Cycling in Rapid City, SD: A Guide to Trails, Local Shops and Fat Biking

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Cycling in Rapid City, SD, has evolved into a year-round enterprise thanks in part to the willingness of enthusiasts to speak about spokes, and all other things related to biking in the Black Hills region. 

“Cyclists around here are very willing to share information, so it’s easy to get involved just by reaching out to a bike shop or going online to a cycling group,” says Tim Rangitsch, owner of Acme Bicycles. “There are different facets of cycling – commuting, mountain biking, road riding, fat tire – and if someone doesn’t do a particular discipline, they probably can recommend someone who does.” 

Rapid City Bike Shops

Founded in 1999, Acme Bicycles is one of several longtime bike shops in Rapid City, along with Black Hills Bicycles (2012). In addition, the recently renamed Black Hills Bike Hub has been promoting cycling in the region since the 1990s. 

“There is a really robust cycling community here. You see a lot of people out riding,” says Evan Walterman, trails director for the Black Hills Bike Hub. “Our motto is, ‘All Rides. All Bikes. All People.’ We want to represent and support all forms of cycling and help push things forward in our area.” 

Mountain Biking Trails Near Rapid City to Explore 

One of the reasons cycling is so popular in the Rapid City area is because it is so easy to get out and ride. There are several major trail systems within the city limits, including at Skyline Wilderness Area Park, Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park and Raider Park near Stevens High School. 

“You don’t have to drive 30 minutes before you can get to a place to ride,” Black Hills Bicycles owner Ian Estes says. “Most people in Rapid City can ride their bike from their house, and in five to 10 minutes be on some sort of trail. Having that accessibility to get outside and exercise and have some fun is so valuable.” 

Skyline has an extensive network of single-track trails throughout the 150-acre park.

Likewise, Hanson-Larsen offers more than 20 miles of trails spread across 300 acres. 

“Those are big properties where if you go just a few miles from the trailhead, you won’t see many people around,” Rangitsch says. “You’ll feel like you have the whole place to yourself.” 

A more compact riding experience can be enjoyed at 30-acre Raider Park, which Rangitsch says is ideal for beginner cyclists.

And for a truly relaxing ride, the Leonard Swanson Memorial Pathway (also known as the Rapid City Bike Path) runs for more than 10 miles through town and alongside Rapid Creek. 

Just a few miles west of town, the Buzzards Roost mountain biking trail provides a 500-foot climb to a scenic overlook.

Rapid City is only 30 minutes from the 109-mile George S. Mickelson Trail, which stretches from Edgemont to Deadwood and is the site of the annual Mickelson Trail Trek cycling event. 

iStock/GROGL

Fat Biking: Snow Much Fun 

The cycling doesn’t stop once the snowflakes start to drop. In fact, there is an entire activity built around winter riding called fat biking, in which extra-wide tires are used to traverse the snow. Acme Bicycles helps kick start the season in December with an annual Global Fat Bike Day Ride. 

“There is a distinct snow band just a little bit north of Rapid City where you get consistent snow that sticks around for a few months every winter,” Rangitsch says. “They pull out snowmobiles and track sleds and pack down the trail systems after snowfalls. It creates a firm-packed snow area that is perfect for fat biking.” 

Even cyclists who don’t have a fat bike can still enjoy a winter ride in town, because the city routinely plows the bike routes along with the streets. It is one of the many ways that Rapid City keeps things rolling when it comes to cycling. 

“It’s not just the community that supports cycling. The city and the parks and rec department see the value in it as well,” Walterman says. “So, we have this strong baseline of support for cycling that makes sure it is well cared for now and will continue into the future.”