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Hike around Lookout Mountain

Spearfish, South Dakota

4.5/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

2.4 miles

Elevation Gain

860 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Isaac Parsons

Lookout mountain is only minutes from downtown Spearfish and a great spot to getaway, especially if you don't have a lot of spare time.

To get to the trail for Lookout Mountain there are 2 trailheads. One trailhead is just a few blocks from downtown on Nevada St., the other trailhead is on the East side of town. This post is using the Nevada St. Trailhead as the starting point. From this trailhead to the top of Lookout Mountain it is 1.2 miles and 860 feet of elevation gain. 

Once you get to the trailhead you will see a map, that shows there are multiple loops that can be hiked. So, it might be a good idea to take a picture of the map so you are aware of what loop you want to take and which fork of the trail to use. If you want to go to the peak and back you can do that without taking any loops, you can make your hike as long or as short as you would like. The loops range from 1.9 miles long to 7.3 miles long. Something to watch out for is there are multiple cow trails that intersect as well, but as long as you have a general idea of which direction you need to go, you should be able to find your route easy enough. Some of the trail loops allow mountain bikes, so beware of bikers and hikers. 

In the warmer month beware of snakes, there are occasional rattle snakes found in the Spearfish area. There might be cows out ranging as well, but they are harmless. 

Be prepared as weather can change quickly, and there are often thunderstorms that roll in during the warm summer afternoons. Enjoy the area and please use LNT ethics. 

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Mountain Biking
Running
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Scenic
Wildflowers

Hike around Lookout Mountain Reviews

Not a bad hike, short, steep, and awesome. Sometimes there are cows up there though so be mindful of them

Fun little trail

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

Explore the Frozen Waterfalls of Spearfish Canyon

Hike to the Community Caves

Hike to Devil's Bathtub, Black Hills National Forest

Cross-Country Ski the Big Hill Trails

Hike to Mt. Roosevelt Tower

Bike the George S. Mickelson Trail

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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