Rapid City, South Dakota

In Rapid City, it’s all about the little things that lead to the biggest memories. So, while you’re exploring around town and throughout the Black Hills, it’s the time spent with your friends and family that’ll leave an impact bigger than Mount Rushmore.

Sponsored by:

Top Spots in and near Rapid City

  • Rapid City, South Dakota

    M Hill

    1.56 mi / 381 ft gain
    M Hill is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Rapid City, South Dakota.
    Read more
  • Rapid City, South Dakota

    Explore the Skyline Wilderness Area

    3 mi / 0 ft gain
    Dividing Rapid City's East and West sides, the Skyline Wilderness Area is a 150-acre park that features numerous walking, biking and hiking trails. This area can also be enjoyed as a beautiful drive that offers one of the best views of Rapid City.  The road stretches about two miles long and giv...
    Read more
  • Rapid City, South Dakota

    Hike to Falling Rock Overlook

    0.5 mi / 50 ft gain
    The beautiful hike is a tremendous spot to get out of town and enjoy the scenery and a great view of Rapid Creek down in the canyon below.  Parking is right off Falling Rock Rd. then the trail is a very well marked path through the trees, easy to follow, and leads you right to the edge of limesto...
    Read more
  • Rapid City, South Dakota

    Hike to the Stratobowl Rim

    2 mi / 100 ft gain
    The winding trail to the Stratobowl is a gradual and easy hike, which is perfect for the whole family or for a quick excursion if you don't have a lot of time. It is roughly a mile to the Rim overlook, where there is a plaque commemorating the November 11th, 1935 balloon flight that launched 72,3...
    Read more
  • Black Hawk, South Dakota

    Hike Botany Canyon

    5 mi / 807 ft gain
    After reaching the trailhead, the first couple miles are forest service road. You'll want to follow the main FSR, do not branch off onto any of the smaller dirt roads. The turn off to go down into the canyon is very easy to miss. It will be on your right hand side after a small patch of trees, th...
    Read more
  • Rapid City, South Dakota

    Fly Fish Along Rapid Creek

    WIth many access points and convenient location to the city, Rapid Creek offers fantastic trout stream fishing. This 86-mile long tributary of the Cheyenne River runs through the Black Hills National Forest, flowing east right through the heart of Rapid City. Anglers fishing Rapid Creek can expe...
    Read more
  • Rapid City, South Dakota

    Fly Fish from the Rapid Creek Trailhead

    2 mi
    To get the the trailhead for Rapid Creek you must turn to the east onto Pactola Basin Road or FS road 164 when on Highway 385 crossing the Pactola Reservoir. The road down to the trailhead is steep and can be rough depending on the time of the year. Once at the trailhead there is a parking area, ...
    Read more
  • Rapid City, South Dakota

    Spring Creek to Sheridan Lake Overview

    2.7 mi / 167 ft gain
    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 t...
    Read more
  • Rapid City, South Dakota

    Dakota Point at Sheridan Lake via the North Trail

    2.2 mi / 200 ft gain
    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...
    Read more
  • Rapid City, South Dakota

    Paddle Lake Pactola Reservoir

    Hitting a trifecta of awesome, the Pactola Reservoir is not only an incredibly scenic lake with the best fishing in the state. It also hides a history of lawlessness and prosperity underneath its beautiful waters. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, this 785-acre reservoir houses a multit...
    Read more
  • Keystone, South Dakota

    Hippie Hole

    4.8
    0.3 mi
    While making your way to the parking area, you'll keep right for the most part. You'll also need a high clearance vehicle or the patience to drive very slowly. The dirt road to the trailhead is full of dips, holes, rocks, and essentially could be a close relative of off roading. If you do not hav...
    Read more
  • Keystone, South Dakota

    Hike to Ingersoll Abandoned Mine

    2.5
    0.5 mi / 4990 ft gain
    Drive into Keystone, take a right on Old Hill City Road, drive for a little over two miles, you'll pass both Kemp's Kamp and the K Bar S Lodge, and look for Echo Valley Dr. on your left. As soon as you pass Echo Valley Dr, keep your eyes out for a pull off on the right. Once you get to the trailh...
    Read more
  • Rapid City, South Dakota

    Hike the Deerfield Lake Trail to Slate Creek Convergence

    5 mi / 60 ft gain
    The Deerfield Lake trail is overall 23 miles long, but this post is just about the section of the trail that starts at Silver City where Rapid Creek flows into Pactola Reservoir, and follows the creek upstream to where Slate Creek converges, about 2.5 miles from the trailhead. You could follow th...
    Read more
  • Keystone, South Dakota

    Rock Climb at 1880 Wall

    0.1 mi / 150 ft gain
    There are 2 walls named the 1880 Wall, one is the East Wall and the other is the West Wall. To get there you will need to follow Old Hill City Road, either from Hill City or from Keystone. If coming from Keystone it is about 3.8 miles heading west. There is a pullout right off the road and next t...
    Read more
  • Keystone, South Dakota

    Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore

    4.7
    0.71 mi / 98 ft gain
    The closest possible access to Mount Rushmore National Monument is achieved by walking the Presidential Trail, which takes you to the bottom of the rock pile below the carving. This loop trail is just shy of 1 mile and offers a unique perspective with a chance to view some wildlife. Expect ther...
    Read more
  • Hermosa, South Dakota

    Stargaze at Spokane Ghost Town

    Great all year long but, especially stunning when the galactic center of the Milky Way is visible from Spring to Fall, Spokane Ghost Town is a local favorite and a hidden gem. Set up your camera, and light paint some old buildings! The ghost town was originally a mine founded in the late 1800's w...
    Read more

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.

Learn More

Camping and Lodging in Rapid City

Rapid City / Black Hills KOA Holiday
Rapid City, South Dakota

Rapid City / Black Hills KOA Holiday

Under Canvas Mount Rushmore
Keystone, South Dakota

Under Canvas Mount Rushmore

From $199 / night

Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch
Hill City, South Dakota

Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch

Iron Creek Horse Camp
Custer, South Dakota

Iron Creek Horse Camp

Custer / Mount Rushmore / Black Hills KOA Holiday
Custer, South Dakota

Custer / Mount Rushmore / Black Hills KOA Holiday

Deadwood / Black Hills KOA Holiday
Lead, South Dakota

Deadwood / Black Hills KOA Holiday

Guides, Insights and Stories from Rapid City

3 Epic Days in Rapid City

3 Epic Days in Rapid City

CampCo

Tour De Granite

Tour De Granite

Isaac Parsons

Black Elk Peak-Nic

Black Elk Peak-Nic

Isaac Parsons

Floating Down the Cheyenne River

Floating Down the Cheyenne River

Isaac Parsons