The Norbeck Wildlife Preserve was established by Congress in 1920 “for the protection of game animals and birds and to be recognized as a breeding place thereafter”.

Willow Creek Ride

The 1-1/2 hour Willow Creek Trail gives you and your family a true understanding of why this scenic area was set aside as a nature preserve. This is a mountain trail filled with granite rock formations, creek crossings, and an abundance of nature.

Adults $30.00 Children (6 to 12 years) $25.00

Interpretive Trail Ride

Adults only (12 years or older)

The Interpretive Ride is a unique riding option for the mature rider. This is a 2 hour 15 minute outing for the rider who wants to learn about the natural, and cultural history of the region, while at the same time enjoying the pleasures of a relaxing horseback experience. There is a short hike associated with this activity.

"there is a tremendous amount of fascinating local history to learn about if you are interested".

The two hour ride winds through the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve, stopping at points of interest to discuss local history, management of the preserve, both past and present, wildlife, and various other topics of interest.

Our trip leaders are mature, knowledgeable guides with years of expertise in this field, who are comfortable with people and have life experience in the local area.

"An interpretive guide builds bridges between landscapes, people, and history; reveals stories behind the scenery; and creates memorable and inspiring experiences. Connecting you and the Black Hills National forest"

Adults Only $50.00

Top

Black Hills National Forest

Elkhorn Trail Ride

The Elk Horn Trail was newly created in 2008. This 1 hour 40 minute ride offers a different perspective of the surrounding forest. The topography is less rugged,so rider can relax and the horses can cover more ground in less time.. The forest is more open showcasing grassy meadows and great views of Harney Peak and Elk Horn Ridge

Adults $40.00 Children (6 to 12 yrs) $35.00

Cowboy Breakfast Ride

The 2-1/2 hour Cowboy Breakfast Ride

This ride leaves the stables at 8:00 A.M. on the ELK HORN TRAIL. After a 45 minute ride, dismount and enjoy a real pack mule breakfast. French toast, sausage, hash browns and a sweet fruit salad are prepared right there in the forest! There is plenty of hot coffee and juice. After breakfast and a little free time you will remount and continue riding the Elk Horn trail.
(Offered 3 days per week)

"A complete adventure, riding, exploring and a cowboy meal. This very popular ride is not offered every day, so be sure to book ahead"

Adults $48.00 Children (6 to 12 yrs) $40.00

Top

Black Elk Wilderness Area

The Black Elk Wilderness Area was established by Congressional act in 1980 and is the crown jewel of the Black Hills National Forest. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service as a natural mountain wilderness this 13,000 acre forest is accessible by foot or horseback only.

3 Hour Ride

The popular 3 hour ride gives you a chance to split off the Willow Creek trail and experience an introduction to the Black Elk Wilderness. You will venture up the trail to see an interesting rock formation known as Split Rocks as well as have an opportunity to dismount and hike up to Mushroom Rock where you can explore one of the best views of Harney Peak.

$60.00 per rider

4-1/2 Hour Ride

A more challenging ride is the 4-1/2 ride. This trail takes you up- up- and up a steep mountain trail to a beautiful lookout area called the Upper Bench. Here you will have a short time to take it all in. Bring your camera on this one and be ready for the ride down!  Participants must meet health and weight restrictions.

$80.00 per rider

Top

Chuck Wagon Dinner Rides

Do not miss the most authentic chuck wagon supper show in the Black Hills. This open air dinner consists of a bona fide chuck wagon campsite nestled off the beaten path in a remote mountain meadow, a full blown steak dinner, a cracklin’ campfire, and a great cowboy music show.

Unlike other dinner shows, our teamsters will pick you up with real horse drawn wagons, so make your reservations at the stables for an evening of great food, great scenery, and hand-clapping entertainment.

Finding activities that have real value, are memorable and can be enjoyed by everyone in the group can be difficult to find. The Husted’s chuck wagon camp has been featured in the Chicago Sun Times, Western Horseman Magazine, Family Fun Magazine, and South Dakota Magazine, as a quality family experience.

MAKE YOUR PLANS TODAY for an evening of delicious western cookery, and live cowboy entertainment under a big Black Hills sky.
(Offered 3 days per week)

Horse Drawn Wagon Adults $38.00 Children (6 to 12 years) 25.00 Children (3 to 5 years $5.00
Tractor drawn hay ride Adults $30.00 Children (6 to 12 yrs) $20.00 Children (3 to 5 yrs) $5.00

Visa/MasterCard/Discover accepted

Palmer Gulch Stables operates with a special use permit issued through the U.S. Forest service.

Top