Day 20

Spearfish to Rapid City

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Today's ride features the Black Hills of South Dakota. As you ride among the Ponderosa pines of this region, you will discover how the hills received their name. These trees absorb so much of the light, they make the area look practically black. This is another challenging but gorgeous day of riding. You'll begin with a serene and scenic climb up Spearfish Canyon, one of the most stunning canyons in America. It has been formed by erosion over 5 million years and is said to be 12 times older than the Grand Canyon. The final scenes of "Dances with Wolves" were filmed here. As you leave the canyon, you'll continue climbing up to the gold mining town of Lead, home to the Homestake Gold Mine. Before it closed in 2002, it was the largest, deepest mine in North America. You'll pass by the Visitor Center, so be sure to stop for a snack and take a look. From here, you'll have another big effort as you work your way through the hills to Roubaix and then descend into Rapid City for your second well-deserved rest day.

Elevation Profile