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Hill City – Major Lake Park loop from Custer

Hill City – Major Lake Park loop from Custer

Hard

3.2

(24)

riders

Hill City – Major Lake Park loop from Custer

04:17

73.1km

730m

Gravel riding

Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: July 13, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Black Hills National Forest

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

25.0 km

Black Hills Museum of Natural History

Highlight • Monument

The collection of this prehistoric museum is just amazing. In one room, gigantic ammonites, antediluvian crocodile skulls, carapace fish of impressive sizes that seem straight out of a science fiction film, and of course the inevitable allosaurs and T-Rex. All of these animal fossils are American and the majority of them have been found in the region, as well as in the states of the Dakotas and Montana. A visit not to be missed while passing through Hill City! Admission only costs a few dollars. They also serve coffee and you will find the inevitable souvenir shop. A way to remind you that the American West is a paradise for all dinosaur hunters.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

25.3 km

Hill City

Highlight • Settlement

Hill City, South Dakota, has a rich history and plenty of outdoor activities. Founded during the Black Hills gold rush, the town is known as "The Heart of the Hills." You can take a ride on the 1880s-era train for a scenic trip through the area. Hill City is also close to Custer State Park and the George S. Mickelson Trail for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. The Black Hills Institute of Geological Research has fossil exhibits, including the famous T. rex, Sue. With local wineries and easy access to Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, Hill City offers an exciting mix of history, nature, and culture.

Tip by

25.7 km

Major Lake Park

Highlight • Lake

Major Lake Park is a quiet lakeside spot in Hill City, perfect for a picnic, a wildlife break, or a quick detour off the Mickelson Trail. Look out for geese, deer, and the local osprey.

Tip by

30.2 km

View of Harney Peak

Highlight • Viewpoint

On this stretch of the George S. Mickelson Trail, you’ll get clear views of Harney Peak, the highest point in South Dakota, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Black Hills.

Tip by

37.6 km

Redfern

Highlight • Historical Site

Redfern was once a booming railroad town in the late 1800s. Named after the Redfern family, who settled here during the construction of the Black Hills and Fort Pierre Railroad, the town played a crucial role in transporting goods and people across this rugged region. Today, remnants of Redfern’s railroad past can still be seen, including the old train depot and nearby railbeds.

Tip by

38.2 km

George S. Mickelson Trail between Redfern and Hill City

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

After passing through Redfern, the trail continues gently downhill towards Hill City. You'll ride along peaceful prairies at the base of Lowden Mountain, Smith Mountain, and the mountains surrounding Hill City.

Tip by

73.1 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

70.1 km

1.87 km

943 m

229 m

Surfaces

56.0 km

14.3 km

1.61 km

1.05 km

230 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (1,790 m)

Lowest point (1,510 m)

Weather

Today

Sunday 26 July

34°C

20°C

36 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Hill City – Major Lake Park loop from Custer

Black Hills Museum of Natural History

Hill City

Major Lake Park

View of Harney Peak

Redfern

George S. Mickelson Trail between Redfern and Hill City

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