Custer, Pringle, and Edgemont.We can also arrange transportation between Rapid City, Rapid City Regional Airport, and the Mickelson Trail, making it easier for riders flying into the area or staying in Rapid City.Have a different route in mind? Call us at 605-430-2029. We’ll help you work out the logistics.

Whenever possible, we recommend leaving your vehicle where you plan to finish your ride and having us shuttle you and your bikes to your starting point. That way, when you finish riding, your vehicle is waiting for you and you’re free to leave on your own schedule.For multi-day rides, overnight parking is allowed at the Mickelson Trail trailheads in Deadwood and Edgemont. The other trailhead parking areas are for day use only. While overnight vehicle parking is allowed in Deadwood and Edgemont, sleeping or camping in your vehicle is not permitted at either trailhead.Another option is to ask your hotel whether you can leave your vehicle in their parking lot while you ride. Some hotels will allow this for guests with advance permission, but policies vary, so be sure to check with the hotel directly.

No. Our bicycle shuttles are private and scheduled specifically for your group. You won’t be riding on a large shuttle with a fixed departure time or waiting for other groups.Tell us where you want to ride and when you’d like to start, and we’ll work with you to arrange your shuttle. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during the busy riding season.

Yes. We can provide luggage transfers and additional shuttle support for multi-day Mickelson Trail rides. Depending on your itinerary, we can move your luggage between overnight stops and arrange additional pickups or shuttles along the trail.Our 3-Day Mickelson Trail Adventures include several levels of support, from a single shuttle to fully supported service with daily luggage transfers.Have a different multi-day plan in mind? Call us at 605-430-2029 and we’ll see what we can arrange.