Lovers' Leap Trail
by Richard Abrams (619)
1 day ago

14 Completed 12 Reviews

Beautiful hike with great view of Needles Cathedral and Harney Peak. At the beginning of the trail we encountered a large Bison that wanted to use the trail we were on and it became a Mexican Standoff until we decided we should move off the trail and let him proceed. He had us worried for a while when he pursued us after we left the trial but after we stopped moving he went back to the trail and down. We then continued on to Lover's Leap without any other animal encounters. The view was beautiful with sunlight breaking through the clouds to give contrast to Needles Cathedral. After enjoying the view we descended along a small stream at the base. It was a very relaxing experience that I would highly recommend.

Lovers' Leap Trail
by Nick Wittman (200)
8 days ago

6 Completed 5 Reviews

If you want half the hike of Harney Peak, do this hike ! Hell, do this hike anyways !

This hike has two distinct parts: the first and second half. Starts at Sylvan lake, ends there too, one big loop. We like the hike counter clockwise, starting directly behind the Sylvan Lake damn.

First half: Lots of water and simply breathtaking on the way down. I know it sounds stupid, but there are a few handrails along the way that are totally necessary for most people, you'll understand when you get there. A few small waterfalls and pools along the way, lots of shade and very cool for this portion of the hike.

Second half: the hike back up. Lots of switchbacks make this easier, but a bit tedious. Lots of Pine Beetle treatment along the way and you can hear traffic from the roads near by, but you get a great view of this area of the Hills when you get about halfway up all the way until you're back at Sylvan Lake. You'll be a bit sweaty though!

Lovers' Leap Trail
by Nick Wittman (200)
8 days ago

6 Completed 5 Reviews

One of our FAVORITES.

Just like Romeo and Juliet, a man from one tribe and a woman from another. They weren't to be together, so they came here and jumped off together to be with each other forever.

A powerful little spot with an awesome message carved into a widen sign at the top (wont spoil the surprise). Spend some time sitting in quiet at this spot, on a rock peninsula surrounded by the Black Hills all around.

The hike up is initially a bit strenuous, but mellows out as you walk along ridge lines to Lover's Leap. The walk down takes you through some amazingly lush scenery with lots of different vegetation and trees. Simply Stunning. Takes about two hours, if you aren't sitting up there very long! Minimal traffic on the trail, until the end when you wander through some camp sites. Easily accessible parking. Water flows through here in the spring and after heavy rains, that's when you want to come here. No water for the dogs until after the Leap, bring water with you.

Spring Creek Loop Trail
by Nick Wittman (200)
8 days ago

6 Completed 5 Reviews

Awesome hike, very family friendly. About an hour each way, give or take, and our 2 1/2 year old can walk/climb most of the way.

This trail is littered with tons of bolted and non bolted rock climbing routes. We even saw a couple of guys slack lining between two of the spires, several hundred feet above the ground!!! Breathtaking little spot, very fun, done this several times. The minimal parking keeps the traffic on the trail lower than it would be, but will still have you crossing paths with others occasionally.

Take water for your 4 legged companions!

Spring Creek Loop Trail
by Nick Wittman (200)
8 days ago

6 Completed 5 Reviews

Scenery! Starting with Sylvan Lake, great shots of the Hills on the way up, and a spectacular view from the top. The hike up takes around 2-3 hours, depending on your speed, but only an hour and a half back down. Seriously.

Dog friendly, but if the parking lot is full, might keep your dog on a leash. Restrooms at the parking lot, easy to get to, close enough to Rapid City or the other southern hills towns to make it a day trip.

A great hike for enthusiasts, a bit strenuous towards the top and a bit long if you don't hike often, but believe me when I say that the hike down is MUCH easier and faster, so don't fret!

Spring Creek Loop Trail
by Nick Wittman (200)
8 days ago

6 Completed 5 Reviews

Super easy hike, minimally stressful at best. Took two adults, a 2 1/2 year old, and a husky about an hour and a half or so to complete.

We preferred to come in from Hwy 16, and hike the loop clockwise, so we didn't see any of the scenery on the drive in.

We recommend doing this hike in the evening, so the sun starts to set and casts a beautiful light through the trees and on the Hills.

Great view of a meadow from up high on the cliffs, a stock pond, lots of wildflowers, and lots of new tree growth. The trail has been minimally traveled on; the grass has grown in on a lot of the trail, giving you the feeling that few people have been able to truly enjoy this casual hike. We will do this trail again on a wet day, the smells should be amazing!

Horse Thief Lake Trail
by Jordan Hollibaugh (90)
9 days ago

7 Completed 2 Reviews

Awesome view if you make your way over some rocks to the west at the highest point of the trail. Seems to be used pretty lightly, and there is a lake right by the trailhead. Excellent.

Lost Cabin Trail
by Jordan Hollibaugh (90)
9 days ago

7 Completed 2 Reviews

Not a 2 mile hike as the description suggests, much closer to 5 miles. There is quite a lot of elevation gain and wind had recently gone through, causing greater difficulty with fallen trees on the path. None the less, great views of the Black Elk Wilderness and area to the west of it. About halfway through it levels out as well.

Super Hike
by Jacob Mader (481)
about 1 month ago

10 Completed 7 Reviews

Well i sure loved this trail but it is by no means for everyone. Honestly its mostly bushwhacking and scrambling but if your looking for a challenge this is for you. We went early spring and the frozen waterfalls were insane and the view down the valley what beautiful. Take pine creek up through black elk until you hit #5 then walk till you see the giant cliff on your left and start searching your way through till you get to the top.

Crow Peak Trail
by Nikki Joy
about 1 month ago

4 Completed 4 Reviews

I have hiked this trail many times and everytime I enjoy it more and more:) Very peaceful hike and beautiful views!!