Outside activities
Where to begin and where to end? Just a few ideas for Hikes, Lakes, Bike Rides
| You probably notice that a small range of hills split Rapid City down the middle.
Take Skyline Drive to Dinosaur Park. A must do if you have kids or just appreciate a view. Rio de Janeiro has a large stone Jesus protecting the town, Rapid City has concrete Dinosaurs.
Further south on Skyline Drive, you will come across a few new trail heads for hiking and biking.
Hanson Larsen Memorial Park is the more northern set of hills, noticeable "M-Hill" that is visible from almost anywhere. The hiking and mountain biking is more serious, you can really be challenged if you like.
I really enjoy mountain biking, and I have gone months without ever leaving Skyline or M-Hill. |
| Location: |
park at founders park |
The Rapid City Bike Path
| I believe it is 11 miles long, following Rapid Creek from Canyon Lake Park to the Fair Grounds. Passes the Civic Center and memorial park.
I don`t really appreciate this bike path until I visit a town that doesn`t have one! |
| This list could be endless - you may want to stop by Roaming Around in Down Town Rapid City to get some maps/advice/supplies.
Download one of the Trail apps for more information.
Bear Butte - Located east of Sturgis, this hike is beautiful but can be a challenge.
Black Elk Peak - at Sylvan lake in Custer State Park. Get there early in the morning! Do the 6 mile hike and jump in the lake after. Or, just take the walk around the lake. This is a favorite of almost everyone.
Little Elk Creek - near Piedmont west of Rapid. Easy hike, beautiful in the Fall.
Mickelson Trail - Deadwood to Edgemont. An old railway about 110 miles long. Easy hiking. The section new Rochhford and you can relax with a burger and a Premium is the old bar. |
| Full Disclosure - I have never fly fished and this business is owned by my brother-in-law. We have loads of guests who come to fly fish, and most have heard of Hans and Dakota Angler. His you tube videos have thousands of followers, so he must know something!
Rapid Creek, Custer State Park, Pactola Lake, Spearfish Canyon, etc.
I do have a rod and my goal is to take some lessons, so by the time we meet I may be a better resource! |
| Location: |
1010 Jackson Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57702 |
| Phone: |
(605) 341-2450 |
| I mentioned mountain biking already, but I suggest stopping into Acme before heading out. Tim and his staff rent out a lot of bikes and work with cycle tour companies, very good resource to use.
They rent all kinds of bikes, including E-Bikes.
There are other fine bike shops in Rapid, I can`t pick a favorite, Acme is just a very helpful place for someone not familiar with the area to get started. And I know they do a lot of rentals. |
| Location: |
700 Jackson Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57702 |
| Phone: |
605-343-9534 |
| A must with kids. Very unique to Rapid City. No charge so you can stop in for a short period and not feel bad about leaving early. My youngest is 10 and we still make it over there a couple times a season.
Its best if you check out the website for more information! |
| Location: |
1301 Sheridan Lake Rd, Rapid City, SD 57702 |
