600 Riders Take Part in Mickelson Trail Trek

LEAD, S.D. – South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) says beautiful fall weather helped make last weekend’s 21st annual Mickelson Trail Trek a success.

“The beautiful Black Hills scenery and fall colors help attract riders each year,” said Mickelson Trail manager Dana Garry-Reiprich. “We were excited to have the ride full with 600 riders, of which 7 were returning for their 21st year and 23 were with us for their tenth year.”

This year’s event, held Sept. 16-18, brought people to the Black Hills from 25 states. Over the three days, trekkers rode past scenic Sheep Canyon and Crazy Horse Monument, across the Freedom Bridge south of Mystic and into Lead-Deadwood on the final leg of the trail.

“Staff from the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, along with many volunteers, worked hard to pull this year’s Trail Trek together,” Garry-Reiprich said. “We would especially like to acknowledge and thank the volunteers and the chambers of commerce that greeted the trekkers with water, snacks, ice cream and meals along the way.”

The annual ride is held the third weekend of September, with the 2019 Trail Trek scheduled for Sept. 20-22. Online registration will be available in December, and Garry-Reiprich encourages riders to sign up as early as possible to ensure a spot in the ride. “The trek is limited to 600 riders, and the ride has been filling in weeks!”

For more information on the Mickelson Trail, visit MickelsonTrail.com or contact the Black Hills Trails office at 605.584.3896.