Horseback Riding
Saddle your horse or book a guided horseback ride or multi-day tour and experience the beauty of the Black Hills and Badlands region in secluded wilderness, away from the crowds.
Local Listings:
- Black Hills National Forest features miles of horse-friendly trails including 3 designated horse camps.
- Visitors will find many guides offering hourly, daily and multi-day horseback trips.
- Hourly rates range from $25 - $45/hour; half and full-day rates from $115 - $200.
- Outfitters located in Rapid City, Hill City, Custer, and more.
Overview
Bring your horse and trot into the wilderness, or book a guided Black Hills trail ride and experience the rugged landscapes like cowboys of yesteryear. Horse owners will find ample trail riding areas, including three official horse camps in Black Hills National Forest. Travelers wishing to experience magnificent scenery from horseback will find dozens of outfitters waiting to lead you on a ride into the sunset. With hourly prices ranging from $25 - $45, mount your horse and explore this gorgeous region.
Black Hills National Forest: Saddle up and ride in these featured areas, including 3 official horse camps.
Deerfield Reservoir:
- Location: 20 miles west of Hill City, SD
- Trail(s): Deerfield and Lake Loop Trails
- 28 miles of horse trails
Mickelson Trail:
- Location: Multiple access points along this 109-mile trail, from Deadwood to Edgemont.
- Note: Multi-use trail.
Spearefish Area:
- RimRock, Baldy or Little Spearefish Loops
- Trailhead(s): Timon or Rod Gun campgrounds, off HWY 22.
- Highlights: Little Spearefish Canyon; pine and aspen forests.
- Winter scenes from Dances with Wolves filmed here.
- 18 miles of horse trails
Harney Range Trail System:
- North of Custer State Park
- 50 miles of horse trails
- 14 different trailheads
- Highlights: Many trails running through Black Elk Wilderness.
BHNF Official Horse Camps
- Sundance Horse Camp
Location: 3 miles north of Sundance, WY
Sites: 10
Highlights: Corrals and loading area.
Reservations: 1-877-444-6777 - Iron Creek Horse Camp
Location: Black Elk Wilderness, north of HWY 87 in Custer State Park.
Sites: 9
Highlights: Remote location featuring two trailheads from camp.
Reservations: 1-877-444-6777 - Willow Creek Horse Camp
Location: 6 miles west of Mt. Rushmore.
No reservations.
Badlands National Park: Horseback riding is permitted in Badlands National Park provided riders stay off marked trails, roads and developed areas. Private outfitters also offer guided rides within the park.
Rentals/Fees
Several guides, outfitters and lodges offer Black Hills trail rides. Daily rides sessions are generally 1 hour, 3 hour, half day, and full day in length. “Greenhorns” should take into consideration saddle soreness – a one or three hour ride might be ideal. Ride costs range from $25 - $45 per hour, with discounts for group riders. Half and full day rides usually include a lunch, with prices running from $115 - $200 per person.
Hire a Guide
Many Black Hills’ visitors partake of guided horseback rides, and little wonder: there’s no better way to fall back into time, exploring pristine wilderness off the beaten track, with your own personal guide. Outfitters are careful to select a horse suited to your abilities and offer excellent information. Book a ride or tour with one of many Black Hills' outfitters, operating in such areas as Rapid City, Nemo, Custer, Hill City, Sturgis and more. Full-day guided rides start around $200, with multi-day experiences averaging between $1300 - $2000 per trip.