Leave No Trace x Visit Rapid City
“Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors; we borrow it from our Children.”
— Crazy Horse
This powerful quote from the legendary Lakota warrior beautifully captures why we care so deeply about sustainable travel — not just here in the Black Hills and Badlands, but everywhere the road may lead.
At Visit Rapid City, we’ve partnered with Leave No Trace, a global nonprofit dedicated to empowering people to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Together, we’re making it easier for everyone — whether you're a first-time visitor or a lifelong local — to explore nature while helping protect it for generations to come.
Our Seven Principles
We’ve identified seven key ways we can all make a difference. We invite you to join us in taking the pledge to treat this extraordinary place with the love and care it deserves. Because when we travel kindly, we not only preserve the beauty of this land — we become part of its story.
Read MoreTravel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Stick to established trails and campsites to protect nature.
Learn MoreBe Considerate of Others
Share the trail, keep noise low, and respect everyone’s experience.
Learn MoreSustainable Travel Blogs
View All BlogsOur 7 Principles for Sustainable Exploration
- 12 minute read
At Visit Rapid City, we’ve partnered with Leave No Trace, a global nonprofit…
Sacred Spaces, Shared Responsibility: Practicing Leave No Trace in the Black Hills and Beyond
- 2 minute read
The landscapes around Rapid City - like the Black Hills (Paha Sapa) and the Badlands…
Sustainable Meetings in Rapid City: Outdoor Venues, Local Dining & Green Infrastructure
- 4 minute read
When it comes to hosting a meeting or convention that aligns with your sustainability…
Sustainable Travel Tips for Exploring Rapid City & the Black Hills
- 3 minute read
The Rapid City area is packed with adventure—iconic sites like Mount Rushmore…
Dive Deeper
Join us for the Leave No Trace 101 online course and discover simple, meaningful ways you can help care for our planet. It’s an easy and inspiring way to make a difference — together.