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Pennington County

Colonial Pine Hills

The best MTB trails around Colonial Pine Hills

5.0

(3)

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7

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Mountain biking around Colonial Pine Hills offers diverse routes through the unique landscapes of the Black Hills region. The area is characterized by dense pine forests, rolling hills, and distinctive geological formations. Trails often traverse canyons featuring serene streams and impressive rock walls, providing varied terrain for riders. This environment makes Colonial Pine Hills a notable destination for outdoor activities, including mountain biking.

Best mountain bike trails around Colonial Pine Hills

  • The most popular mountain bike trail is Buzzards and…

Last updated: October 14, 2026

5.0

(2)

4

riders

#1.

Leonard “Swanny” Swanson Memorial Pathway

21.0km

01:05

70m

70m

The Leonard “Swanny” Swanson Memorial Pathway offers a delightful mountain biking experience, primarily on smooth, paved surfaces that wind alongside the Rapid Creek. You'll pedal through pleasant, sparsely wooded areas…

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Easy

4

riders

The Buzzards and Pretty Vulture Loop mountain biking trails offer a dynamic ride through rocky terrain and scenic forest sections near Rapid City. You'll navigate winding paths on the Pretty…

Easy
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Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

5.0

(1)

18

riders

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

14

riders

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Popular around Colonial Pine Hills

Hiking around Colonial Pine Hills

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Road Cycling Routes around Colonial Pine Hills

Tips from the Community

mtm05005
August 17, 2023, Canyon Lake

Canyon Lake is part of one of the oldest city parks of Rapid City. The park has several picnic areas, a fishing bridge, paddle boat rentals. The Leonard Swanson Memorial Trail runs along the lake for a bit, making it a perfect stop for a break.

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Chuck Lien Family Park covers a similar area as Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park, a little further to the north. Its main highlight is M Hill, but besides that there are a lot of very nice trails to hike in the area!

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All trails inside Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park are quite easy to hike, and there is not much gain in elevation. From the northern part of the trail, it's just a very small hike back to the parking lot.

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Entrance sign to Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park and its trails. The park includes about 20 miles of trails for mountain bikers and hikers. Even though very close to the city center, this park is the perfect spot to enjoy nature and nice views.

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Daniel Krueger
August 1, 2023, M Hill

The M Hill in Rapid City is linked to the South Dakota Mines. In 1912 the students of the university put up a huge "M" on top of the hill to draw attention to the university. Nowadays, it's a famous landmark of the city.

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The Roosevelt Pond sits in the middle of the lower loop of Roosevelt Park, so you will be close to the pond most time of your hike around the park. It's a nice spot to take a little rest.

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A great place for a break under the shade of the trees, here you can watch locals fish before continuing on one of the nearby trails.

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A classic loop in the Buzzard's Roost trail network! Here you gently climb up North Buzzard Trail to Connector Trail and wind back down to the trailhead via Buzzard's Loop Trail. All trails in this loop are rated as blue and green. For more of a challenge, you can take South Rim, which is a black diamond from the connector trail to Buzzard's Loop.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many mountain bike trails are available around Colonial Pine Hills?

There are 7 mountain bike trails available around Colonial Pine Hills, offering diverse experiences through the unique landscapes of the Black Hills region.

What is the overall difficulty level of mountain biking trails in Colonial Pine Hills?

The trails around Colonial Pine Hills cater to a range of abilities, with 5 easy routes and 2 moderate routes. There are no difficult trails listed, making it a great area for riders looking for accessible and enjoyable experiences.

What makes mountain biking in Colonial Pine Hills unique?

Mountain biking in Colonial Pine Hills is unique due to its location within the Black Hills National Forest, an 'island in the plains' known for its dramatic pine-covered mountains, rolling hills, and distinctive geological formations. Trails often traverse diverse forests, canyons with serene streams, and impressive rock walls, offering a varied and scenic riding experience.

What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Colonial Pine Hills?

The mountain bike trails around Colonial Pine Hills are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.75 stars from over 3 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain and the beautiful natural surroundings.

Are there any easy mountain bike trails suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, there are several easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners or families. You could try the Buzzards and Pretty Vulture Loop, which is 8.3 km long and winds through pine forests, or the longer Leonard “Swanny” Swanson Memorial Pathway, an easy 21 km path offering a cross-country experience.

Can I find longer mountain bike routes in the area?

Absolutely. For a longer ride, consider the Leonard “Swanny” Swanson Memorial Pathway, an easy 21 km route. Another excellent option is the Rapid City – M Hill loop from Rapid City, which is 21 km long and features varied terrain.

Are there any loop mountain bike trails around Colonial Pine Hills?

Yes, many trails in the area are loops. Popular options include the easy Buzzards and Pretty Vulture Loop (8.3 km) and the moderate Rapid City – M Hill loop from Rapid City (21 km). The M Hill – M Hill loop from Rapid City (8.0 km) is another easy loop option.

What kind of terrain can I expect on the mountain bike trails?

You can expect diverse terrain, including dirt singletrack, jeep trails, and sections through pine forests, canyons, and rolling hills. Trails often feature tranquil streams and striking rock walls, providing a mix of challenging climbs, flowy sections, and descents.

Are there trails with more challenging climbs or descents for intermediate riders?

Yes, for intermediate riders seeking more challenge, the Victoria Lake area offers the Victoria Lake Loop 15, known for its dirt singletrack with a mix of challenging climbs, flowy sections, and descents. The Storm Mountain Trail also provides a cross-country experience with singletrack sections and even a 'super-D course' for downhill enthusiasts.

Are there any notable landmarks or viewpoints along the mountain bike trails?

While specific viewpoints directly on the mountain bike trails are not detailed, the area is rich in natural beauty. You can find scenic spots like Stratosphere Bowl nearby. The trails themselves traverse pine forests and canyons with impressive rock walls, offering continuous scenic views. The region is also close to iconic attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Are there places to explore or relax near the mountain bike trails?

Yes, the area offers several points of interest. Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground is a great spot for outdoor activities, and Pactola Lake, the largest body of water in the Black Hills, is popular for boating, fishing, and swimming. You can also visit Rapid City for urban amenities and attractions like Art Alley.

Is there parking available near the mountain bike trails?

While specific parking details for each trail are not provided, the area around Colonial Pine Hills, being a popular outdoor destination, generally offers parking facilities at trailheads or nearby recreational areas. It's advisable to check individual route descriptions for precise parking information.

What is the best time of year to mountain bike in Colonial Pine Hills?

The Black Hills region generally offers excellent mountain biking conditions from spring through fall. The dense pine forests provide some shade during warmer months, and the changing leaves in autumn offer beautiful scenery. Winter riding might be possible on some trails, but conditions can vary greatly with snow and ice, so checking local trail conditions is recommended.

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