Any time’s a good time to get outdoors to explore the pure natural beauty of South Dakota. Can you think of a better way to enjoy the outdoors, any time of the year, than on one of the best hikes in South Dakota? The Stratobowl Rim Trail, undoubtedly one of South Dakota’s most beautiful hikes, really deserves a spot on your bucket list, and here’s why.
The Stratobowl Rim Trail is located near Rapid City. You’ll find the trailhead right off Highway 16.
CS Black Hills/Alltrails There’s a little bit of parking on the side of the road. It’s just down the road from the Black Hills RV Service Center, which is at 13620 S. Highway 16.
The trail is a service road, so the hiking is pretty easy.
CS Black Hills/Alltrails
In fact, even the littlest hikers can handle this one.
Leah Churchill/Alltrails
The trail offers some breathtaking views of the Black Hills, and the fragrant smell of pines make this a pleasant stroll.
Kevin Kevin Gilleland/Alltrails
The viewpoint for the Stratobowl is less than one-mile down the trail.
CS Black Hills/Alltrails
Originally used as a site for mining, the Stratobowl became famous in the 1930s, when record-breaking manned balloon flights were launched here. In September, it’s the site of an annual balloon festival.
Kevin Shepard/Alltrails
A plaque at the overlook tells you a little bit more about the history of the Stratobowl.
Nicole Doerr/Alltrails
You can see for miles from up here. You’ll definitely want to bring your camera, or have your cellphone charged so that you can take some photos.
Leah Churchill/Alltrails
Do you agree that this one of the best hikes in South Dakota? Have you hiked the Stratobowl Rim Trail? Share your experiences and photos with us in the comments! Ready to explore more of South Dakota on foot? Set off on these 10 gorgeous hikes in South Dakota everyone should complete .
CS Black Hills/Alltrails
There’s a little bit of parking on the side of the road. It’s just down the road from the Black Hills RV Service Center, which is at 13620 S. Highway 16.
Leah Churchill/Alltrails
Kevin Kevin Gilleland/Alltrails
Kevin Shepard/Alltrails
Nicole Doerr/Alltrails
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Address: Stratobowl Rim Trailhead, 13600 S Highway 16, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In South Dakota March 11, 2022 Beth Price-Williams Are there any easy hikes in South Dakota? Sure, we all need a challenge sometimes – one of those difficult hikes in South Dakota that pushes us to our limit. However, sometimes we just want something short and sweet. Fortunately, we have a ton of easy hikes in South Dakota from which to choose. Bring the whole family to Mount Rushmore National Park for the scenic and easy half-mile Presidential Trail. You definitely won’t want to forget your camera for this one. If you’re following the Spring Creek Loop Trail, you’ll love the fresh mountain air and might want to bring a pair of binoculars. The trail is popular with birdwatchers. What are the best kid-friendly hikes in South Dakota? Hiking’s the perfect way to spend time outdoors and to appreciate the sheer natural beauty of the South Dakota landscape. You’ll find a generous selection of kid-friendly trails in South Dakota that the whole family will love. The Notch Trail at Badlands National Park tallies 1.5 miles and winds through a canyon. The highlight, at least for the kids, is the ladder that you’ll climb along the path. At just over one-mile, Sylvan Lake Trail in Custer is ideal for those with kids and dogs and passes wildflowers and a lake. For a pretty trail that leads to a tumbling waterfall, set off on the path that leads to Roughlock Falls. What is the oldest park in South Dakota? South Dakota’s drenched in natural beauty, and we’re so fortunate to have so many places to explore our beautiful state. Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota is the oldest in the state and one of the first national parks in the United States. The park is best known for its fascinating cave system that dates back millions of years. One of the best ways to explore the park, which is open daily, is on one of its picturesque trails. If you want to tour the cave, make sure you make reservations before heading to the park.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In South Dakota
March 11, 2022
Beth Price-Williams
Are there any easy hikes in South Dakota? Sure, we all need a challenge sometimes – one of those difficult hikes in South Dakota that pushes us to our limit. However, sometimes we just want something short and sweet. Fortunately, we have a ton of easy hikes in South Dakota from which to choose. Bring the whole family to Mount Rushmore National Park for the scenic and easy half-mile Presidential Trail. You definitely won’t want to forget your camera for this one. If you’re following the Spring Creek Loop Trail, you’ll love the fresh mountain air and might want to bring a pair of binoculars. The trail is popular with birdwatchers. What are the best kid-friendly hikes in South Dakota? Hiking’s the perfect way to spend time outdoors and to appreciate the sheer natural beauty of the South Dakota landscape. You’ll find a generous selection of kid-friendly trails in South Dakota that the whole family will love. The Notch Trail at Badlands National Park tallies 1.5 miles and winds through a canyon. The highlight, at least for the kids, is the ladder that you’ll climb along the path. At just over one-mile, Sylvan Lake Trail in Custer is ideal for those with kids and dogs and passes wildflowers and a lake. For a pretty trail that leads to a tumbling waterfall, set off on the path that leads to Roughlock Falls. What is the oldest park in South Dakota? South Dakota’s drenched in natural beauty, and we’re so fortunate to have so many places to explore our beautiful state. Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota is the oldest in the state and one of the first national parks in the United States. The park is best known for its fascinating cave system that dates back millions of years. One of the best ways to explore the park, which is open daily, is on one of its picturesque trails. If you want to tour the cave, make sure you make reservations before heading to the park.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Sure, we all need a challenge sometimes – one of those difficult hikes in South Dakota that pushes us to our limit. However, sometimes we just want something short and sweet. Fortunately, we have a ton of easy hikes in South Dakota from which to choose. Bring the whole family to Mount Rushmore National Park for the scenic and easy half-mile Presidential Trail. You definitely won’t want to forget your camera for this one. If you’re following the Spring Creek Loop Trail, you’ll love the fresh mountain air and might want to bring a pair of binoculars. The trail is popular with birdwatchers.
What are the best kid-friendly hikes in South Dakota?
Hiking’s the perfect way to spend time outdoors and to appreciate the sheer natural beauty of the South Dakota landscape. You’ll find a generous selection of kid-friendly trails in South Dakota that the whole family will love. The Notch Trail at Badlands National Park tallies 1.5 miles and winds through a canyon. The highlight, at least for the kids, is the ladder that you’ll climb along the path. At just over one-mile, Sylvan Lake Trail in Custer is ideal for those with kids and dogs and passes wildflowers and a lake. For a pretty trail that leads to a tumbling waterfall, set off on the path that leads to Roughlock Falls.
What is the oldest park in South Dakota?
South Dakota’s drenched in natural beauty, and we’re so fortunate to have so many places to explore our beautiful state. Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota is the oldest in the state and one of the first national parks in the United States. The park is best known for its fascinating cave system that dates back millions of years. One of the best ways to explore the park, which is open daily, is on one of its picturesque trails. If you want to tour the cave, make sure you make reservations before heading to the park.
