Home › South Dakota › Vale › Bear Butte Trailhead
Bear Butte Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 21 Google reviews · Running trail in Vale, South Dakota · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Bear Butte Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Bear Butte Trailhead
“Challenging hike on a steep rugged trail with beautiful views.”
Challenging hike on a steep rugged trail with beautiful views. There is plenty of parking, a nice Visitors Center, and bathrooms. I started 30 minutes before sunrise and had a beautiful sunrise that turned this beautiful hike inro a stunning hike. This State Park in run by multiple tribes working together.
Time: 60 to 90 minutes to reach the peak. Entry: Free Difficulty: Moderate Very windy at peak. I will definitely recommend this hike.
Wow! The climb was steep & rocky. I was going around every turn looking for the top... there were alot of rocks to walk over so it definitely was a challenge. Took a full hour with rests in between. There were a few benches to sit on. Going down is quick... 4,467 feet with beautiful views!
We are mid fifties, this was a VERY STRENUOUS hike. Steps, loose gravel and rocks, even some of the switchbacks were rough. 2.5 hours up, 2.25 hours down. Glad we completed it, won't ever do it again. Some sections could really use some repair.
Trail conditions & character
“Challenging hike on a steep rugged trail with beautiful views.”
“Challenging hike on a steep rugged trail with beautiful views.”
Plan your run at Bear Butte Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitegfp.sd.gov
- Phone+1 605-347-5240
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Vale
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Bear Butte State Park
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Ft Meade Recreation Area Park
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Little Elk Creek Trailhead
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Deadwood Trailhead George S. Mickelson Trail
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