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Boulder Hill Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 23 Google reviews · Running trail in Rapid City, South Dakota · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Boulder Hill 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 Boulder Hill Trailhead
“Stunning views 360 degrees (if you can make it to the top) Otherwise if you start at the base you'll get a great view of rapid city, 16 and sections of StratoBowl.”
“Easy walk between the tall trees.”
First ! Don’t be fooled by the trail by the big map sign as that just takes you back onto the western half of the Flume Trail. The real trail is south of the parking and a little to the left in the bushes. Look for a small wooden sign on tree stump that says “To Boulder Hill.
DONT GO PAST THE PARKING LOT SIGN!! -- that puts you on Flume Trail loop when you have to go the other way. Stunning views 360 degrees (if you can make it to the top) Otherwise if you start at the base you'll get a great view of rapid city, 16 and sections of StratoBowl.
I hiked this trail with a friend recently. It’s a hidden gem, beautifully forested, peaceful. We only came across one other hiker. I am afraid of heights but the rocks we had to scale were manageable to get to the top. The view from above was absolutely breathtaking! I would recommend this hike to everyone.
This was a beautiful hike through the forest! Views were great in every direction. We didn’t see any other people. It took us 1 hour and 40 minutes to hike the 3.8 miles at an easy pace. The only thing is to beware of the poison ivy - lots of it along the trail. I wished I had worn long pants!
Trail conditions & character
“Stunning views 360 degrees (if you can make it to the top) Otherwise if you start at the base you'll get a great view of rapid city, 16 and sections of StratoBowl.”
“Look for a small wooden sign on tree stump that says “To Boulder Hill.”
“I loved the 2 hour loop around, the scenery was lovely, and all the different colors in fall time.”
“The real trail is south of the parking and a little to the left in the bushes.”
Plan your run at Boulder Hill 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.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- 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 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.
Coon Hollow Trailhead
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Stratobowl Rim Trailhead
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Black Hills Buzzard's Roost Trailhead
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