There are few places in America better suited to cycling than Badlands National Park.
While most visitors experience the park through a car window, traveling by bicycle allows you to truly connect with the landscape. You can hear the wind moving through the prairie grass, watch wildlife without the noise of traffic, and stop whenever a spectacular view catches your eye.
The Badlands Loop Road is one of the most scenic cycling routes in the United States. Winding through colorful rock formations, dramatic canyons, rolling prairie, and vast open skies, every mile offers something new to discover.
The gradual grades and quiet roads make this an enjoyable ride for experienced cyclists, while our e-bike option allows riders of varying abilities to comfortably experience the route together.
Whether you’re an avid cyclist, recreational rider, or simply looking for a unique way to experience South Dakota, this tour provides an unforgettable perspective on one of America’s most remarkable national parks.

Imagine cycling through a landscape so unusual it feels like another planet.
Towering rock formations rise from the prairie, bison graze in the distance, and every bend in the road reveals a new panoramic view. While most visitors experience the Badlands through a car window, this tour allows you to slow down, immerse yourself in the landscape, and experience one of America’s most scenic roads from the saddle of a bicycle.
Badlands by Bike follows the spectacular Badlands Loop Road through the park’s most iconic landscapes. Towering pinnacles, layered rock formations, sweeping overlooks, and endless prairie views create a ride unlike anywhere else in the country.
Cycling offers a unique advantage when it comes to wildlife viewing. Without the noise of an engine, we often enjoy excellent opportunities to observe bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope throughout the day.
Unlike a vehicle tour, cycling allows you to fully immerse yourself in the environment. We make frequent stops for photographs, wildlife viewing, water breaks, and simply taking in the scenery.
Your guide will share the fascinating geology, history, wildlife, and fossil discoveries that make Badlands National Park one of the most significant landscapes in North America.
After completing the ride, we’ll enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch (optional) surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in South Dakota.
Tour Length
Approximately 22 miles of cycling through Badlands National Park.
Longer ride options may be available for experienced riders upon request.
ROUTE MAP
E-Bikes Available
Pedal assist e-bicycles are available and are highly recommended for guests who want a little extra help on the climbs or prefer a more relaxed ride.
Departure Location
Pickup is available from Rapid City area accommodations, Wall or a predetermined meeting location.
Start Time
Tours typically depart around 8:00 AM and return by approximately 3:00 PM. Although we do recommend an earlier start if you are up for it!


2 person minimum: $360+ tax per person
3-4 people: $295+ tax per person
5-6 people: $250+ tax per person
7+ people: $235 + tax per person
E-bike up-charge $40 per person
Large groups please enquire for additional discounts
Multi-day discounts available.
One of the most common questions we receive is whether this ride is suitable for recreational cyclists. The answer is usually yes.
The standard ride covers approximately 22 miles along paved roads with rolling terrain. While there are some climbs throughout the day, the pace is relaxed and we build in plenty of opportunities to stop, enjoy the views, and take photographs.
For guests seeking additional assistance, e-bikes are available. Electric bicycles make the climbs significantly easier and allow riders of different fitness levels to comfortably ride together.
If you’re unsure whether this tour is the right fit, simply contact us. We’re happy to discuss your cycling experience and help determine the best option for your group.
We’ll pick you up from your accommodation in Rapid City or Wall, and transport you to the ride start (Badlands National park ~ 1h from Rapid City)
Get comfortable with your bicycle or e-bike and review the route with your guide.
Spend the morning cycling through some of the park’s most spectacular scenery, stopping frequently for photos, wildlife viewing, and interpretation.
Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch surrounded by incredible Badlands scenery and visit the Ben Reifel Visitors Center.
Continue riding through the park, taking in additional viewpoints and landscapes before returning to the vehicle.
After an unforgettable day, we’ll return you to your hotel or accommodation.
Our electric-assist bikes help flatten the hills and make the ride significantly easier.
Many guests choose e-bikes simply so they can focus on the scenery rather than the effort.
Couples and groups of mixed abilities can comfortably ride together while enjoying the same incredible experience.

Our Badlands bike tour is considered a moderate ride. The route follows approximately 22 miles of paved roadway through Badlands National Park and includes several gradual climbs and descents. Most riders with a reasonable level of fitness can comfortably complete the ride, especially with the frequent stops we make for sightseeing, wildlife viewing, and photographs.
For guests who would like extra assistance, e-bikes are available and make the ride accessible to a much wider range of abilities.
This is a road ride, there is a large shoulder and slow moving traffic. Best enjoyed early in the day to beat heat!
No. While some cycling experience is helpful, you do not need to be an avid cyclist to enjoy this tour.
Many guests are recreational riders who simply enjoy being active and spending time outdoors. The pace is relaxed, and the emphasis is on enjoying the scenery rather than riding quickly.
If you are unsure whether the tour is right for you, please contact us and we will happily discuss your experience level.
Yes. E-bikes are available for guests who would like additional assistance during the ride.
Electric bicycles make climbing hills significantly easier and allow riders of different fitness levels to comfortably ride together. Many guests choose e-bikes simply so they can spend more time enjoying the scenery and less time focusing on the physical effort.
These are pedal assist ebikes, for an easy ride – they do not have a throttle.
The standard Badlands bike tour covers approximately 22 miles through the heart of Badlands National Park.
The route follows the famous Badlands Loop Road, considered one of the most scenic cycling routes in the United States.
For more miles, talk to us directly about alternative routes.
Yes. The primary cycling route follows paved roads throughout Badlands National Park.
The smooth pavement and relatively low traffic levels make the route enjoyable for both traditional bicycles and e-bikes.
Wildlife sightings are one of the highlights of the tour.
Depending on the season and conditions, guests may encounter bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, coyotes, rabbits, hawks, eagles, and numerous other bird species.
Cycling often provides unique wildlife viewing opportunities because the quieter environment can be less disruptive than motor vehicles.
While wildlife sightings are common, they can never be guaranteed.
We recommend comfortable clothing suitable for cycling and changing weather conditions.
Most guests wear athletic clothing, padded cycling shorts (optional not required), comfortable closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
A light jacket or windbreaker is also recommended, as weather conditions in the Badlands can change quickly.
We recommend bringing:
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Camera or smartphone
• Small backpack if desired
• Personal medications
• Refillable water bottle
We provide snacks and lunch (if chosen + $15pp), but guests are welcome to bring additional items if desired.
The tour may be suitable for active families with older children who are comfortable riding longer distances and feel safe riding along a road shoulder.
Because the ride covers approximately 22 miles, younger children may find the distance challenging.
Please contact us before booking if you are traveling with children and we can discuss available options.
For those wanting to make a family ride, we do have bike trailers and tag-alongs.
Safety is always our highest priority.
Tours operate in most weather conditions; however, severe weather such as thunderstorms, extreme winds, or unsafe road conditions may require itinerary adjustments, rescheduling, or cancellation.
If weather conditions affect your tour, we will contact you as early as possible to discuss available options.
Yes. We provide support throughout the day to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Your guide is available to assist with breaks, snacks, water, and any unexpected situations that may arise during the ride.
In many cases, yes.
Experienced cyclists who prefer to ride their own bicycle are welcome to contact us prior to booking. We can discuss equipment requirements and determine whether bringing your own bike is the best option.
Yes. Like all of our experiences, this is a private tour designed exclusively for your group.
You will never be combined with other travelers, allowing for a more personalized experience and a pace that suits your group.
Experiencing the Badlands by bicycle allows you to connect with the landscape in a completely different way.
Without the noise and barriers of a vehicle, you can hear the wind across the prairie, observe wildlife more naturally, smell the native grasses, and fully appreciate the scale of the landscape around you.
Many guests tell us that cycling through the Badlands becomes one of the most memorable experiences of their entire South Dakota vacation.
We’re not simply tour operators, we’re passionate advocates for the Black Hills and Badlands.
Since 2014, we’ve helped visitors discover the landscapes, wildlife, history, and hidden gems that make western South Dakota so special.
As a locally owned and operated company, we focus on small-group and private experiences that allow guests to connect more deeply with the places they visit.
Our guides are knowledgeable, personable, and committed to creating memorable experiences tailored to your interests and pace.
When you book with us, you’re supporting a local business that genuinely loves sharing this remarkable corner of South Dakota.
“The Bike the Badlands Tour is PHENOMENAL!
Hands down, BIKING THE BADLANDS IS A MUST DO! The perspective you get from a bike is unmatched and in my mind the only way to get a really good idea about the expansiveness and geological features.
We rode about 25 miles through the picturesque terrain and Joel (our extraordinary guide) made sure we had time for all photo opportunities (including the wildlife and landscapes), outfitted us with bikes (e-bikes are available) and an excellent lunch. He is so personable, loves his job and gives you a wealth of information and history. He took pictures of us rolling wheels for our memorabilia and stopped at sights off the beaten path to give us a look at yester-years.
WE LOVED THE EXPERIENCE and would do it again in a heartbeat”
– Carey, 2025
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Black Hills Tour Company operates under a special use permit on the Black Hills National Forest