Support the great trail build singletrack project at Great Bear

Falls Area Singletrack (FAST), in partnership with Great Bear Ski Valley, is developing over 10 miles of multi-use trails designed for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. Built for skill progression and long-term sustainability, this project will elevate Great Bear into a premier year-round outdoor recreation destination in Sioux Falls.

Together, we can make Great Bear a vibrant hub for outdoor recreation and adventure.

Join us in bringing this exciting vision to life for our community!

Phase 1 construction is underway

Trail construction is officially underway. Phase 1 includes approximately 4 miles of fresh singletrack integrated with existing trails. Work began in July of 2025 and includes sustainable trail building techniques that support safe, durable riding and hiking for years to come. As machines roll and routes take shape, this long-envisioned project is moving from plan to reality—and it’s happening fast.

Funding

FAST received the IMBA Trail Accelerator Grant in December 2022, which funded professional planning and design through IMBA Trail Solutions. While this grant helped launch the project, additional capital is still needed to complete the full trail system. Every donation brings us closer to finishing the build and opening up the entire network to the public. With your support, we’re making it happen.

IMBA Trail solutions doing an initial walkthrough of Great Bear Ski Valley

Why This Project Matters

This trail system will bring inclusive outdoor recreation to Great Bear Ski Valley—welcoming bikers, hikers, and runners of all skill levels with expanded, year-round access. Designed with sustainability in mind, the trails follow the natural contours of the land to reduce erosion and minimize environmental impact—so they last longer with less maintenance. Beyond health and wellness, this project fuels local tourism, strengthens community connections, and delivers one of the highest returns on investment for our region. FAST is making every dollar count through thoughtful planning, expert partnerships, and a long-term vision for outdoor access.

How to Get Involved

Support the Build
You can be part of building Sioux Falls’ next destination for adventure. Donate now to support trail construction, or subscribe to stay in the loop on progress and volunteer opportunities.

Project Timeline

In November 2021, FAST secured an updated agreement with the City of Sioux Falls and Great Bear Ski Valley to expand access to Great Bear Ski Valley and begin planning. By the end of 2022, we were awarded a key grant to kickstart professional trail design. In summer 2025, construction of Phase 1 began with IMBA Trail Solutions and local contractors. The full vision includes over 10 miles of trail, designed to connect skill zones, scenic overlooks, and existing paths in a fully integrated system.

What’s happened so far…

Scroll to browse through our project milestones so far.

donate today

As Sioux Falls continues to grow and our love for the outdoors deepens, we invite everyone from seasoned Great Bear Ski Valley patrons to the broader community to support this transformative project. Together, we can make Great Bear a vibrant hub for outdoor recreation and adventure. Join us in bringing this exciting vision to life for our community!

Donate

Project Resources

Want to dig deeper into the details? Explore and download helpful materials related to the Great Bear trail project. From trail maps and concept plans to overview sheets and promotional rack cards, these resources provide a closer look at the vision, design, and impact of the build. Whether you're a supporter, volunteer, land manager, or just curious about what’s ahead, these documents are a great way to stay informed and share the story of Great Bear’s transformation.

Progress/Build Photos

Great Bear Park

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Status

About

Great Bear Recreation Park is home to Sioux Falls' newest mountain biking destination, featuring miles of bike-optimized singletrack, progressive downhill trails, and multi-use routes designed for riders, runners, hikers, and outdoor adventurers of all skill levels. Built in partnership with Great Bear Recreation Park, the City of Sioux Falls, and IMBA Trail Solutions, the trail system takes advantage of the park's unique terrain, wooded valleys, scenic overlooks, and rolling hills. Beyond the trails, Great Bear offers hiking paths, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and year-round outdoor recreation across more than 220 acres of parkland.

Length

5 miles  Elevation Gain  1,037 ft 

Difficulty

Easy Green Trail  Easy  |  Intermediate Blue Trail  Intermediate  |  Difficult Black Diamond Trail  Difficult

Open To

Bikers Runners Hikers

Trail Etiquette

Warning: Ride/use trail at your own risk. FAST is not responsible for injury, damages or death due to trail use.

Great Bear News

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