Black Hills Multisport Tour
Hike, Bike, Horseback Ride and Rock Climb in the Land of Custer and Crazy Horse
Criss-cross the path of General George Armstrong Custer's 1874 Black Hills Expedition on foot, bicycle and horseback on this Black Hills multi-sport adventure. Reminiscent of the frontier period, expect to see herds of bison, flocks of wild turkeys, pronghorn, elk, mule and white-tailed deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, prairie dogs, and wild burros as we explore the Badlands and Custer State Park. Toss in some introductory rock climbing at beautiful Sylvan Lake and you've got the makings of a vacation that you will not soon forget.
Day 1 Badlands National Park. A series of short trails provide an introduction to the steep canyons, sharp ridges, gullies, spires and knobs of the colorful Badlands. The landscape and bison herds provoke images of Dances with Wolves.
Day 2 Custer State Park. We bike the undulating hills of the Wildlife Loop Road and expect to see large herds of bison, flocks of wild turkeys, pronghorn, white-tailed deer, prairie dogs and wild burros. Switch to horseback in the afternoon to retrace General Custer's path along meandering French Creek.
Day 3 Mount Rushmore-Little Devils Tower. Mount Rushmore, the "Shrine of Democracy" has been an inspirational site to generations and is a must-see for all Americans. Walk to the base of the monumental rock sculpture of four great Americans--Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt. We then hike one of the Black Hills' best trails to the summit of Little Devils Tower for far-reaching views of Cathedral Spires, Harney Peak, and the southern hills.
Day 4 Sylvan Lake-Jewel Cave National Monument. An introductory rock climbing lesson is the ideal way to experience the granite spires and domes of Sylvan Lake, the "Crown Jewel of the Black Hills". No experience necessary--just bring your appetite for adventure. Later we explore an underground world of stalactites and stalagmites, "cave bacon" and "soda straws" at Jewel Cave.
Day 5 Mickelson Trail-Black Hills National Forest. We switch to pedal power for an 18-mile downhill ride on an old railroad bed along Rapid Creek, passing over numerous bridges and through two tunnels. Conclude the day with a hike to the edge of beautiful Spearfish Canyon.
Day 5 Spearfish Canyon-Crow Peak. After experiencing two plunging waterfalls in Little Spearfish Canyon it's off to a final hike to the top of Crow Peak, with sweeping views into Wyoming to the west and sacred Bear Butte to the east.
