Saturday, May 31
Hermosa, South Dakota, serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures, with proximity to popular attractions like Custer State Park and the breathtaking landscapes of the surrounding hills and nearby Badlands. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the nearby trails and opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching, making Hermosa a perfect starting point for our RASDak adventure!.
Sunday, June 1
Hermosa to Hill City 41 miles
The route from Hermosa to Hill City, South Dakota, begins with a scenic ride leading to the entrance of Custer State Park. You will have a great view of Black Elk Peak which is the tallest mountain between the Rockies and the Alps. Check out the Custer State Park Visitor Center then make a stop at the nearby historic State Game Lodge. From there you’ll navigate the winding Needles Highway, renowned for its striking granite spires and unique tunnels that create breathtaking views. A must stop is Sylvan Lake, considered the most beautiful lake in South Dakota where you can enjoy the serene waters surrounded by dramatic cliffs, before concluding your journey with a short ride into Hill City, a charming town nestled in the heart of the Black Hills. Hill City offers a variety of attractions, including the bustling art scene featuring local galleries and studios, as well as the 1880 Train, where visitors can enjoy a scenic train ride.
Monday, June 2
Hill City to Hot Springs 61 miles
The route from Hill City to Hot Springs offers a remarkable journey through the Black Hills, beginning with a scenic ride to the iconic Mount Rushmore, where the monumental faces of four U.S. presidents await. From there, you’ll travel along the picturesque Iron Mountain Road, famous for its winding curves and stunning views, leading you into Custer State Park, where you can marvel at the park’s diverse wildlife and striking landscapes. Continuing south, the road takes you to Wind Cave National Park, renowned for its unique geological formations. After enjoying the natural beauty, you’ll head to Hot Springs, where you can relax at Evans Plunge, a historic mineral spring bathhouse, and explore the Mammoth Site, an extraordinary paleontological site that features the remains of over 60 prehistoric mammoths, making it one of the largest concentrations of these fossils in the world.
Tuesday, June 3
Hot Springs to Maȟpíya Lúta (Red Cloud Indian School) 60 miles
Plus Angostura Reservoir 66 miles
This will be our third time taking this route, and our second time staying at Maȟpíya Lúta (Red Cloud) School. Our 2019 stop was cited as a favorite by many. This journey takes us across diverse terrains, blending scenic views, cultural landmarks, and a chance to connect with the heritage of the Lakota people. There’s an optional route to see the beautiful Angostura Reservoir. At Maȟpíya Lúta School, visitors can explore the Red Cloud Heritage Center and Art Gallery, which features a remarkable collection of Native American art, including traditional beadwork, textiles, and contemporary pieces. The 57th annual Red Cloud Indian Art Show will also be open during our stay. A guided historical campus tour will also be available discussing the school’s founding by Chief Red Cloud and its role in Native education. The historic cemetery, where Chief Red Cloud is buried, offers a reflective space to honor significant figures of the Oglala Lakota Nation. The gift shop at the Heritage Center supports local artists and offers authentic crafts, jewelry, and books, providing a unique way to engage with Lakota culture.
Wednesday, June 4
Maȟpíya Lúta to Martin 50 miles
Century Route 100 miles
Today offers a 50-mile ride directly from Maȟpíya Lúta School to Martin via Highway 18. This route features open prairies, with pine covered hills to the north, and sand hills to the south, allowing riders to enjoy the serenity of the plains without major elevation changes.
There is also the option of doing an additional 50-mile loop. This route offers scenic views of the pine covered hills, with an occasional glimpse of the Badlands. It is also rich in history. St. Agnes Catholic Church in Manderson is where Black Elk attended service and his gravesite is nearby. South Dakota’s highest peak is named after him and several books have been written about him. We will also see KILI radio station near Porcupine which was the first American Indian-owned radio station. It will also take us to a somber place, the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre.
Thursday, June 5
Martin to Rockyford School 58 miles
This will be our first time cycling through Yellow Bear Canyon, a local favorite known for its scenic views. We will continue west to the Oglala Art Space which showcases the creativity of local Lakota artists. The nearby Oglala Historical Center provides a meaningful look into the region’s history and heritage. Further along our route, Thunder Valley offers a glimpse of sustainable community development and revitalization efforts, with its innovative projects and cultural programs. From here, we will head to our destination of Rockyford School, which is surrounded by striking views of the iconic Badlands. The Badlands White River Visitor Center is two miles to the north and is a great place to explore the cultural significance of the area.
Friday, June 6
Rockyford School to Hermosa 58 miles
Our route highlights the Stronghold Unit of the Badlands National Park. This is land owned by the Oglala Sioux Tribe, but managed by the National Park Service since 1976 under an agreement with the Tribe. After we leave Rockyford School we will be traveling through Badlands until we climb up to Cuny Table. To the north we will be able to catch glimpses of Stronghold Table which is sacred ground to the Lakota, believed to be the site of the last Ghost Dance. We will stop at what many feel is the best view of the Badlands, Red Shirt Table overlook. After soaking in these views, the route descends toward the community of Red Shirt, a quiet spot nestled at the edge of the Badlands. From Red Shirt, we will cross the Cheyenne River and enjoy the view of the rolling grasslands with Black Elk Peak beckoning us as we return to Hermosa, completing our journey through the Black Hills and Badlands.
