For more information, please visit, Mount Rushmore and Presidential Trail Loop, Horsethief Lake Trailhead to Iron Creek Trailhead, Centennial, Horsethief, Grizzly, Centennial Loop, Rushmore - Black Elk - Cathedral Spires Loop. Generally considered a challenging route. The first 100 meters or so are pure ice on an incline, so be careful on the start/finish and consider ice cleats! Two of my friends (Novice) and I (Intermediate) hiked this trail after a long day of travels and adventure. Generally considered a challenging route. Site 017, Loop LKSD, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site 027, Loop LKSD, Type Tent Only Nonelectric, Site 026, Loop LKSD, Type Tent Only Nonelectric, Site 008, Loop HORS, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site 012, Loop HORS, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site 025, Loop LKSD, Type Tent Only Nonelectric, Site 015, Loop LKSD, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site 009, Loop HORS, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site 007, Loop HORS, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site 016, Loop LKSD, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site 014, Loop HORS, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site 013, Loop HORS, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site 011, Loop HORS, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site 010, Loop HORS, Type Standard Nonelectric, Site 024, Loop LKSD, Type Tent Only Nonelectric, Site 028, Loop LKSD, Type Tent Only Nonelectric, Site 023, Loop LKSD, Type Tent Only Nonelectric, Site 018, Loop LKSD, Type Standard Nonelectric. Black Hills National Forest Hwy 385 South, Keystone, SD. One downside is that it is popular, so you wont have the trail to yourself even in early November. Great day! The Horsethief Lake Trail is 2.8 miles to the end, where you join the Grizzly Bear Creek Trail (Black Hills Trail #7). Fun hike, trails are groomed. rather than, Dutchman Campground, located in a shady Ponderosa pine forested area on the northeast edge of Deerfield Reservoir at 5,000 feet. The Horsethief Lake Trail trailhead is at theHorsethief Lake Day Use area which is located on State Highway 244, two miles west of Mount Rushmore National Memoral. Generally considered a challenging route. Turn right at sign into campground. Discover this 11.0-mile loop trail near Hill City, South Dakota. The CCC worked on numerous conservation projects in the Black Hills National Forest. Known as one of the best trout fishing spots in South Dakota, this lake is full of quality brown and rainbow trout. The Centennial Trail part of the loop had some isolated downed trees along the trail, but only one presented a challenge navigating over. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 40 min to complete. See the layout of the campground to find your perfect camping site. You must be signed in to save park lists. (1), Mount Rushmore Keystone Area Lodging Information. Official websites use .gov A .gov 244. Horse Thief Lake Mark Goebel/Flickr The closest lake to Mount Rushmore is hidden among the ponderosa pines at this gorgeous spot. It is rocky and very hilly but the water is beautiful and its layered with sand so its not as muddy. An old stone tower at the top(Harney Lookout Tower), once used as a fire lookout, is still open to hikers. Once upon a time, this lake probably wasn't so chill - after all, it got its name thanks to being a favorite hideout of - you guessed it - a gang of horse thieves. I missed the turn back to horse thief lake so added on a couple miles once I figured that out. This South Dakota state location article is a stub. 244. The wind in the trees. It was pretty muddy in some spots and the trail is cut deep in several places from rainfall. Rushmore. Some great views, but also mosquitos and part of the trail is a pond so you will get wet. The summers are pleasant, and the bay provides a great way to cool off on sunny days summer, Bismarck Lake Campground is set amidst a scattering of aspen groves and Ponderosa pine on the southeast edge of Bismarck Lake at 5,000 feet. Great views of granite ridges and spires about halfway to Grizzly Creek from Horsethief lake. Well marked, easy to follow trail. Horse Thief Lake is one of the most scenic spots in the Black Hills, and its close proximity to Mount Rushmore makes it a popular getawayespecially on summer weekends. The good thing is that wandering around was pretty! Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. The Big Pine trailhead is located about 30 minutes from Rapid City on Route 244, approximately three miles west of Mount Rushmore and 1/2 mile west of Horsethief Lake. Located 10 miles south of Hill City, South Dakota, Horsethief Lake Campground is a delightful setting for visitors seeking recreation and relaxation in Black Hills National Forest. I hit the trailhead at 7:30am and finished up by noon, with a nice break at Horse Thief Lake. This campground is 2 miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial and adjacent to Horsethief Lake. Located 10 miles south of Hill City, South Dakota, Horsethief Lake Campground is a delightful setting for visitors seeking recreation and relaxation in Black Hills National Forest. Lots of muddy spots and some poison oak or ivy on trail but very pretty. Its also a horse trail so theres frequent horse droppings. Long trail but a little something for everyone- rocky climbs, grassy trails, etc. Horsethief Lake May Be The Best Swimming Hole In South Dakota Posted in South Dakota On The Water June 27, 2023 by Tori Jane This Hidden Swimming Hole With Amazing Views In South Dakota Is A Stellar Summer Adventure Roads in the campground are paved. It is one of the most scenic trails in the wilderness, since it passes by numerous towering granite spires, small streams, and crosses two saddles with scenic views. The Black Elk Wilderness was exactly that Wilderness! 8 miles from crazy horse memorial and just a little bit up from, We used this as a base camp for exploring the Black Hills. Write review . Some sites in the campground are widely spaced and open up to views overlooking the lake, and others sit snugly along a hillside. The attendant was very friendly and helpful. The very end of the second half of the loop there are large steep steps, and then the trail turns into a crevice, where it looks like water has drained down the side of the hill. Slept at the 7.2 mile marker, Id push next time for the 8.1 mile area for a gorgeous view of MT Rushmore. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Overall, the trail was beautiful. Great site though, especially if youve got a small group. Two require climbing over. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor Lots of beautiful trees, rocks, wildflowers, plants, and wildlife. From Hill City, take U.S. Rt. We left at 11 am, and there was a lot of shade at first, but some sections were exposed. 244. Rushmore side view (and highway side parking lot) that we also did (that has some additional elevation). The beginning and end are can get rocky with quite a few inclines/downhills spots. Intermediate Friendly mix of steep large rocks and rolling dirt path. Theres a 0.9 mile one-way spur that goes to a Mt. Horse Thief Lake South Dakota, United States 5.0 (3 reviews) Anyone interested in fishing Horse Thief Lake or waters within the wider area around Rapid City should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. Took us almost 4 hrs for the whole loop. However, I really enjoyed the hike and it provided some great scenery the whole way. Lake Oahe JinAbr/Tripadvisor Horse Thief Lake, Mount Rushmore UT, SD 57751, USA 5. Black Hills National Forest About a mile down the trail, the Centennial Trail (Black Hills Trail # 89) intersects with the Horsethief Lake Trail, expanding your options for additional hiking. Tons of rivers and streams. Located 10 miles south of Hill City, South Dakota, Horsethief Lake Campground is a delightful setting for visitors seeking recreation and relaxation in Black Hills National Forest. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Took my dog and we did the full Horsethief trail loop along with adding 5 miles to side track and do Mount Rushmoore. The other side has some switch backs. The Black Elk Wilderness was . It was around 11.5 miles of beautiful Black Hills scenery with multiple rock outcroppings, creeks, ponderosa pine, birch trees & wonderful wild flowers. Great trail overall, but just be aware it is very icy in the shade and muddy in the sun. Plenty of Mosquitoes and Flies along the trail so expect to get bit here and there. Located 10 miles south of Hill City, South Dakota, Horsethief Lake Campground is a delightful setting for visitors seeking recreation and relaxation in Black Hills National Forest. If you like a challenge, this is as tough and remote as the Hills has to offer. To make your reservations for the ultimate camping adventure (or just to get more info), be sure to check out the Horsethief Lake Campground page on Recreation.gov. Started at 10am and finished at 8pm. A bit overgrown and not the best views, but a nice length and moderate difficulty, Mount Rushmore and Presidential Trail Loop, Black Elk Peak via Cathedral Spires Trail, Horse Thief Lake from Mount Rushmore via Blackberry and Centennial Trail, Black Elk Peak via Willow Creek Horse Camp, Horsethief Lake Trailhead to Iron Creek Trailhead, Centennial, Horsethief, Grizzly, Centennial Loop, Rushmore - Black Elk - Cathedral Spires Loop. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. Open fires are always prohibited. Lake Oahe; Hughes, Stanley, Sully, Dewey, Potter, Walworth, Corson & Campbell counties Source: airford1 / shutterstock Lake Oahe The largest lake in South Dakota, Lake Oahe boasts a surface area of 150,000 hectare and is 62 metres deep. Vehicles towing trailers of any type and motorhomes over 25 feet in length will not be allowed into the area of Sites 23 through 28. Map Information Activities Hiking Muddy Get more stories delivered right to your email. Some beautiful views of the Hills as well. 4 out 4 back. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Stroll by a very small creek. outside parking structure 5. It is approximately two miles northwest of Mount Rushmore, the closest lake to the monument. Located in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, Black Hills National Forest encompasses nearly 1.25 million acres of rugged rock formations, canyons and gulches, open grassland parks, tumbling streams, deep blue lakes, and unique caves. The trailhead was hard to find, but that may have been on us. I saw absolutely no poison ivy (Im incredibly allergic) and all of the rocks were very easy to scale. Our site was closer to our neighbor than we were expecting. Sites are tucked, Horsethief Lake Campground is located in South Dakota. Pretty moderate .. this app helped with a few of the forks in the road! We parked our 21' van in paved lot, past trailhead. This private access group campsite is isolated among the forested Black Hills of South Dakota, overlooking a private bay on the Pactola Reservoir. The trail was somewhat muddy, but not bad at all. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Though my two small dogs struggled a little, they really enjoyed their swim in the lake once we got back to the car. It was really nice :) by a creek for a lot of it, saw the profile of Mt. Did not see much wildlife. Sites are tucked into a forest of towering ponderosa and lodgepole pine. But beautiful and good workout, Fun trail! Great trail. Trailhead is between the hwy and parking lot on gravel road. Overall very enjoyable! Gorgeous hike. Official websites use .gov A .gov Starting at lake makes it a treat to see Rushmore. Really cool loop trail with a tremendous variety of scenery and bonus view of most of Mt Rushmore. This campground is 2 miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial and adjacent to Horsethief Lake. Helpful advice: We hiked in shorts & with all the overgrown trail growth, my legs got pretty scratched up - Id wear some sort of pant to protect your skin. Thank you! Be sure to bring enough water to camp. The Grizzly Creek section is a bit overgrown, has several deadfalls, and lots of Poison Ivy. Not so many sightings of people, as there was no one else on the trail during my Friday morning hike. The trail itself is mostly single track and narrow/overgrown in many areas. None of the climbs are overly steep though there were a few large rocks here and there. Mount Rushmore is approximately 3 miles west of Keystone, South Dakota on Highway 244. " Jun 2022 Drive very carefully cause we saw lots of deer and Elk everywhere! All and all with Mount Rushmoore via the Horsethief Loop trail beginning the hike at Horsethief Lake was around 17 miles. 1019 N. 5th Street What a great 12.1 mile hike solo. new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, Definitely wear hiking boots as its rocky in some spots and muddy in others but nothing crazy. website belongs to an official government organization in the Get to know this 8.5-km out-and-back trail near Keystone, South Dakota. Nice trail, bit too narrow at times (bushes up to 6 feet) except for helicopters (way too noisy). Once off blackberry trail, the centennial is about knee-deep post holing. Peaceful shaded trail along creek with small waterfall with a peep a boo view of mountains. Explore these bookable camps nearby: Bear Den Hang and Stay "Tammy is a great and helpful host! The rocky terrain was moderately challenging for me as a novice hiker. Horsethief Lake Campground, Black Hills Sd, SD: United States South Dakota National Forests Black Hills National Forest Horsethief Lake Campground 100% Recommend +5 Review Upload Book on Recreation.gov Not instantly bookable on Hipcamp. This campground is 2 miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial and adjacent to Horsethief Lake. Sites are tucked Suggest an Edit Access Drive-In Could use better signage at crossroads, and agree with others about the narrow parts of the trail due to horse traffic. It features sparkling calcite crystals and other rare formations, as well as some of the largest concentrations of passageways in the world.. Black Hills National Forest offers visitors a multitude of recreational opportunites throughout all seasons. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. LockA locked padlock If multiple sites are reserved on one card, the rest of the camping fee will be collected upon arrival unless another card holder occupies the site. Fresh water available with bathrooms nearby. Today fishing looks to be moderately active with peak fishing times around 5-7 am and 11 am - 12 pm and 5-7 pm. I've always envied the folks who can simply decide to stay a while - and do. If you want a trail that gets you deep into the woods, this is a good one. Plenty of shade, Id say about 75% of the trail is shaded. The first half is absolutely gorgeous. Bighorn sheep navigate mountainous terrain, while elk, deer and pronghorn gather in forests and prairies. The person next to us the first night had their dogs loose wandering and radio playing which was a little annoying. Turn left onto Rt. Pets must be leashed, under control and attended at all times. Horsethief Lake Trail Moderate 4.3 (393) Black Hills National Forest Photos (591) Directions Print/PDF map Length 5.3 miElevation gain 1,102 ftRoute type Out & back Experience this 5.3-mile out-and-back trail near Keystone, South Dakota. The rock climbing areas at The Needles/Cathedral Spires and Sunday Gulch are on the opposite side of the Black Elk Wilderness and can be reached by the trail network in the wilderness.The elevation at the trailhead is around 5,000 feet and the highpoint of the trail is around 5,600 feet. 1. We have hiked Harney many times and found this equally or perhaps more challenging. We went about 1.5 miles before turning around, so we didnt reach the peak. Current trail information and regulations are posted at the trailhead sign. Reviews (233) Photos (515) Activities (246) Completed (355) 5: 4: 3: 2: 1: 4.4. Come check out what I suspect could also be the best swimming hole in South Dakota: Its Horsethief Lake, and its an absolute doozy when it comes to incredibly beautiful places in our little corner of the nation. Head out on this 6.4-km point-to-point trail near Keystone, South Dakota. Im not even sure if its 4 miles one way. No refunds will be given for weather related events. 1019 N. 5th Street This campground is 2 miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial and adjacent to Horsethief Lake. Keystone, South Dakota. This camp is an ideal setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation in Black Hills National Forest. Horsethief Lake Campground is only two miles from Mt. Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles are popular in summer and early autumn. All Rights Reserved. Custer State Park - Norbeck Wildelife Preserve. Horse Thief Lake. We provide tools and tips to discover We did a lollipop hike with a counter clockwise loop. It is even sandy at times. Great hiking trail with our dog. Our experience was mostly good. Situated in an open Ponderosa pine forest 6.5 miles west of Custer, South Dakota, Comanche Park Campground is a campground for visitors seeking recreation and relaxation in the southern Black Hills National Forest. Love and hate the trail. From there, you can go back, or go either direction on the Grizzly Bear trail. No mosquitoes, and not many hikers, but did hear numerous helicopters. Several trees down along the trail. Honestly more stunning than black elk peak. I would have jogged it but nice to complete a ice free path. An official website of the Horsethief Lake is gorgeous. Hey, it counts, considering the highest point of elevation in South Dakota is 7,242 feet above sea level. Located 10 miles south of Hill City, South Dakota, Horsethief Lake Campground is a delightful setting for visitors seeking recreation and relaxation in Black Hills National Forest.
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