HORSEBACK RIDING Saddle up at a sprawling dude ranch or trot along rugged, winding trails on a guided ride. Stunning scenery and trusted trails make the Black Hills and Badlands the perfect place for horseback adventures. The region has a variety of horse camps and miles of trails to explore. Outfitters 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 both residents and non-residents to this world-class hunting haven. Hunt big and small game, including turkey, deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mountain lions, rabbits and game birds. For licensing and tag registration, contact the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks at 605-223-7660. BLACK HILLS & BADLANDS REGION 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 our most popular activities. Find walleye, trout, northern pike and more, ready to bite at our larger lakes, Sheridan Lake, Rocky Point, Pactola, Angostura and Deerfield reservoirs, as well as many smaller bodies of water, including Stockade, Sylvan, Center, Legion and Bismarck lakes. 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 skills levels, the Black Hills are a rock climber’s dream. To learn more about outdoor activities in the Black Hills and Badlands, visit blackhillsbadlands.com/outdoor-recreation. George S.Mickelson Trail The George S. Mickelson Trail runs through the heart of the Black Hills, connecting Deadwood in the northern hills with Edgemont in the southern hills. The crushed-stone pathway incorporates more than 100 converted railroad bridges and four rock tunnels, passing through national forest land and privately-owned land. While traveling on the trail, please respect private landowners. Gentle slopes beckon runners, bikers, hikers and horseback riders of all abilities. The 15 trailheads offer parking and self-sale trail pass stations. Trail passes are required. Take a horseback ride from High Country Guest Ranch Trail Rides near Hill City or Rockin’ R Trail Rides near Crazy Horse Memorial®. Local outfitters Rabbit Bicycles in Hill City provides bike rentals and shuttle service. Bicycle enthusiasts will gather for the 23rd Annual Mickelson Trail Trek, Sept. 18 to 23, 2020. Riders of all skill levels are encouraged to participate. Families and ebikes can join the bicycling fun on June 16-18, 2020 during the debut of the new Summer Trail Trek. For runners, the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon offers a point-to-point course on the historic trail, June 7, 2020. To learn more about the Mickelson Trail, visit blackhillsbadlands.com/mickelson-trail. BlackHillsBadlands.com // 59
South Dakota Vacation Guide South Dakota Vacation Guide South Dakota Vacation Guide 2020: Page 59
