THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Take an exciting half-day trail ride through South Dakota's French Creek Natural Area with expert guides and breathtaking scenery. Perfect for riders ready to explore rugged trails and wildlife, topped off with a cozy lunch.
Take an exciting half-day trail ride through South Dakota's French Creek Natural Area with expert guides and breathtaking scenery. Perfect for riders ready to explore rugged trails and wildlife, topped off with a cozy lunch.
Book with Custer State Park Resort
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Custer State Park Resort · Custer, South Dakota
Discover the thrill of a Half Day Trail Ride through the stunning French Creek Natural Area at Custer State Park Resort in South Dakota. Designed for intermediate to advanced riders, this adventure offers a perfect blend of rugged terrain, panoramic vistas, and rich wildlife encounters. As you follow your expert wrangler over scenic trails, you'll experience the unique beauty of this protected natural area, with opportunities to spot native animals and enjoy the fresh outdoors. The trail ride covers diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to shaded forest paths, making every moment engaging. After your ride, unwind with a hearty lunch at Blue Bell Lodge, giving you time to reflect on the day's memorable journey. This combination of active adventure and relaxation makes it an ideal outdoor experience for riders looking to challenge themselves while soaking in the natural beauty of South Dakota.
challenging.
4–5 hours.
Participants should be in good physical shape with stamina for extended riding and some rugged terrain.
Yes, this trail ride is best suited for intermediate to advanced riders comfortable handling a horse on varied terrain.
The trail ride lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours, including breaks and lunch.
Wear comfortable riding boots, layered clothing appropriate for the season, and bring sun protection during summer months.
Yes, a lunch at Blue Bell Lodge is included after your ride to relax and enjoy local flavors.
This ride is recommended for experienced riders aged 12 and up due to the challenging terrain.
Yes, you may spot deer, wild turkeys, and other local wildlife during the ride.
Custer State Park preserves a historic area with roots in early settler ranching and Native American heritage.
The park practices sustainable trail management to protect native ecosystems and minimize human impact on wildlife.
Custer State Park Resort operates in Custer, South Dakota, offering guided outdoor experiences and heritage dining within Custer State Park. The resort's programs include Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours, private Buffalo Safari Jeep Tours, Buffalo Corrals Jeep Tours, Scenic Byway Tours departing from Sylvan Lake Lodge and State Game Lodge, and multiple trail ride options through the French Creek Nature Area. Evening programs include the Buffalo Safari & Chuckwagon Cookout combo and the Hayride & Chuckwagon Cookout, both featuring live folk music and a chuckwagon dinner, with guests receiving a souvenir cowboy hat and bandanna. Guides lead open‑air Jeep safaris on the Wildlife Loop and interior park roads for prime wildlife viewing of bison, elk, pronghorn, and other species. Trail rides range from 30‑minute Express Rides and one‑hour Trail Rides to Half‑Day Trail Rides for experienced riders, with routes that showcase scenic vistas, historical remnants, and the peaceful French Creek landscape. Scenic Byway Tours travel the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway, including Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road with tunnels, pigtail bridges, and overlooks framing views toward Mount Rushmore. Custer State Park Resort focuses on safe, interpretive experiences led by knowledgeable guides, combining wildlife education, regional history, and memorable photography opportunities. Activities are suitable for families, couples, and solo adventurers seeking authentic Black Hills outdoor experiences. Visitors can select from open‑air jeep safaris, private tours, guided trail rides, scenic byway excursions, and traditional chuckwagon dinners to create a personalized Custer State Park adventure. Seasonal reservations are required for most guided experiences.
Book with Custer State Park Resort