5 Tips For Hiking Hell Canyon Trail
Hell Canyon Trail is a unique hiking experience filled with stunning sights and abundant wildlife just 13 miles west of Custer. This 5.5-mile loop will take you through the canyon and along the top of the ridge for some spectacular views of the limestone cliffs. It will also take you across areas that were devastated by the Jasper Fire in 2000. While many of the plants have regrown, you can still see charred tree stumps in some places.
If you are considering hiking Hell Canyon Trail for the first time, here are five tips to help you enjoy your adventure.
Tip 1:
While some recommend hiking the loop in a clockwise direction, I think that going counterclockwise provides a better experience on this trail. Going this route, you will start by hiking through the canyon itself. I found the views of the canyon walls from below to be more scenic this way. At about 2.4 miles, the trail begins to rise, taking you up to the top of the canyon. The views from the ridge are impressive no matter which direction you come. The final mile or so of the trail will take you out the back side of the canyon and back down to the parking lot. Walking this direction means you will start the first half of the hike on relatively flat ground and finish the final half mile going downhill.
Tip 2:
The scenery here is so beautiful that there is really no bad time of day to visit. That being said, you should consider taking this hike later in the day, especially during summer. If you start between 3-4pm, you will go through the canyon just as the shadows are starting to grow on the western side. Then, when you are hiking along the top of the western ridge, the entire eastern side of the canyon will be lit up by the setting sun. Taking this route later in the day also means that the sun will be less intense as you are hiking across the open areas of the trail.
Tip 3:
This is one hike where you want to be prepared for the elements. Some parts of the trail are shaded by trees, but you will spend a lot of the time out in the open and exposed to the sun. Consider bringing sunscreen or wearing a hat to protect yourself. Also be sure you have plenty of water with you. This is true for any hike, but I feel like this trail made me thirstier than most. Maybe it was because of the name. Insect repellent is a handy thing to have for this trail as well. Mosquitos and ticks can be annoying here.
Tip 4:
Always be on the lookout for wildlife and wildflowers. Depending on the time of year, and the time of day, you are bound to see some of the Black Hills’ native inhabitants, such as hawks, woodpeckers, and rabbits. During my recent hike, I encountered lots of bighorn sheep along several different parts of the trail. And you will find a variety wide variety of mountain wildflowers growing along the path.
Tip 5:
It may not be far from Custer, but this is a remote area so plan accordingly. There are no bathroom facilities or trash services here. Also, you probably will not have any cell coverage in the area, although I did have service at a few spots near the top of the canyon. Just make sure you take your bathroom breaks before arriving, take all your trash with you when you leave, and don’t expect to make any phone calls.
Bonus Tip:
The trailhead parking lot sits at the bottom of a very steep road, which can pose a bit of a problem if you want to hike this trail in the wintertime. The first time I visited this trail, there was nearly a foot of snow on the ground. The entrance road was not plowed, though there were a few sets up tire tracks from people who had come before me. I didn’t have any difficulty getting to the bottom, but when it came time for me to leave, getting back out was a different story.
It actually took me three attempts up the hill before my tires caught enough traction to get me all the way to the highway. If you do plan to hike Hell Canyon in winter when there is snow on the ground, consider bringing a four-wheel drive vehicle, chains for your tires, or even a shovel so that you can make it home afterwards.
