Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Routes
Mountain biking trails
United States
South Dakota
Pennington County
Rapid City

M Hill loop from Rapid City

Easy

3.1

(10)

91

riders

M Hill loop from Rapid City

00:51

8.64km

180m

Mountain biking

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: April 26, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 88 m for 97 m

After 8.47 km for 97 m

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1

5.19 km

M Hill

Highlight • Monument

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 …

Tip by

B

8.64 km

End point

Parking

Loading

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

7.63 km

669 m

184 m

< 100 m

< 100 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

7.63 km

669 m

195 m

126 m

Sign up to see more specific route details

Sign up for free

Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (1,150 m)

Lowest point (990 m)

Sign up to see more specific route details

Sign up for free

Weather

Powered by Foreca

Wednesday 17 June

24°C

13°C

-- %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: -- km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

guide_signup

Want to know more?

Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.

Sign up for free

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Print

Share

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Report restricted access

Description

The M Hill loop from Rapid City is one of those mountain biking routes that truly delivers on accessibility and diverse terrain. This easy 5.4-mile (8.6 km) loop, with 578 feet (176 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 51 minutes, making it a perfect quick escape for riders of all levels looking for a rewarding experience right in town.

What to expect on M Hill loop from Rapid City

As you tackle the M Hill loop, you'll find yourself navigating a varied landscape that keeps things interesting. The terrain shifts from gentle fire roads to engaging singletrack, with geological features primarily composed of sandstone and shale under your tires. Keep an eye out for the distinctive "M" monument, a historical landmark built by students, and enjoy the panoramic views that open up, offering expansive vistas of Rapid City, the Black Hills, and even distant sights like Harney Peak. While rated easy overall, the park does offer more technical sections for those seeking a challenge, ensuring there's something for every rider.

Planning your visit

One of the best things about the M Hill loop is its incredible accessibility. You can easily reach it from downtown Rapid City, and it connects directly to the paved Rapid Creek Bike Path. Free parking is available at Founders Park, making it super convenient to start your ride. Since it's a multi-use park, you'll share the trails with runners and hikers, so be mindful of others. This trail is great year-round, but spring and fall offer ideal temperatures for mountain biking.

Trail details

  • Distance: 5.4 miles (8.6 km)
  • Elevation gain: 578 feet (176 metres)
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Estimated time: 51 minutes

Nearby routes

Easy

4

Buzzards and Pretty Vulture Loop

00:51h

8.32km

200m

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy