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Osprey Hiking Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 44 Google reviews · Running trail in Rapid City, South Dakota · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Osprey Hiking Trail'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.
Kid-friendly hiking area featuring a lake.
What runners say about Osprey Hiking Trail
“The Osprey Hiking Trail in the Pactola Reservoir Campground is a good place to take a quick scenic hike if you’re not feeling a hike that takes a solid amount of time or energy.”
“Easy hike with pretty views of Pactola Reservoir.”
This is another one of our favorite trails and a bonus is that it has hidden geocaches along it too.
The Osprey Hiking Trail in the Pactola Reservoir Campground is a good place to take a quick scenic hike if you’re not feeling a hike that takes a solid amount of time or energy. There’s also a few places along the trail to enter the water for a dip if that’s what you’re feeling.
Beautiful views and trail. I just wish people would keep their dogs on a lease. Is it really that hard to be respectful?
A great hiking trail on the south west side of Pactola Reservoir. There are two subrtails A and B that both start from the trailhead sign. Note: the parking is about 500 yards from the trailhead (a paved road to a dirt road to the trailhead sign) so take into account its about .
Trail conditions & character
“The Osprey Hiking Trail in the Pactola Reservoir Campground is a good place to take a quick scenic hike if you’re not feeling a hike that takes a solid amount of time or energy.”
“relaxing loop hike with beautiful scenic vistas of pactola lake.”
“There are two subrtails A and B that both start from the trailhead sign.”
Plan your run at Osprey Hiking Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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
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.
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Coon Hollow Trailhead
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Hiking area with various trails that are kid-friendly, well-shaded, and offer scenic views.