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Homepage Media Press Kit Story Starters Outdoor Adventures
M HILL
Rapid City Outdoor Adventures
Rapid City and the Black Hills offer fun and adventure to travelers. From advanced mountain biking trails to camping sites, Rapid City has something to offer for everyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors.
Hiking
Tighten your laces and hit one of the stretches of trail in the Black Hills National Forest. Trail difficulties vary throughout the region, providing a place for everyone to enjoy the landscape. Remember to bring a jacket along for the hike as temperatures can vary at different elevations.
Harney Peak is a favorite spot for hikers. As the highest point in the U.S. east of the Rookies, Harney Peak rises 7,242 feet above sea level. Hikers will be rewarded with beautiful views of South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana after conquering the summit. Harney Peak is just under an hour southwest of Rapid City.
Rock Climbing
The Needles-Sylvan Lake district of the Harney Range in the Black Hills is a popular area for climbing. About 1,000 towering granite spires offer climbs ranging from bouldering to 300-foot ascents. Sports shops in Rapid City, Hill City, Spearfish and Keystone stock climbing equipment, maps and guidebooks. There are also several local outfitters offering climbing lessons, gear and guided climbs.
Fishing
Cool mountain lakes and fresh-water streams filled with brook, brawn and rainbow trout can be found throughout the Black Hills. The best fishing spots in the region include Deerfield Reservoir, Pactola Reservoir, Stockade Lake, Sheridan Lake, Rapid Creek, French Creek, Spearfish Creek, Spring Creek and Castle Creek. Most waters are stocked and the fishing season never closes in South Dakota.
Horseback riding
Travelers can leave their cars behind and discover the Black Hills backcountry on horseback. About a dozen trail ride outfits and guest ranches offer one-hour, two-hour and half-day rides. For longer rides and more freedom, try the outfitters who run Centennial Trail pack trips, Dakota Badlands Expeditions, or local dude ranches. Horse camps are located throughout the area for people who want to experience a “rugged western” camping vacation.
Camping
Sleeping under a blanket of stars helps to expose travelers to another aspect of the beauty of the Black Hills. Camping facilities range from very rustic to modern with full hookups and showers. Campgrounds can accommodate tents, campers and RVs. Many also offer sleeping or full-service cabin rentals.
Water Sports
Opportunities to water ski, sail, ride a paddle boat, canoe, wind-surf and scuba dive can be found on fourteen lakes in the Black Hills. The crystal-clear, refreshing waters are surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills.
Geocaching
Travelers looking to play today’s digital version of hide-and-seek will find ample opportunities. With over 800 caches planted around the Black Hills region, travelers can explore the history of the Black Hills and discover the beauty and vastness of the region. Go to geocaching.com to find caches in and around Rapid City. Some geocaches located in Rapid City include:
Step Below the Surface
As the second and fourth longest caves in the world respectively, Jewel Cave and Wind Cave expose visitors to an incredible display of unusual formations. With over 150-miles of surveyed cave area, Jewel Cave offers tours year-round showcasing stalactites, stalagmites, dog-tooth spar, moonmilk and other formations. Jewel cave is located southwest of Rapid City.
Wind Cave stretches for over 200-miles. The cave has the highest concentration of box work, a rare formation of thin calcite fins that resemble honeycombs, along with calcite crystal formations. Both a one-fourth and one-half mile tour are available for visitors. Above ground, Wind Cave National Park is a 28,295 acre wildlife sanctuary and is home to antelope, bison, elk and prairie dogs.
Wild Cave tours, which require hard hats, teach caving skills at both locations.
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