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Deer Field Trail #40
4.8 ★★★★★ 20 Google reviews · Running trail in Rapid City, 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 Deer Field Trail #40'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 Deer Field Trail #40
This is a 23.5 mile trail and is not for a beginner. Plan to start this hike at days earliest light. This will give you a chance to explore the trail and take photographs. Remember to bring enough water, altitude tends to suck you dry
Took a quick backpacking trip up Deerfield trail. Such a great decision. The trail is visible at all times and you walk across a small creek. There's a high elevation climb in the beginning but nothing a moderate hiker can't do, without a 30 pound pack.
It's a great trail but when you start it make sure you stay on the deer field trail. If you continue on to the centennial trail it's not as nice. You don't get the views that's the deer field trail offers. I didn't go to far but it was better than the centennial trail.
Can be a brutal trail many Creek crossing's all the way to dear lake loop awesome trail
Trail conditions & character
“There's a high elevation climb in the beginning but nothing a moderate hiker can't do, without a 30 pound pack.”
Plan your run at Deer Field Trail #40
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.
Osprey Hiking Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 44 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area featuring a lake.
Black Hills Buzzard's Roost Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 205 reviews
Scenic trail system featuring a variety of terrain, plus panoramic views.
Little Elk Creek Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 174 reviews
Kid-friendly area with an out-and-back trail through the woods to Dalton Lake.
