BackBone Grande Trail #1 Bypass - 2026 Bump

There are no easy days on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. Every day, bikepackers face all sorts of challenges, on all sorts of surfaces, in all sorts of weather. Many are unpredictable, but some are not.

One well known, major challenge of riding the Great Divide is the occasional, off the charts, insanely difficult climb or descent. Lava Mountain, Fleecer Ridge, Union Pass, the watershed divide after Brush Mountain Lodge, Brazos Ridge, and Polvadera Mesa, for example. Part of the Great Divide experience is occasionally pushing yourself, and your bike. As hard as it is, it's always worth it. See, The Great Divide - The Toughest Climb.

Trail #1 in Custer State Park offers that experience on the BackBone Grande. That's why I put it in.

Recovering from the first heft-a-bike pitch on Trail #1.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Then I "rode" Trail #1 on a mountain bike loaded for bikepacking as part of the first through-ride of the BackBone Grande in 2023. Uffda. That was a beast. See, BackBone Grande (Day 2) - Trail #1.

Afterward, I critically analyzed it in the context of the entire 421 mile route. Does this really fit the route?

Trail #1 is utterly singular in its challenges. There is nothing else anywhere on the route that is inherently more difficult. Not even close. No circumstances will make it easier. It likely will only get more difficult over time. Coming shortly after crossing the rugged Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, the first 100 miles of the BackBone Grande will be a rough start for many. Maybe too rough.

As I wondered out loud about bypassing Trail #1, bikepacking buddy Paul Brasby blurted out, "That's what the Great Divide is all about!" and emphatically concluded, "It needs to stay in!"

Of course, he was right. Trail #1 offers a Great Divide type of experience. That's why I put it in. That's why it stays in, even after "riding" it. It's the signature insanely difficult climb of the BackBone Grande.

If you seek a Great Divide type of experience, or you're preparing to ride the Great Divide, Trail #1 may be for you. 

Otherwise, bypass it. Here's the way to do exactly that.

Steadily climbing through Wind Cave National Park toward Custer State Park.
(image by Paul Brasby)

Here's the lead-up to Trail #1.

Out of Buffalo Gap National Grassland and the town of Buffalo Gap, the BackBone Grande gently climbs 7-11 Road, then turns toward Wind Cave National Park on NPS 5, a long time favorite gravel road of mine. See, Five Favorite Black Hills Gravel Roads. Prairie dogs scamper all over, occasionally even into holes they dig through the road itself. Buffalo, elk, deer, and pronghorn also roam these lands, so stay attentive.

Cresting Boland Ridge, the BackBone Grande quickly drops into Custer State Park onto the popular Wildlife Loop, where tourists often flock to feed the park's wild burros. A couple of short, paved miles later, shade and fresh water await at the Wildlife Station Visitor Center. After gradually climbing much of the day, it's time to gather your forces for the climb ahead.

Relatively gentle climb up Lame Johnny Road in Custer State Park.
To bypass Trail #1, simply stay on this pleasant road to French Creek Horse Camp.
(image by Paul Brasby)

From the Visitor Center, the route steadily climbs over 500 feet in 3.6 miles on the good gravel roads of Oak Draw Road (CSP 3) and Lame Johnny Road (CSP 4). Then, at about Mile 114, the Main Route of the BackBone Grande turns Right onto Nature Trail Road (CSP 5).

To bypass Trail #1, do not take this turn. Simply stay on Lame Johnny Road (CSP 3). After less than 3 miles and 400 feet of elevation gain, you will rejoin the Main Route for a quick drop into USFS French Creek Horse Campground.

Here's a link to the RideWithGPS file for the BackBone Grande Trail #1 Bypass. 

The first heft-a-bike section of Trail #1. Not my first stop.
(image by Paul Brasby)

We even walked some downhills.
(image by Paul Brasby).

For a glimpse of "riding" Trail #1 with a bike loaded for bikepacking, go to my post of Day 2 of our 2023 through-ride of the BackBone Grande. Day 2 - Trail #1. For what it's worth, the grades are steeper than the images portray.