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”.

1-1/2 Hour 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.

Cowboy Breakfast Ride

The 2-1/2 hour Cowboy Breakfast Ride is also in the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve. You will leave the stable at 8 am, ride for about 30 min., then dismount and hike to Mushroom Rock (the best overlook spot in the Norbeck). There you will be greeted by the cook who arrived earlier by horse and pack mule. There is nothing like eating breakfast and enjoying the view from Mushroom rock.

After breakfast and a little free time you will remount and continue riding approximately 45 minutes. A complete adventure, riding, hiking, and a cowboy meal.

This ride is not offered every day of the week, so be sure to book ahead for this one.

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.

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.

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 barbeque 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.

Visa/MasterCard/Discover accepted

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

Top