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A descent through Cold Brook Canyon with abundant opportunities for birding and viewing wildlife.


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Map Key

1.5

Miles

2.5

KM

98%

Runnable

4,234' 1,290 m

High

4,131' 1,259 m

Low

97' 29 m

Up

104' 32 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

13%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Description

Journey down the Cold Brook Canyon Trail to experience vibrant raptor populations and tenacious prairie dog colonies.

Starting at the Cold Brook Canyon Trail Parking Area, descend moderately through forested terrain for a short while before the grade slackens noticeably. Pass through a seasonal creek, moving out of the forest and into the golden grasses of the South Dakotan prairie. As you travel deeper into the canyon, keep your eyes peeled for raptors nesting in the hillsides, awaiting their chance to pluck a prairie dog dinner from the interweaved tunnels underlying the valley floor.

Upon reaching the trail's end, visitors must return the way they came, unless they have pre-arranged to leave a shuttle vehicle at the western trailhead off Song Dog Road.

Flora & Fauna

Visitors are bound to see multiple species of raptor as well as prairie dogs along the route. Occasionally, bison have been spotted in this area as well.

Contacts

Shared By:

Hunter R

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 3 votes

#12234

Overall
  4.0 from 3 votes
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Trail Rankings

#40

in South Dakota

#12,234

Overall
2 Views Last Month
997 Since Jun 27, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

33%
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Photos

This was the extent of the canyon. Very wide and open, but beautiful.
Jun 18, 2016 near Pringle, SD
Most challenging part of trail down a small hill.
Jun 18, 2016 near Hot Spr…, SD
Prairie on Cold Brook Canyon Trail.
Jun 18, 2016 near Hot Spr…, SD

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