There are so many different ways to enjoy the Black Hills during the summer. You can take out the four-wheeler, hop on mountain bike, paddle a canoe, go for a hike or take a cruise through Spearfish Canyon. Another great way to experience the Black Hills is on horseback.

Never ridden a horse before? Don’t be intimidated, there are plenty of trail ride outfits that can guide you through your first ride. You’ll have an experienced cowboy or cowgirl leading and teaching you, along with a gentle horse that probably won’t go past the speed of a trot. If you’re an experienced rider, you could still enjoy one of the trail rides, any level of skill is welcome.

The Black Hills have 1.2 million acres of forest open to riding. Many of the hiking trails, like the Centennial and Mickelson Trails are open to horses, and the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve in Custer State Park is a very popular destination among riders, too. The Badlands are also a great place for riding, especially in the Wilderness Area consisting of 64,000 acres of eroded spires and prairie grass.

There are plenty of accommodations in the Black Hills if decide to bring your own horses. Take a look at SD Game Fish and Parks for more info, and check out these helpful maps, too.