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Spring Creek to Sheridan Lake Overview

Rapid City, South Dakota

Details

Distance

2.7 miles

Elevation Gain

345 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by CampCo

This hike cuts the popular Spring Trail Flume Trail Loop in half, making a beeline for the overlook of Sheridan Lake. It guides you alongside and over the gorgeous clear creek waters via a series of footbridges. Crossing the creek by way of rock hopping for the more adventurous hiker makes this the perfect day hike getaway on a warm summer afternoon. 

Easy parking at the trailhead drops you straight into the trail that follows the creek for the hike until you leave it's side climbing up to the ridge overlooking Sheridan Lake. For just over 1 mile, the trail hugs the creek. It is well travelled and easy to follow, bumping it's way along some boulders at a couple of tighter spots. 

There are 4 sturdy footbridge creek crossings that test your balance and offer incredibly beautiful photo ops. The majority of the trail is well shaded making it ideal for warmer weather hiking. Of course, there is always the options of dipping your toes, clothes and loved ones into the cool waters for some relief!

After the 4th footbridge, the trail leaves the creek and climbs its way up to a ridge that overlooks Sheridan Lake. It's a straight shot along the ridge that will bring you to a stone staircase. Climb this to seek out the best views of Sheridan Lake and pick out your perfect spot to enjoy the day. There are plenty of trees to hang a hammock, multiple spots that are safe for cliff jumping, and ample room with shade to throw a blanket down for an outdoor picnic. 

For this quick hike, you simply head back the way you came, but an alternate route back will connect you to the Flume segment of the loop where you can explore historic artifacts, tunnels, and parts of the flume itself that dates back to the 1880s. 

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Features

Hiking
Easy Parking
Forest
Scenic
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

Dakota Point at Sheridan Lake via the North Trail

Hike to the Stratobowl Rim

Rock Climb at 1880 Wall

Hike to Ingersoll Abandoned Mine

Hike to Falling Rock Overlook

Paddle Lake Pactola Reservoir

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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