The Paha Sapa Trails site is dedicated to providing maps, details and accessibility information about cycling, hiking, running and equestrian/horseback-riding trails in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The Black Hills has an extremely wide variety of trails suiting many different forms of outdoor activity. The Black Hills area trails and trail networks are also extensive, covering areas near and connecting Spearfish, Rapid City, Sturgis, Lead, Deadwood, Hill City, Keystone and Custer, to name a few. Whether you are a long-time resident or planning a vacation, PahaSapaTrails.com aims to be the best resource available for planning Black Hills activities on the trail.
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Mountain Bike Trails
Buzzards Roost Trail Network
The Buzzards Roost Trail Network is a system of trails about six miles west of Rapid City that features 8+ miles of diverse single and double track. With 6+ miles of the trail being exceptional, if somewhat rocky, single track. There are a couple of challenging climbs to be had in this trail network but, sans the exceptionally rocky sections, the trails are typical of a modern human designed trail system in that they flow well and have a diversity of medium and high speed sections. One of the highlights of this area is the breathtaking view from atop the Lookout, upon your first visit to Buzzards Roost you should consider an ascent to the Lookout mandatory.
Victoria's Secret
The Victoria's Secret Loop is one of several counter-clockwise loops near Victoria Lake with start and end points on Victoria Lake Road. It is a loop typical of the Black Hills, not overly technical but with somewhat rocky single-track that should be challenging enough to satisfy those of nearly all abilities. This loop features fairly significant elevation change with very impressive views.
Mountain Bike Events
BAM Knifeblade Race/Ride
The "Knifeblade Rock & Roll" Mountain Bike Race/Ride that takes place as part of the Sturgis Bicycle, Art and Music Festival is one of the premiere mountain bike events in western South Dakota. Featuring a challenging 35-mile predominately single-track course that snakes through the Black Hills between Piedmont and Sturgis on the Centennial Trail.
Dakota Five-0 Race/Ride/Tour Route
Official Dakota Five-0 race route description.
Recreational Cycling/Walking Trails
Mickelson Trail
The Mickelson Trail is a converted railbed that passes through the heart of the Black Hills. Beginning in Edgemont, in the southern hills, the trail passes through the towns of Pringle, Custer, Hill City, Rochford, Lead and Deadwood. The majority of the trail does not exceed 4% grade, and the relatively hard packed crushed aggregate surface make it appropriate for bicycles of all types except road bikes with skinny tires. The trail is suitable for all ages and abilities. Hikers and horseback riders are the other predominant trail users.
Leonard Swanson Memorial Pathway
The Leonard "Swanny" Swanson Memorial Pathway is a paved bike path that runs the breadth of Rapid City along Rapid Creek.
Hiking/Running Trails
Buzzards Roost Trail Network
The Buzzards Roost Trail Network is a system of trails about six miles west of Rapid City that features 8+ miles of diverse single and double track. With 6+ miles of the trail being exceptional, if somewhat rocky, single track. There are a couple of challenging climbs to be had in this trail network but, sans the exceptionally rocky sections, the trails are typical of a modern human designed trail system in that they flow well and have a diversity of medium and high speed sections. One of the highlights of this area is the breathtaking view from atop the Lookout, upon your first visit to Buzzards Roost you should consider an ascent to the Lookout mandatory.
Norbeck / Black Elk Trail Network
The Norbeck Wildlife Preserve and Black Elk Wilderness trail networks are gorgeous recreational trails southwest of Rapid City, SD. While cycling is allowed on the Norbeck trails, it is not allowed within the Black Elk Wilderness area, which can make cycling in this area a tricky proposition. Runners, hikers and those of the equestrian persuasion rejoice!
Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L
The Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L is nestled right in the middle of the Black Hills National Forest, northwest of Hill City and Custer, south of Lead and Deadwood and due west of Rapid City, this trail is within reasonable driving distance no matter where you are in the Black Hills. This trail, which encircles Deerfield Lake, is not overly technical but has a fairly substantial amount of elevation change given its distance. The Lake Loop Trail makes an excellent destination for hikers and horseback riders and while it is a good mountain bike trail, there are better cycling destinations in the Black Hills.
Victoria's Secret
The Victoria's Secret Loop is one of several counter-clockwise loops near Victoria Lake with start and end points on Victoria Lake Road. It is a loop typical of the Black Hills, not overly technical but with somewhat rocky single-track that should be challenging enough to satisfy those of nearly all abilities. This loop features fairly significant elevation change with very impressive views.
Equestrian Trails
Norbeck / Black Elk Trail Network
The Norbeck Wildlife Preserve and Black Elk Wilderness trail networks are gorgeous recreational trails southwest of Rapid City, SD. While cycling is allowed on the Norbeck trails, it is not allowed within the Black Elk Wilderness area, which can make cycling in this area a tricky proposition. Runners, hikers and those of the equestrian persuasion rejoice!
Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L
The Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L is nestled right in the middle of the Black Hills National Forest, northwest of Hill City and Custer, south of Lead and Deadwood and due west of Rapid City, this trail is within reasonable driving distance no matter where you are in the Black Hills. This trail, which encircles Deerfield Lake, is not overly technical but has a fairly substantial amount of elevation change given its distance. The Lake Loop Trail makes an excellent destination for hikers and horseback riders and while it is a good mountain bike trail, there are better cycling destinations in the Black Hills.