Explore Black Hills, South Dakota: Hiking, Wildlife, History & Scenic Trails!

Hosted by

Lawrence

7 Days30 Days!

Extra Cancellation Days
only for the first TripMate

Guided trip
What's special?
special Hikes have spectacular views and scenery
special Close encounters with wildlife
special Chuckwagon dinner and variety show
Let’s visit the Black Hills of South Dakota. View wildlife, historic sites, and more. Travel on the famous Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway and Wildlife loop. Stay at rustic lodges or cabins with wildlife possibly grazing in the yards. Hike up to incredible vistas including Cathedral spires and the highest peak in South Dakota, Black Elk peak. We can choose from a large variety of easy to moderate hikes. We’ll visit Mt. Rushmore and learn the history of these 4 iconic figures in US history. We’ll visit the largest statue in the world, the Crazy Horse monument, a work in progress. At the Indian heritage museum we’ll learn about his place in history and the culture of the Native American tribes. We'll enjoy a wine tasting of native fruit wines, then purchase and enjoy a lunch with the wine of your choice. We may find time, if we choose, to visit other areas like Deadwood city, Sturgis and the motorcycle museum, Keystone and more.

About Me! I’m a global nomad, retired ship captain, navigation instructor, Qigong instructor, and avid hiker. I like to travel not so much as a tourist, but to meet local people and experience their culture. I spent a full summer working and hiking in the black hills and Custer state park. I’ve hiked the Annapurna base camp trek in the Himalayas and I’m planning an Everest base camp trek in spring 2025.

We will stay at bunkhouses, lodges, and/or cabins. The locations will be determined by the number of hikers. The rooms will be shared, private rooms will cost extra. We will share time around the fire pit in the evening, sharing our stories and discovering new friends. We may possibly see wildlife roaming the yards, especially early in the morning. Any questions about the trip? You can let me know in the Q&A section!

What's included?
Transportation between stops
Bunk houses, or shared rooms
Wine tasting
Enterance fees
Your Booking includes free protection from Trip cancellations.
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Retired ship captain, currently a nomad

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Trip Itinerary
1

Rapid City

Day 1-2
We will arrive in Rapid city and make our way to the hotel. There should be an airport shuttle. Please try to arrive before 5:00 pm so we can share a meet and great dinner together. In the morning we will travel early by van to a $0.99 pancake breakfast at Fort Hays.
2

Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper & Show

Day 2
Step back in time at the Fort Hays Old West Town Square. First, fill your belly with our all-you-can-eat cowboy pancakes for just 99 cents. The pancake breakfast may not be vegetarian friendly. You may be able to get by without meat, but it most likely be cooked with the same utensils as the meats.
3

Custer State Park

Day 2
We will road trip over the famous Needles highway, the Custer State Park wildlife loop, and the Iron Mountain Highway. These famous roads, also called The Steve Norbeck scenic byways, have awesome vistas, with twists and turns, and narrow tunnels that make an unforgettable road trip experience.
4

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Day 2
At Mt Rushmore see the majestic figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln . Visit the museum and learn about these leaders of the USA. You can also see how they carved this monument.
5

Crazy Horse Memorial

Day 2
Crazy Horse memorial depicts the Lakota leader Crazy Horse. who led the tribe through its most difficult times. This is a work in progress.when finished it will be the largest statue in the world. The Native American museum will give a glimpse into the history of America from a native perspective.
6

Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper & Show

Day 2-3
Good ol’ Chuckwagon chow and the best live entertainment Variety Show in the Black Hills by the Rockin Wranglers. The Chuckwagon Supper & Branson-style Music Variety Show features a hearty chuckwagon menu and the most entertaining show in the Black Hills! Experience the Old West like never before with one of the best family-friendly attractions in Rapid City! The pancake breakfast may not be vegetarian friendly. You may be able to get by without meat, but it most likely be cooked with the same utensils as the meats.
7

Cathedral Spires Trailhead

Day 3
The Cathedral Spires hike has dramatic scenery. You’ll find yourself walking amongst towering pillars of granite, part of the Black Hills’ famed Needles rock formations, and one of the most unique geological formations in North America. This hike will include the Little Devils tower trail,
8

Prairie Berry Winery

Day 3
We will be able to have a wine tasting at Prairie Berry winery. This winery is home to the famous Red Ass and Rosy Ass rhubarb wines. Handcrafted on-site in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, there wines have won over 1,000 international awards.
9

Black Elk Peak

Day 3
At 7,242 feet, Black Elk Peak — previously known as Harney Peak — isn’t just the highest point in South Dakota. It’s the highest elevation between the Rocky Mountains in the western United States and the Pyrenees Mountains in France. Hikers of all ages make their ascent to take in a view that seems to extend forever and includes gorgeous views of South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska and North Dakota.
10

Black Hills National Forest

Day 3-9
We will be able to enjoy many different easy and moderately difficult hikes. Or visit other sites or museums in the area. We could visit Deadwood, Sturgis, Keystone, or more places. The Custer trail challenge is an option we can enjoy. If we complete it we will receive a pin.
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Other
9 days trip
Rapid City, Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper & Show & 8 more
Transportation
Car, Trekking
What's excluded?
Transportation to/from Rapid City SD
Groceries and lunches
Some events may not be vegetarian
Souvenirs and extra activities
Visa, most Europeans will need a ESTA
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