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DISCOVER NATURE’S ULTIMATE PLAYGROUND Rising from an ocean of prairie, the Black Hills offer an oasis of opportunity for outdoor recreation. Explore the raw beauty of picturesque lakes and waterfalls, rivers prime for fishing, trails begging to be hiked and biked, and mountainsides home to peaceful campgrounds and lush playgrounds. With equipment rentals, lessons and plenty of friendly faces willing to show visitors the way, it’s easy to add a bike ride, fishing trip, round of golf or kayaking excursion to your Black Hills vacation. ATVING & OFF-ROADING With abundant landscapes to explore, western South Dakota is a hotbed for off-roaders seeking fantastic trails for ATVs and UTVs. Read more on page 52. BIKING The Black Hills are a biker’s paradise, offering riders every type of terrain imaginable. From the long, gravel George S. Mickelson Trail to wide-shoulder highways, in-town paths and rugged mountain bike tracks. Start your trip in one of the trails’ anchor towns where lodging properties and local outfiters offer rentals for riders. CAMPING Sleep under the stars at one of the Black Hills and Badlands exceptional campgrounds. With sites that can accommodate more than 25,000 campers, you’ll find dispersed spots tucked away in ponderosa pines at state and national parks, tucked up against granite boulders and alongside streams at privately-owned campgrounds and RV parks, and even luxurious glamping sites. FISHING With 18 fishable lakes and more than 300 miles of fishable rivers and streams, it’s no wonder that casting a line is one of the most popular activities for locals and visitors alike. The Black Hills combines some of the best small stream fly fishing in the country with unsurpassed scenery at Rapid, Spearfish, Castle, Spring and French creeks. Find fish ready to bite at our three larger lakes, Sheridan, Pactola and Deerfield, as well as many smaller bodies of water, including Stockade, Sylvan, Center, Legion and Bismarck lakes, and Orman Dam. Walleye is the state fish, but trout, northern pike and largemouth bass are also highly sought-after catches. Before planning your fishing trip, check with the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks for fishing limi s and licenses. GOLFING Tee up for great golf. Black Hills courses twist deep into pine forests, cross rushing trout streams and open up to spectacular mountain vistas. Hit the greens at one of our distinct golf courses, like Southern Hills Golf Course in Hot Springs or Boulder Canyon Golf Club at Apple Springs outside of Sturgis, that offer beautiful natural settings, excellent course conditions and affordable prices. HIKING & BACKPACKING Let your legs move you through the Black Hills’ hidden gems, protected wilderness areas, granite outcrops and grass prairies. Black Hills National Forest and the surrounding state and national parks contain more than 450 miles of trails begging to be explored by intrepid hikers of all abilities. For trail maps and more information, contact the Black Hills National Forest office at 605-673-9200. HORSEBACK RIDING Saddle up at a sprawling dude ranch or trot along rugged, winding trails on a guided ride. Stunning landscapes and trusted trails make the Black Hills and Badlands the perfect place for horseback adventures. Outfiters and guest ranches have a horse for you, or you can bring your own! HUNTING Take part in the time-honored tradition of hunting in western South Dakota. Friendly hosts, private lodges and more than 30 developed camping areas welcome residents and non-residents to this hunting haven. Hunt big and small game, including turkey, deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, mountain lion, rabbits and game birds. For licensing and tag registration, contact the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks at 605-223-7660. MOTORCYCLE TOURING Cruising through the Black Hills and Badlands on a motorcycle is the adventure of a lifetime. The wind in your hair and the sun on your face — take it all in on two wheels. Read more on page 112. PHOTOGRAPHY The Black Hills and Badlands are filled with chances to photograph stunning landscapes and wild animals. With little light pollution and unobstructed views, there aren’t many better places to see — and capture — the night sky in all of its wonder. Share your photos on social media using #DiscoverBlackHills for a chance to be featured. ROCK CLIMBING Tackle granite spires in the Sylvan Lake district, dance up routes in the Rushmore area, bask in the year-round climbing of Spearfish Canyon or plug gear on the 835-foot face of Devils Tower. With hundreds of plotted climbing courses for all skill levels, the Black Hills are a rock climber’s dream. For professional instruction, contact Sylvan Rocks Climbing School & Guide Service. ROCK HOUNDING Mineral deposits and rock beds are found throughout the forest and prairie, featuring quartz, copper, silver, lead, mica, feldspar and other geological find . People come to the Black Hills for exploration and mineral claims on gold, uranium and limestone. WATER SPORTS Explore the many mountain lakes scattered throughout the Black Hills by motorboat, stand-up paddleboard, canoe or kayak. Be rewarded with distinct experiences and dramatic scenery when water skiing, tubing and even scuba diving. Area outfiters can help plan a trip while providing all necessary equipment. To learn more about outdoor activities in the Black Hills, visit blackhillsbadlands.com/outdoor-recreation.
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