Top Hiking Trails Near Ghost Canyon Getaway: A Detailed Guide
The Black Hills of South Dakota are a treasure trove of natural beauty, and staying at Ghost Canyon Getaway in Hermosa puts you right in the heart of this hiker’s paradise. Within an hour’s drive, you can explore trails that range from flat, family-friendly paths to strenuous climbs with jaw-dropping views. This guide highlights eight top day hikes, each offering unique scenery, interesting features, and opportunities for swimming or camping. Whether you’re a first-time hiker or a seasoned adventurer, these trails will leave you with unforgettable memories. Always check trail conditions before you go, as weather or other factors can impact access. Pack water, snacks, proper footwear, and let someone know your hiking plans.
Stratobowl Rim Trail
Location: Near Keystone, SD, 17 miles (25 minutes by car) from Ghost Canyon Getaway
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.7 miles (out-and-back)
Elevation Gain: 147 feet
Highlights: This trail leads to an overlook of the Stratobowl, a historic site where balloon flights in the 1930s set altitude records and marked the start of the Space Age. The flat, gravel path is ideal for families, first-time hikers, or anyone seeking a quick hike with educational value. At the rim, a plaque details the 1935 flight that reached 72,395 feet. The scenic views of the Black Hills and distant cliffs make it a perfect spot for photos or a sunset hike.
Swimming/Camping: No swimming, but nearby campgrounds like Kemp’s Kamp are available.
Tips: Dogs may be off-leash in some areas. Hike from March to October. The trailhead is off S Highway 16, near Bear Butte. Visit during the September balloon launch for a unique event. Check AllTrails for updates.
Grace Coolidge Walk-In Area Trail
Location: Custer State Park, 10 miles (15 minutes by car) from Ghost Canyon Getaway
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 5.8 miles (out-and-back)
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Highlights: Named after First Lady Grace Coolidge, this trail follows Grace Coolidge Creek through a forested area in Custer State Park. Multiple creek crossings, some with bridges and others requiring rock-hopping, add fun for kids and adults. The trail passes six small dams and fishing spots, popular for rainbow trout, and ends at Center Lake, where you can swim or picnic. The flat, wide path is great for families, with chances to see deer, birds, or other wildlife.
Swimming/Camping: Center Lake offers swimming; Grace Coolidge Campground is nearby for tent and RV camping.
Tips: Dogs must be on a leash. Hike from April to October. Custer State Park charges a $20 vehicle fee. Watch for poison ivy near the trail. See AllTrails for a map.
Sylvan Lake Shore Trail
Location: Custer State Park, near Sylvan Lake, 14 miles (20 minutes by car) from Ghost Canyon Getaway
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.5 miles (loop)
Elevation Gain: Negligible
Highlights: This flat, paved loop circles Sylvan Lake, one of Custer State Park’s most scenic spots. The trail offers stunning views of the lake and granite peaks, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Wildlife like ducks, geese, or beavers may appear, and benches invite you to relax. In summer, the lake is perfect for swimming or boating, adding to the fun. The trail’s beauty and ease make it ideal for all ages.
Swimming/Camping: Swimming is allowed at Sylvan Lake; nearby Sylvan Lake Campground offers sites.
Tips: Dogs must be on a leash. Hike year-round, but summer is best for swimming. Custer State Park has a fee. Visit Sylvan Lake Lodge for meals or kayak rentals. Check Custer State Park for details.
Iron Creek Trail #15
Location: Near Keystone, SD, 17 miles (25 minutes by car) from Ghost Canyon Getaway
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 5.0 miles (out-and-back)
Elevation Gain: 351 feet
Highlights: This gentle trail follows an old road through a forest of ponderosa pine, oak, aspen, and birch, crossing Iron Creek 11 times. The easy grade and serene creek make it suitable for families and beginners. You can wade in the creek on warm days or spot wildlife like deer or birds. Less crowded than other trails, it offers a peaceful escape into the Black Hills’ natural beauty.
Swimming/Camping: Limited swimming in the creek; nearby campgrounds like Lakota Lake are available.
Tips: Dogs must be on a leash. Hike from March to October. The trailhead is off Iron Mountain Road. Some crossings may lack bridges, so wear sturdy shoes. Visit AllTrails.
Lover’s Leap Trail
Location: Custer State Park, 8 miles (15 minutes by car) from Ghost Canyon Getaway
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.9 miles (loop)
Elevation Gain: 459 feet
Highlights: Starting near Legion Lake Lodge, this loop trail winds through shady forests and offers beautiful views of French Creek. Small stream crossings and moderate elevation gain provide a manageable challenge for hikers ready to step up from easy trails. The peaceful setting and scenic overlooks make it a great way to experience the Black Hills’ lush landscapes and quiet beauty.
Swimming/Camping: Legion Lake nearby allows swimming; Legion Lake Campground offers sites.
Tips: Dogs must be on a leash. Hike from May to October. Custer State Park requires a fee. The trail is shaded, ideal for summer. See Custer State Park for more.
Cathedral Spires Trail
Location: Custer State Park, 14 miles (20 minutes by car) from Ghost Canyon Getaway
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.2 miles (out-and-back)
Elevation Gain: 557 feet
Highlights: This trail leads to the Cathedral Spires, towering granite formations that resemble a cathedral’s peaks. Hiking through ponderosa pine forests, you’ll catch glimpses of the spires before reaching their base for a close-up view. Popular with rock climbers, the spires showcase the Black Hills’ unique geology. The moderate trail offers a rewarding challenge with scenic beauty and striking rock formations.
Swimming/Camping: No direct swimming, but nearby Sylvan Lake is an option; campgrounds are available in the park.
Tips: Dogs must be on a leash. Hike from May to October. Custer State Park has a fee. Wear sturdy shoes for rocky sections. Check AllTrails.
Sunday Gulch Trail
Location: Custer State Park, near Sylvan Lake, 14 miles (20 minutes by car) from Ghost Canyon Getaway
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Length: 3 miles (loop)
Elevation Gain: Steep sections, not specified
Highlights: This adventurous trail descends through a narrow gulch with large boulders, requiring scrambling and careful footing. Crossing Sunday Gulch Creek several times, you’ll be surrounded by towering rock walls and lush greenery. The trail loops back to Sylvan Lake, offering dramatic scenery and a thrilling hike. It’s ideal for hikers seeking excitement, but the rocky terrain makes it less suitable for beginners or young kids.
Swimming/Camping: Sylvan Lake offers swimming; Sylvan Lake Campground is nearby.
Tips: Dogs must be on a leash, but scrambling may be tough for them. Hike from June to October. Custer State Park requires a fee. Avoid if uneasy with heights or uneven terrain. See AllTrails.
Black Elk Peak Loop
Location: Custer State Park, 14 miles (20 minutes by car) from Ghost Canyon Getaway
Difficulty: Strenuous
Length: 7.1 miles (loop)
Elevation Gain: 2,043 feet
Highlights: Black Elk Peak, at 7,242 feet, is South Dakota’s highest point and the highest east of the Rockies. Named after Lakota leader Black Elk, this strenuous loop leads to a historic stone fire tower with 360-degree views of the Black Hills. The trail passes through forests, meadows, and rocky outcrops, offering diverse scenery. It’s a challenging hike for seasoned adventurers, with unparalleled rewards at the summit.
Swimming/Camping: Sylvan Lake nearby allows swimming; campgrounds are available in the park.
Tips: Dogs must be on a leash, but steep terrain may be hard for them. Hike from May to October. Custer State Park requires a fee. Bring water and sturdy shoes. Check AllTrails.
Why Choose Ghost Canyon Getaway?
Ghost Canyon Getaway in Hermosa, SD, is the perfect home base for exploring these hiking trails. Located just 8-17 miles from Custer State Park and Keystone, it offers easy access to the Black Hills’ best outdoor adventures. The cozy bed and breakfast accommodates up to nine guests with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen, ideal for relaxing after a day on the trails. The log “great room” is great for gathering, and nearby attractions like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial add to your trip. Book your stay to experience the Black Hills’ natural wonders in comfort.
Planning Your Hike
Trail Conditions: Check AllTrails or Custer State Park for updates on closures or weather impacts.
Entrance Fees: Custer State Park charges $20 per vehicle for a weekly pass, or $30 for an annual pass.
Gear: Bring water, snacks, sturdy shoes, and layers, as weather can change quickly, especially on higher trails like Black Elk Peak.
Safety: Let someone know your plans, especially for strenuous hikes. Watch for wildlife like bison in Custer State Park and keep a safe distance.
Swimming and Camping: Sylvan Lake, Center Lake, and Legion Lake offer swimming; campgrounds like Grace Coolidge, Sylvan Lake, and Legion Lake provide sites for overnight stays.
Final Thoughts
The hiking trails near Ghost Canyon Getaway offer a perfect blend of accessibility, beauty, and adventure. Easy trails like Stratobowl Rim and Sylvan Lake Shore are great for families or beginners, while moderate and challenging routes like Cathedral Spires and Black Elk Peak reward hikers with stunning views and unique experiences. With swimming spots at Sylvan and Center Lakes and campgrounds throughout Custer State Park, you can extend your outdoor adventure. Pack your hiking boots, book your stay at Ghost Canyon Getaway, and discover the Black Hills’ natural wonders!