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A trail to the summit of a sacred mountain with amazing views and religious reflection.


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Map Key

3.2

Miles

5.1

KM

70%

Runnable

4,406' 1,343 m

High

3,385' 1,032 m

Low

1,039' 317 m

Up

1,038' 316 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

41%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Please stay on the trail and respect those participating in religious activities. Do not disturb or photograph prayer cloths and tobacco ties. A buffalo herd roams the base of the butte. Buffalo are dangerous, please do not approach. Possession or consumption of alcohol at Bear Butte State Park east of Highway 79 is prohibited. Bear Butte is a sacred site for many people and will be respected as such.

Overview

This is an exposed trail that is subject to high wind and scorching heat (or frigid cold). The trail is rocky, but the views are worth the effort.

The religiousness and sacredness of the site may be an experience, but if ceremonies are taking place, it would be prudent to run another day to be respectful.

Need to Know

During your visit, you'll see colorful pieces of cloth and small bundles or pouches hanging from the trees. These prayer cloths and tobacco ties represent the prayers offered by individuals during their worship. Please respect these offerings and leave them undisturbed.

The mountain is sacred to many American Indian tribes who come here to hold religious ceremonies. Please be respectful of worshipers and their religious practices.

Runner Notes

Watch for rattlesnakes and bison. Be respectful of any ceremonies.

Description

Start from the parking lot and head through pine trees and prairie up switchbacks. Go through several rock outcroppings before heading up towards the summit. This section passes through some scree and talus and continues to switchback up the mountain. The trail reaches the summit with a viewing platform and information about the surrounding view. Take a few minutes to look at the vast expanse of prairie, the northern Black Hills and the town of Sturgis.

Flora & Fauna

Wildlife includes turkey, deer, bison, and rattlesnakes. Binoculars are helpful in spotting bison on the plains as you head up the trail. There are many wildflowers, but also poison ivy, so keep your eyes open. Birds include Western Meadowlarks, Black-billed Magpies, Spotted Towhees, Mountain Bluebirds, and a variety of warblers.

History & Background

For history on this trail visit the Bear Butte State Park website, provided by South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kyle Thompson

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 8 votes

#3494

Overall
  4.0 from 8 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#11

in South Dakota

#3,494

Overall
3 Views Last Month
2,392 Since May 24, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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57%
14%
29%
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Photos

View of the trail from near the summit. Credit: Jim Kallinen
May 24, 2015 near Sturgis, SD
Huge skies, expansive prairie views, and evidence of the 1996 fire are constants on this trail.
Jun 28, 2016 near Sturgis, SD
Starting up the Bear Butte Trail.
Jun 28, 2016 near Sturgis, SD
View of the town of Sturgis and the northern Black Hills from the viewing platform ~1000ft above the plains.
Jun 28, 2016 near Sturgis, SD
The bottom third or so of the trail is less exposed and offers a tiny bit of shade.
Jun 28, 2016 near Sturgis, SD

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