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Devils Bathtub Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 370 Google reviews · Running trail in Lead, South Dakota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Devils Bathtub 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 Devils Bathtub Trailhead
“You will have beautiful scenery, and lots of river crossing if you’re good you won’t get your feet wet.”
“Not an easy trail to find, but once you do it is not a very difficult hike, however.”
Was a very fun hike. Would definitely recommend to watch your footing while walking through the water because it can be slippery and the water moves fast. Might take a bit to find the part you want so just keep walking upstream.
From the parking lot you’ll want to follow the trail to the left towards Cleopatra Place (it’s a gravel road). It is private property, and there isn’t parking there. I’d rate the trail as “easy plus” I’ve been on trails that were “moderate” that were easier, and harder.
Adventurous and memorable hike! You and your shoes will get wet so keep that in mind when planning. We have elementary-high school aged kids and they all had a blast. Go at your own pace and watch the trail, it's rocky! Don't stop until you get to the natural waterslide, it's worth the hike up.
A great hike. Bring water shoes. Very pretty trail. Not an easy trail to find, but once you do it is not a very difficult hike, however...it is a very rocky and slippery trail. Keep your eyes open for roots and rocks. Gk slow! Enjoy the view.
Trail conditions & character
“You get to walk through the creek if you want and ounce you get there it is amazing I went swimming in the water then did the natural waterfall definitely worth it.”
“From the parking lot you’ll want to follow the trail to the left towards Cleopatra Place (it’s a gravel road).”
“Go at your own pace and watch the trail, it's rocky!”
“This is 100% my 2nd favorite hike in the black hills other then black elk peak trailhead.”
Plan your run at Devils Bathtub 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
- Websiteblackhillstrails.org
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
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