The best MTB trails around Colonial Pine Hills
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Mountain biking around Colonial Pine Hills offers diverse routes through the unique landscapes of the Black Hills region. The area is characterized by dense pine forests, rolling hills, and distinctive geological formations. Trails often traverse canyons featuring serene streams and impressive rock walls, providing varied terrain for riders. This environment makes Colonial Pine Hills a notable destination for outdoor activities, including mountain biking.
Best mountain bike trails around Colonial Pine Hills
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Buzzards and Pretty Vulture Loop, a 5.2 miles (8.3 km) trail that takes about 50 minutes to complete. This easy route winds through pine forests and offers views of the local canyons.
- Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is Leonard “Swanny” Swanson Memorial Pathway, an easy 13.1 miles (21.0 km) path. This route provides a cross-country experience through the rolling hills of the Black Hills environment.
- Local mountain bikers also love the Rapid City – M Hill loop from Rapid City, a 13.0 miles (21.0 km) trail leading through varied terrain, often completed in about 1 hour 50 minutes.
- Mountain biking around Colonial Pine Hills is defined by pine forests, canyons with streams, and rolling hills. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy paths to more moderate climbs.
- The routes in Colonial Pine Hills are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 3 reviews. More than 80 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Colonial Pine Hills's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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riders
8.32km
00:51
200m
200m
The Buzzards and Pretty Vulture Loop mountain biking trails offer a dynamic ride through rocky terrain and scenic forest sections near Rapid City. You'll navigate winding paths on the Pretty Vulture Trail, enjoying glimpses of distant hills before reaching the expansive vistas from the Buzzard's Roost overlook, where you can take in the Rapid Creek canyon and far-off peaks. The experience is a blend of technical challenge and rewarding scenery, making it a memorable outing.
Planning your visit to this Buzzards and Pretty Vulture Loop mountain biking location means preparing for some technical sections, particularly the rocky start of the Pretty Vulture Trail. While the overall 5.2-mile (8.3 km) route is rated easy, the 652 feet (199 metres) of elevation gain, especially the climb to Buzzard's Roost, will give you a good workout in about 51 minutes. Be aware that some parts of the trail system are not clearly marked, so having a map or GPS is advisable for smooth navigation.
This area is renowned for its technical mountain biking, providing a variety of singletrack and doubletrack options beyond just the Buzzards and Pretty Vulture Loop. The stunning panoramic viewpoints are a major draw, offering a unique perspective on the surrounding South Dakota landscape. It's a great spot to experience challenging trails combined with incredible natural beauty, perfect for riders seeking both adventure and impressive scenery.
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21.0km
01:05
70m
70m
The Leonard “Swanny” Swanson Memorial Pathway offers a delightful mountain biking experience, primarily on smooth, paved surfaces that wind alongside the Rapid Creek. You'll pedal through pleasant, sparsely wooded areas and various creekside parks, enjoying views of natural beauty and urban landscapes. Keep an eye out for highlights like Sioux Park and Founders Park, which provide excellent spots to pause and take in the surroundings.
This easy 13.1-mile (21.0 km) route, with a gentle 220 feet (67 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed outing, typically taking just over an hour to complete. Access is straightforward, with multiple entry points from the parks it connects throughout Rapid City. It's a fantastic choice for families or beginner mountain bikers looking for a comfortable ride without significant challenges.
Named in honor of Leonard Swanson, a former public works director, this pathway is more than just a trail; it's a vital urban greenway. His vision transformed the area along Rapid Creek into a cherished public space after the 1972 flood, making it a significant part of Rapid City's recreational network. It's a testament to thoughtful urban planning, providing essential connectivity and a peaceful escape within the city.
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23
riders
15.0km
01:27
310m
310m
The Chuck Lien Family Park – Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park loop offers a dynamic mountain biking adventure right from Rapid City. You'll navigate through classic Black Hills terrain, featuring everything from smooth singletrack to technical, rock-strewn sections and thick pine forests. Keep an eye out for stunning panoramic views of landmarks like Mt. Rushmore and Harney Peak as you climb, especially from the notable "M Hill" viewpoint.
This moderate 9.3-mile (15.0 km) route involves 1021 feet (311 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 26 minutes to complete. The park provides ample parking, restrooms, and picnic areas, making it a convenient trailhead. Given its popularity for Rapid City mountain biking, consider an early start to secure parking and enjoy the trails with fewer crowds.
Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park, which encompasses part of Chuck Lien Family Park, is a nationally recognized trail system, often compared to some of the best mountain bike meccas in the west. It's a non-profit, privately funded park, offering nearly 20 miles of world-class recreational trails that cater to various skill levels, from family-friendly singletrack to challenging black diamond sections.
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19
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8.64km
00:51
180m
180m
The M Hill loop in Rapid City offers a fantastic mountain biking experience with varied terrain and rewarding views. You'll navigate a mix of fire roads and singletrack, passing through areas characterized by sandstone and shale. From various points along the 5.4-mile (8.6 km) route, you can soak in panoramic vistas of Rapid City and the surrounding Black Hills, making this easy trail a high-payoff option for a quick ride. The distinctive "M" monument, a local landmark, is also a notable feature along the way.
Planning your visit to Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park is straightforward, as it's easily accessible from downtown Rapid City and connects directly to the Rapid Creek Bike Path. Free parking is available at Founders Park, so you can roll right onto the trail. This multi-use park is popular, so expect to share the paths with hikers and runners, especially during peak times.
This trail system is unique because it's privately funded, ensuring its continued maintenance and accessibility for the community. With over 20 miles of trails within its 300-acre expanse, the M Hill loop provides a great introduction to mountain biking in the area, offering both beginner-friendly paths and more technical challenges for advanced riders. It's a beloved local spot for outdoor recreation.
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riders
12.7km
01:02
210m
210m
Explore the M Hill loop, a fantastic mountain biking route that winds through the unique landscape surrounding Rapid City's Dinosaur Park. This easy 7.9-mile (12.7 km) trail offers a diverse ride over natural surfaces and gravel, rewarding you with sweeping panoramic views of the city, the Black Hills, and even the distant Badlands. With 686 feet (209 metres) of elevation gain, it's a manageable ride that takes about 1 hour and 2 minutes, making it ideal for a quick escape into nature.
Accessing the M Hill loop is straightforward, as it's part of an in-town trail system directly connected to Dinosaur Park. Parking is available near the park, which also serves as a gateway to the Skyline Wilderness Area's network of trails. Since the trails are multi-use, you'll share the path with hikers and runners, so be mindful of others. Consider an early start to enjoy the best conditions and avoid crowds.
What makes this one of the best mountain bike trails in Rapid City is its blend of accessibility, varied terrain, and stunning viewpoints. The distinctive "M" formation on the hill has historical ties to the South Dakota Mines, and Dinosaur Park itself is a historic roadside attraction with its iconic concrete dinosaurs. This route offers a great introduction to mountain biking in the Black Hills region, providing a taste of the area's natural beauty and geological significance.
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Tips from the Community
Canyon Lake is part of one of the oldest city parks of Rapid City. The park has several picnic areas, a fishing bridge, paddle boat rentals. The Leonard Swanson Memorial Trail runs along the lake for a bit, making it a perfect stop for a break.
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Chuck Lien Family Park covers a similar area as Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park, a little further to the north. Its main highlight is M Hill, but besides that there are a lot of very nice trails to hike in the area!
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All trails inside Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park are quite easy to hike, and there is not much gain in elevation. From the northern part of the trail, it's just a very small hike back to the parking lot.
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Entrance sign to Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park and its trails. The park includes about 20 miles of trails for mountain bikers and hikers. Even though very close to the city center, this park is the perfect spot to enjoy nature and nice views.
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The M Hill in Rapid City is linked to the South Dakota Mines. In 1912 the students of the university put up a huge "M" on top of the hill to draw attention to the university. Nowadays, it's a famous landmark of the city.
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The Roosevelt Pond sits in the middle of the lower loop of Roosevelt Park, so you will be close to the pond most time of your hike around the park. It's a nice spot to take a little rest.
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A great place for a break under the shade of the trees, here you can watch locals fish before continuing on one of the nearby trails.
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A classic loop in the Buzzard's Roost trail network! Here you gently climb up North Buzzard Trail to Connector Trail and wind back down to the trailhead via Buzzard's Loop Trail. All trails in this loop are rated as blue and green. For more of a challenge, you can take South Rim, which is a black diamond from the connector trail to Buzzard's Loop.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available around Colonial Pine Hills?
There are 7 mountain bike trails available around Colonial Pine Hills, offering diverse experiences through the unique landscapes of the Black Hills region.
What is the overall difficulty level of mountain biking trails in Colonial Pine Hills?
The trails around Colonial Pine Hills cater to a range of abilities, with 5 easy routes and 2 moderate routes. There are no difficult trails listed, making it a great area for riders looking for accessible and enjoyable experiences.
What makes mountain biking in Colonial Pine Hills unique?
Mountain biking in Colonial Pine Hills is unique due to its location within the Black Hills National Forest, an 'island in the plains' known for its dramatic pine-covered mountains, rolling hills, and distinctive geological formations. Trails often traverse diverse forests, canyons with serene streams, and impressive rock walls, offering a varied and scenic riding experience.
What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Colonial Pine Hills?
The mountain bike trails around Colonial Pine Hills are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.75 stars from over 3 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain and the beautiful natural surroundings.
Are there any easy mountain bike trails suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are several easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners or families. You could try the Buzzards and Pretty Vulture Loop, which is 8.3 km long and winds through pine forests, or the longer Leonard “Swanny” Swanson Memorial Pathway, an easy 21 km path offering a cross-country experience.
Can I find longer mountain bike routes in the area?
Absolutely. For a longer ride, consider the Leonard “Swanny” Swanson Memorial Pathway, an easy 21 km route. Another excellent option is the Rapid City – M Hill loop from Rapid City, which is 21 km long and features varied terrain.
Are there any loop mountain bike trails around Colonial Pine Hills?
Yes, many trails in the area are loops. Popular options include the easy Buzzards and Pretty Vulture Loop (8.3 km) and the moderate Rapid City – M Hill loop from Rapid City (21 km). The M Hill – M Hill loop from Rapid City (8.0 km) is another easy loop option.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the mountain bike trails?
You can expect diverse terrain, including dirt singletrack, jeep trails, and sections through pine forests, canyons, and rolling hills. Trails often feature tranquil streams and striking rock walls, providing a mix of challenging climbs, flowy sections, and descents.
Are there trails with more challenging climbs or descents for intermediate riders?
Yes, for intermediate riders seeking more challenge, the Victoria Lake area offers the Victoria Lake Loop 15, known for its dirt singletrack with a mix of challenging climbs, flowy sections, and descents. The Storm Mountain Trail also provides a cross-country experience with singletrack sections and even a 'super-D course' for downhill enthusiasts.
Are there any notable landmarks or viewpoints along the mountain bike trails?
While specific viewpoints directly on the mountain bike trails are not detailed, the area is rich in natural beauty. You can find scenic spots like Stratosphere Bowl nearby. The trails themselves traverse pine forests and canyons with impressive rock walls, offering continuous scenic views. The region is also close to iconic attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Are there places to explore or relax near the mountain bike trails?
Yes, the area offers several points of interest. Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground is a great spot for outdoor activities, and Pactola Lake, the largest body of water in the Black Hills, is popular for boating, fishing, and swimming. You can also visit Rapid City for urban amenities and attractions like Art Alley.
Is there parking available near the mountain bike trails?
While specific parking details for each trail are not provided, the area around Colonial Pine Hills, being a popular outdoor destination, generally offers parking facilities at trailheads or nearby recreational areas. It's advisable to check individual route descriptions for precise parking information.
What is the best time of year to mountain bike in Colonial Pine Hills?
The Black Hills region generally offers excellent mountain biking conditions from spring through fall. The dense pine forests provide some shade during warmer months, and the changing leaves in autumn offer beautiful scenery. Winter riding might be possible on some trails, but conditions can vary greatly with snow and ice, so checking local trail conditions is recommended.
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