Rapid City Earns National IMBA Trail Town Designation
Designation Celebrates Communities Leading With Trails
Rapid City, S.D. (March 31, 2026)— Rapid City has been recognized as a 2026 IMBA Trail Town, a new national designation from the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) honoring communities with an exceptional commitment to building, maintaining, and celebrating trail systems.
The IMBA Trail Town designation recognizes communities that are leading with trails by demonstrating strong trail infrastructure, a commitment to trail funding, an active local trail organization, a culture of community engagement, and a sustainable trail stewardship plan. Together, these criteria support healthy lifestyles, local economies, and outdoor recreation access.
“Receiving the IMBA Trail Town designation recognizes the incredible collaboration between volunteers, local organizations, land managers, and community leaders who have worked for years to build and care for our trails,” said Evan Walteman, Trails Director, Black Hills Bike Hub.
Trail systems are increasingly recognized as important drivers of outdoor recreation economies. Communities that invest in trails often see benefits including increased tourism, support for local businesses, improved public health, and stronger community connections to the outdoors. The American outdoor recreation economy continues to grow: in 2024, it reached $1.3 trillion in economic activity while employing 5.2 million people.
As part of the Trail Town designation, Rapid City joins 28 communities leading a growing national network of trail-forward places committed to trail stewardship, collaboration, and expanding access to outdoor recreation.
“IMBA congratulates Rapid City on its IMBA Trail Town designation,” said David Wiens, IMBA Executive Director. “IMBA Trail Towns are leading with trails by demonstrating how trails support thriving, resilient communities. The IMBA Trail Town designation is more than a badge of honor. It’s national recognition that a community values trails and the people who ride them.”
Local trail leaders say the recognition will help strengthen future partnerships and support continued trail development and stewardship.
For more information about the IMBA Trail Town designation, visit https://www.imba.com/designation/trail-town.
About IMBAThe International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is a 501c3 nonprofit that creates, enhances, and protects great places to ride mountain bikes. IMBA is focused on Leading with Trails by partnering with communities on trail advocacy, education, stewardship and sustainable trail solutions, so everyone has access to great places to ride and recreate.
