Discover Adventure and Tranquility in the Black Hills
Among America’s natural treasures, the Black Hills stand out as a premier destination for hikers seeking both adventure and tranquility. This majestic range offers a canvas of towering pines, granite peaks, and lush meadows, all waiting to be explored.
The Black Hills captivate with their scenic vistas and enchant with their rich history and cultural significance. For hikers, the Black Hills promises an unforgettable trek through the heart of the Midwest’s wilderness.
The Black Hills of South Dakota are a hiker’s paradise – with an eclectic mix of trails that weave through breathtaking landscapes, dense forests, and towering mountain peaks.
Trailblazing for Every Level…Hiking Trail Ratings
The great thing about the Black Hills is the variety of trails it has to offer. From leisurely walks that allow you to commune with nature – to exhilarating climbs that challenge your limits – then reward you with stunning vistas, there’s a trail for every kind of hiker.
Easy Walking Trails – Close to Civilization:
Rapid City offers numerous walking paths and trails that allow you to experience the great outdoors without venturing too far from the city.
Skyline Wilderness Area Trail:
- Location: Just west of downtown Rapid City
- Trail Features: This area offers several miles of trails that are relatively easy, and provide fantastic views of Rapid City, The Badlands in the distance, and the Black Hills. The terrain is mostly grassland and ponderosa pine forest, with some gentle hills. It’s a great spot for bird watching and seeing the city from a different perspective.
Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park aka M Hill
- Location: Central Rapid City
- Known locally as M Hill due to the large “M” created by South Dakota School of Mines & Technology students – Hanson -Larsen Memorial Park offers a network of easy to moderate trails. The trails are well-maintained and offer excellent views of the city. It’s a popular spot for hiking, running, and mountain biking, with trails that are accessible to hikers of all levels.
Canyon Lake Park
- Location: West Rapid City
- Trail Features: Canyon Lake Park is one of the largest city parks in Rapid City and features a series of easy walking and biking trails around Canyon Lake and Rapid Creek. The scenery includes lush greenery, water views, and abundant birdlife. It’s a perfect place for a leisurely stroll or family picnic.
Sioux Park:
- Location: Rapid City
- Trail Features: Sioux Park contains a looped, paved path that is ideal for an easy, accessible walk. The park also features sports facilities, a formal garden, and playgrounds, making it a great destination for outdoor activities.
Dinosaur Park:
- Location: Skyline Drive, Rapid City
- Trail Features: Although Dinosaur Park is more of an attraction than a hiking trail, it is situated on a ridge with easy walking paths leading to the large, life-sized dinosaur sculptures. The paths offer panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Black Hills. It’s a great place for families and those interested in a short, leisurely walk with a unique twist.
Looking for something more challenging? Try one of these:
- Centennial Trail – Stretching over a hundred miles, the Centennial Trail is a treasure trove of varied ecosystems and scenic beauty.
- Sunday Gulch Trail – An enchanting loop amidst granite spires and whispering pines – complete with playful stream crossings.
- Black Elk Peak: (formerly Harney Peak) is like a stairway to heaven – leading you to South Dakota’s highest point and offering awe-inspiring 360-degree views of the wild lands below. On a day blessed by clear skies, you might even catch sight of the peaks of four different states – a truly exhilarating experience.