The Badlands National Park in southwest South Dakota is 244,000 acres of parkland. In addition to scenic nature views, the park has miles of hiking trails and facilities for camping and picnics. Off-road adventures in the form of riding bikes, driving sport utility vehicles, four-wheel drive vehicles, all-terrain or utility-terrain vehicles (ATV or UTV) in the park are offered by private companies.
Mad Mountain rents ATVs during the summer from 8 a.m. to between 5 or 8 p.m., and snowmobiles during the winter, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The ATVs include the single or double-rider Arctic Cats for trails, starting at 300cc. All ATV users must be at least 18 years old and hold a current and valid driver's license. Models of snowmobiles including the SkiDoo 550cc and Arctic Cat 570cc can be rented for single or double-rider usage and the person operating the vehicle must be 14 years old or older, and accompanied by a parent.
Mad Mountain Adventures
21443 U.S. Highway 385
Deadwood, SD 57732
605-578-1878
madmountainadventures.com
Rental off-road vehicles include ATVs or 75+ mpg mopeds. Prices vary, from half-day rates for mopeds starting at $32.50 and ATVs (Honda Rancher 350 ES) from $59. Rental rates exclude protective gear such as helmets and goggles. All drivers have to be at least 21 years old, and those who have proof of completion of an ATV safety program will receive a 5 percent discount off the rental rate.
Black Hills RV Rentals
675 W. Mount Rushmore Rd.
Custer, SD 57730
605-673-6600
blackhillsrv.net
Several bike tour packages of the Badlands are offered which range in duration from a weekend (two days, two nights) to a week (six days, five nights). Guests will be taken through scenic areas of the park to see areas such as trout streams where they can fish, stays at the Circle View Guest Ranch Bed & Breakfast and Secret Garden Bed & Breakfast. Off-road portions of the tour include the Mickelson Trail. Rates include transfers to and from Hill City, trail passes, meals, and other items such as guides or trail support.
Dakota Bike Tours
1425 Forest Hills Dr.
Rapid City, SD 57701
605-359-5672
dakotabiketours.com
