Horseback riding in Sturgis, South Dakota feels like stepping straight into a Western daydream—minus the movie cameras, plus way better scenery.
You saddle up and head out into the rolling grasslands and pine-dotted hills that wrap around Sturgis, with the Black Hills rising in the distance like a giant backdrop painted just for you. The trails wind through open meadows, shady draws, and rugged ridgelines where the views stretch forever. Every so often you catch that sweet smell of sage and pine, hear the soft creak of leather, and it’s just… peaceful. The kind of peaceful we all forget we need.
Whether you're riding with an outfitter or hopping on your own horse, the terrain around Sturgis has this perfect mix of easy-going paths and more adventurous sections. Deer pop out of the trees, hawks circle overhead, and the whole landscape feels alive.
It’s a classic Black Hills experience—quiet, scenic, and full of that wide-open freedom you only get from being on horseback. By the time you’re heading back to the barn or trailer, dusty boots and all, you can’t help but feel like you just lived a little slice of South Dakota magic.
Centennial Trail
Centennial Trail #89 is an amazing 111-mile route that runs nearly the full length of the Black Hills and travels through some of its most scenic areas, including the Black Elk Wilderness and Custer State Park. Its two end points are at Bear Butte State Park in the north, just outside Sturgis, and Wind Cave National Park in the south, east of Pringle. Established in 1989 to mark the 100th anniversary of South Dakota statehood, it is one of the most iconic trails in the state along with its cousin, the 109-mile Mickelson Trail.
Sturgis Trail System
Black Hills Trails constructed the Sturgis Trail System beginning in 2013. More than fifty miles of amazing single-track now wrap around the community of Sturgis.
Development and maintenance of the Sturgis Trail System is funded and completed by donors and volunteers, with less than 5% of total funding to date coming from public sources.
These trails are built and maintained by the community, for the community, we hope you enjoy them.
7th Cavalry Trail
The climb varies based on your access points from moderate to strenuous. There are multiple views of Bear Butte, birds eye overlooks of Fort Meade, BLM land, Black Hills National Cemetery, and the City of Sturgis. The trail consists of open grasslands, wooded areas, and a stream. Watch out for grazing cows and their droppings in the summer! Special Note: The 7th Cavalry system was the first trail system the Black Hills Trail’s nonprofit developed in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management. Well over 1200 volunteer hours went into helping establish this system.
Bear Butte
Mato Paha or "Bear Mountain" is the Lakota name given to this site. To the Cheyenne, it is "Noahvose." This geological formation is one of several intrusions of igneous rock in the Black Hills that formed millions of years ago. The mountain is sacred to many American Indian tribes who come here to hold religious ceremonies. Please be respectful of worshippers and their religious practices.
Many American Indians see Bear Butte as a place where the creator has chosen to communicate with them through visions and prayer.
During your visit, you will see colorful pieces of cloth and small bundles or pouches hanging from the trees. These prayer cloths and tobacco ties represent the prayers offered by individuals during their worship. Please respect these offerings and leave them undisturbed.
There is a herd of buffalo at Bear Butte, but unlike Custer State Park, Bear Butte is not a “drive through” park.