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Dakota Point at Sheridan Lake via the North Trail

Rapid City, South Dakota

Details

Distance

2.2 miles

Elevation Gain

200 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Isaac Parsons

Dakota Point is a great spot to get a hike to and then cool off in Sheridan Lake!

There are 2 ways to get to Dakota Point, one from the north that is more common which I will talk about (or one from the south).

The trail that starts on the north side of the lake is a nice easy trail to follow, it is wide and well-worn mostly in forested areas. Keep your eyes out for wildlife and wildflowers, and if you time it right there will be raspberries along the trail in late summer. There is one fork in the trail, so stay to the right, the left will take you to Spring Creek instead of Sheridan Lake. This trail is about 1.1 miles and mostly downhill from where you park, but then hiking back it will be uphill. 

Once you get to Dakota Point you will know you have arrived because there are tall Slate and Shale cliffs at the outlet of the lake. It is a popular spot for people to cliff jump, there are cliffs ranging from 7 feet all the way up to 55 feet. If cliff jumping isn't your thing, you can find spots to get to the water's edge to cool off and float around, or just hang on the cliffs above enjoying the scenery. 

*the other trail that originates on the south side starts at the Boat Ramp, (12979-23712 Pot Rustle Loop, Rapid City, SD 57702) and at the Flume Trailhead. 

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Features

Fishing
Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Lake
Picnic Area
Swimming Hole

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

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Go Great Places in South Dakota

In the Mount Rushmore state, travels to South Dakota are full of one-of-a-kind adventure with wide-open spaces as endless as the horizons. Between legendary landscapes and scenic drives, you can always find space that shifts life into park. When you’re ready, go great places.

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