South Dakota · United States
Cycling in Deadwood
Best season: May–October
Deadwood is the northern terminus of the George S. Mickelson Trail, South Dakota’s 109-mile rail-trail that follows an abandoned Burlington Northern line south through the Black Hills to Edgemont. The surface is crushed limestone and gravel, most of it at 4% grade or less, threading forest, old rock tunnels, and railroad trestles — rail-trail touring at its best, with an Old West casino town waiting at the finish.
The smart way to ride from here is with a shuttle: the first miles climb steadily out of town, so local outfitters drive you and a bike up-trail and you cruise back down into Deadwood. Deadwood Outdoor Rentals sits right on the trail with e-bikes, pedal bikes, and e-trikes, runs a trailhead shuttle from May through mid-November — and rents budget rooms on site, with 10% off your bike rental when you book a room. Gold Rush E-Bike (appointment only, near the trailhead) and veteran-owned Axbow Rentals round out the rental options.
Bring $5 in cash or card for the Mickelson Trail daily pass (ages 12 and up) — most rental shops sell it, and some e-bike rentals include it. The riding season runs roughly May to October; shoulder-season weather in the Hills turns fast, so check conditions before committing to a long point-to-point day.
Weather in Deadwood
Live · NWSLoading current conditions…
Typical by month
avg high/low · 1991–2020 normals · DEADWOOD- Jan 38° 14°
- Feb 39° 14°
- Mar 48° 22°
- Apr 55° 30°
- May 65° 39°
- Jun 75° 49°
- Jul 83° 56°
- Aug 82° 54°
- Sep 73° 44°
- Oct 58° 31°
- Nov 47° 22°
- Dec 38° 14°
Bike-friendly hotels
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Deadwood Outdoor Rentals (Lodging)
Budget-friendly rooms right on the Mickelson Trail at the northern terminus, with e-bikes, pedal bikes, and e-trikes rented on site — book a room and get 10% off your bike rental, plus a trailhead shuttle May 1–Nov 15.
Before you book: Confirm room rates and peak-season two-night minimum, current bike rental prices, waiver requirements, and shuttle pricing/schedule.
Bike program verified via source (2026-07-11)
Where to rent or borrow a bike
Axbow Rentals
Rates by phone
Veteran-owned bike and paddleboard outfit serving Deadwood with a second location in Custer (429 ½ Mount Rushmore Rd); offers pick-up/delivery service ('Da Bus') for Mickelson Trail rides plus local trail advice.
Call ahead: Rates page was down at research time — confirm prices, bike types, season, and Deadwood pickup address at (605) 222-4374.
Verified via source (2026-07-11)
Deadwood Outdoor Rentals
Rates by phone
E-bikes, pedal bikes, and electric trikes (helmets included) right on the Mickelson Trail at 206 Mountain Shadow Ln, with panniers, kids' carts, trail permits, and a trailhead shuttle May 1–Nov 15 ($75–$600 by drop point).
Call ahead: Rental prices and waiver policy not published — call 605-641-8737; bike season runs May 15–Nov 15.
Verified via source (2026-07-11)
Gold Rush E-Bike
From $30/hour
Appointment-only e-bike rentals at 224 Cliff St near the Mickelson Trail's Deadwood terminus (second location at the Custer State Park entrance) — multiple e-bike models plus kid trailers, and most rentals include the $5 trail pass.
Call ahead: Book by appointment at (605) 340-0236; confirm waiver and seasonal hours.
Verified via source (2026-07-11)
Guided bike tours
Mickelson Trail Self-Guided Bike Tour
Crossroads Bike Tours
Self-guided, easy-and-scenic Mickelson Trail package with logistics arranged by Crossroads Bike Tours on the 109-mile Black Hills rail-trail; confirm current pricing and itinerary with the operator.
Where these are on the map Deadwood
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