Horseback Riding

Experience the Black Hills by horseback like explorers and cowboys did centuries ago. These riding camps will teach you everything you need to know to become an expert horseman!


The Stables at Palmer Gulch, Hill City

Palmer Gulch offers horseback riding tours of the Custer Trail, Deadwood Trail, and Keystone Trail daily. Rides last from one hour to almost two hours. Each trail winds through picturesque landscapes. The Custer Trail heads through the breathtaking Norbeck Wildlife Preserve. Reservations are required at Palmer Gulch.

Blue Bell Stables, Custer State Park

Located at Blue Bell Lodge, these stables are in the beautiful Custer State Park. There are a variety of tours available, starting at a duration of one hour. For more advanced riders, there is an all-day horseback ride led by experienced cowboys.

Sage Meadow Ranch, Hot Springs

Sage Meadow Ranch offers four riding experiences including the two hour Ranch Ride, one hour Canyon Ride, Half Day Ride, or full-day Ranch Camp. The Ranch Camp gives guests the opportunity to care for and groom the horses, watch a training demonstration, learn horsemanship skills, and finish the day with a ride through the ranch. Lunch is provided.

Rockin’ R Trail Rides, Custer

Rockin’ R offers scenic rides through the Black Hills National Forest. Crazy Horse Memorial can be seen right from the stable! Rides available are the one hour Scenic Loop, one and a half hour Buckhorn Loop, two hour Aspen Tunnel, and the three and a half hour Crazy Horse Half Day.

Blacktail Horseback Tours, Deadwood

Learn to ride a horses like the Wild West heroes did! The ride begins at the top of Bessie Gulch, continues through the forest, and stops at a scenic overlook before heading back to the ranch. The guide gives riding instructions and tells the history of the Homestake gold mine and other area attractions.

By Kelsey Sinclair