Black Hills Hikes To Beat The Heat
As we head into the warm season it is a great time of year to get out and hike in the Black Hills. However, you may find yourself searching for an escape from the scorching heat of the summer sun. Fortunately, there are numerous trail opportunities throughout the Black Hills that offer plenty of shade. Several also provide cool water to relax near, as well. Read on for 10 “cooler” trail options for your summer hike!
The Flume Trail
This route runs for around 15 miles, east to west, across the central Black Hills. It begins near Sheridan Lake and ends near the small community of Rockerville, southwest of Rapid City. The trail is located within the Black Hills National Forest, so it offers plenty of shade. It can be accessed from multiple trailheads.
Parts of the Centennial Trail
The Centennial Trail has a total length of more than 100 miles down the central spine of the Black Hills, from north to south. The shadiest portions of this lengthy trail will be found within the central Black Hills. The closer you get to either end of the mountain range, the trail frequents more grassland areas, so it offers less shade. You can also access this trail from multiple trailheads.
Dugout Gulch Trail
This trail located close to Beulah, Wyoming winds along a creek for the first couple of miles. The canyon is mostly shaded although it can become a bit stuffy in the afternoons if it is extremely hot. Beautiful wildflowers and unique vegetation are the highlights of this hike.
Sunday Gulch Trail
This trail is located within Custer State Park. You can access it near the popular Sylvan Lake and accompanying lodge. Much of this path also traverses a canyon that contains a creek. This is one of the more challenging trails in the park. Depending on water levels, you can get quite wet when attempting this route as, in one portion of it, you basically traverse a small waterfall as the creek cascades down the rocks.
Little Elk Creek Trail
This is another family-friendly option located in the central Black Hills. The trailhead is found near the small town of Piedmont and the route runs to the west, for just under 3 miles. You can continue another 3/4 of a mile down a gravel road and end near Dalton Lake. As the trail’s name would imply, it meanders along a creek for much of its trek. Along the route you will find a number of places that offer easy access for swimming or fishing, including the lake, at the end. Much of the canyon that this trail traverses can offer shade, as well.
Blackberry Trail
This is a newer trail in the Black Hills National Forest system. It can be accessed across the road from Mt. Rushmore. It also runs along a creek in many places and traverses much of the Black Hills National Forest, so both shade and cool water are available nearby.
Spearfish Canyon Trails
There are a number of trails in the northern Black Hills that offer options for shady hiking, as well. Several of these are located within Spearfish Canyon, which is situated between Spearfish, to the north, and the small town of Lead, to the southeast. Several good trail options are found near the Latchstring Restaurant and Spearfish Canyon Lodge.
These include the Spearfish Falls and the Roughlock Falls trails. Both of these are nature trails that take you to the base of local waterfalls. They are quite scenic, especially during the fall when leaf colors are at their peak. Devil’s Bathtub is another great trail in the canyon that has a swimming hole at the end to keep you cool.
Grace Coolidge Trail
This trail located near Center Lake in Custer State Park is a walk-in fishing area. It is an easy trail which follows the creek crossing back and forth several time along the entire length. Plenty of opportunities to cool off on your hike!
Iron Creek Trail
This is also in Spearfish Canyon, though in a different area than the routes mentioned above. This is another trail that is frequently shaded as it traverses a side canyon. A small creek also runs along it, so when water levels are high enough, you can cool your feet if you get warm.
This summer, as temperatures warm, you may want to get out and explore the Black Hills. Why not stay comfortable and consider one of these shadier trails, many of which offer ways to cool off, as well?
