The Black Hills region of western South Dakota is a beautiful swathe of mountain range and National Forest land. While Rapid City is the largest town and gateway to the region, road-trippers flock to the region to visit tourist sites like Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, Deadwood, and Custer State Park. Our running guide to the Black Hills includes the best places to run in Rapid City, as well as other key locations across western South Dakota.
In Rapid City, the Swanny Trail along Rapid Creek is a universally beloved running route. There is also good running in Skyline Area Wilderness Park, Robbinsdale Park, and the Storm Mountain Trails. We’ve also included routes at Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse, though some of the best running in the Black Hills can be found at Custer State Park and along the Mickelson Trail.
The Rapid Transit System in Rapid City offers bus transportation throughout downtown and the suburbs. However, if you’re visiting other locations in the Black Hills, a car is the best option for getting around. There are also some private bus tours of the tourist sites, but it may be difficult to plan your runs around their schedules.
Also be sure to check out our guide to the nearby Badlands of South Dakota.
Badlands National Park Running Guide
