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Black Hills Buzzard's Roost Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 205 Google reviews · Running trail in Rapid City, South Dakota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Black Hills Buzzard's Roost 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.
Scenic trail system featuring a variety of terrain, plus panoramic views.
What runners say about Black Hills Buzzard's Roost Trailhead
“A very pretty trail that is well connected and well maintained.”
“Beautiful sights and enough twists, turns and inclines to keep the hike interesting.”
“It was clearly marked and easy to navigate.”
“Easy hike to get to viewpoint and a lot of routes you can take.”
Many ways up but it all ends at the top You go straight you're going to take the direct route of get your heart pumping and a little sweat You go to the right and you'll be up a lot of switchbacks not that steep. Either way you get to the top and it's a beautiful view
It's a popular place! Dog friendly with lots of people and small paths. We went when there was still a lot of snow and ice so we couldn't go far. We look forward to going back this spring.
Pros: Really well maintained Great variety of interconnected trails which allows for varying degrees of difficulty and length (pick your own adventure) Beautiful views from the top and throughout Short drive from town Good place to see native flora and fauna Cons: Close to the highway, traffic can be heard quite…
Great trail system right outside of rapid city. If you're unfamiliar, grab the all trails map and explore some of the lesser known unmarked trails this system offers. It is often very busy but well worth it.
Trail conditions & character
“The hike is mostly through forest with a spectacular view from the lookout at the end.”
“The trail can get a bit muddy and parking can become limited (located off 385 about 10 minutes from Canyon Lake Park).”
“The trail itself isn't too difficult, yet the trail is quite beautiful with some decent elevation changes and some great forestry scenery all around.”
“We saw other families there with younger children as well as dogs.”
“Some of the trail markers are pretty worn and some of the maps along the trail need to be reprinted, so definitely take a photo of the map at the beginning and remember your turns.”
“The trail can get a bit muddy and parking can become limited (located off 385 about 10 minutes from Canyon Lake Park).”
“We did North Buzzard to Jacks, to Mary's, to South Rim, to Jeramy, to Buzzard's Loop.”
Plan your run at Black Hills Buzzard's Roost Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Rapid City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Canyon Lake Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,078 reviews
Relaxed park area featuring a lake with ducks & geese, picnic areas, a toddler playground & gazebo.
The Outdoor Campus - Rapid City
4.8 ★★★★★ 412 reviews
State-run park featuring nature trails, an aquarium, native wildlife & educational programs.
Stonewall Overlook Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 89 reviews
Hiker-friendly beauty spot with a lookout point offering views of the city, sunsets and sunrises.
Skyline Wilderness Trail
5 ★★★★★ 4 reviews