The Black Hills of South Dakota are located in the western part of the state, and include two national forests, Custer and Black Hills, and six national parks: Badlands, Devils Tower, Jewel Cave, Minuteman Missile Site and Wind Cave. The Black Hills also encompass more than 100 miles of scenic roads, as well as Mount Rushmore. The Black Hills are famous for their granite cliffs and crested buttes, and are home to wildlife such as bighorn sheep and elk.
Trails
Black Hills National Forest offers several horse trail systems. The Deerfield Reservoir is a system of 28 miles of horse trails located 20 miles west of Hill City, South Dakota. Riders can make some or all of the 28-mile trek along the shore of the Deerfield Dam and Reservoir, which is open year-round. Other popular trails include the Harney Range Trail system, which includes 50 miles of horse trails from 14 trailheads running through the Black Elk Wilderness north of Custer State Park.
Accomodations
There are three horse camps in Black Hills National Forest: Sundance Horse Camp, Iron Creek Horse Camp and Willow Creek Horse Camp. These horse camps offer access to trailheads designed for horses, and have the infrastructure available to support horses, including run-in shelters, corrals and loading areas. Iron Creek and Sundance accept reservations for those who plan ahead.
Guided Rides
Hourly prices for 2010 guided trail rides range from $25-$45. Tours are typically available in one or three-hour increments and half- or full-day intervals, which usually include lunch, and can range from $115-200 per person. Multi-day excursions are available starting from $1,300.
Permits
Permits are not required for horseback riders in Badlands National Park or the Black Hills National Forest. If you venture off the clearly marked trails, you must have a permit. Riders found off trails without a permit may be fined.
Warning
If you are a beginner or novice rider, you should consider hiring a guide with experience in handling horses for your safety and the safety of those around you. While trails are clearly marked in the six national parks and two national forests in the Black Hills region, wildlife such as bighorn sheep, elk and antelope can spook a horse. If you plan on riding off the trail, guides are helpful in obtaining proper permits and knowing where valuable resources, such as watering holes for the horses, can be found.
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