Hell Canyon Trail
A moderate 5.3-mile loop in Custer State Park, SD, offering stunning valley views and frequent mountain goat sightings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better wildlife
Hell Canyon Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A moderate 5.3-mile loop in Custer State Park, SD, offering stunning valley views and frequent mountain goat sightings.
"You won't get better views either way, and odds are you’re going to be looking side to side and occasionally behind you."
Go Counterclockwise First
Hike counterclockwise for a more gradual ascent and to enjoy the best views early on.
Tick Check is Crucial
Be vigilant about ticks after your hike, especially if you traverse overgrown areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mountain Goat Encounters
Throughout the trail
Spotting these majestic creatures is a common and thrilling experience for many hikers.
Spectacular Valley Views
Western side of the loop
Breathtaking panoramic vistas of the surrounding valley unfold as you ascend.
Canyon Serenity
Canyon floor
Experience a more secluded and shaded hike through the canyon, often with a peaceful atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Beat the Crowds
Trail Conditions & Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Go Counterclockwise First
Hike counterclockwise for a more gradual ascent and to enjoy the best views early on. +1
Tick Check is Crucial
Be vigilant about ticks after your hike, especially if you traverse overgrown areas.
Small Parking Lot Alert
The parking lot is small; arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
Embrace the Overgrowth
Don't be deterred by some overgrowth; it adds to the wild charm of the trail.
Tips
from all over the internet
Go Counterclockwise First
Hike counterclockwise for a more gradual ascent and to enjoy the best views early on. +1
Tick Check is Crucial
Be vigilant about ticks after your hike, especially if you traverse overgrown areas.
Small Parking Lot Alert
The parking lot is small; arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
Embrace the Overgrowth
Don't be deterred by some overgrowth; it adds to the wild charm of the trail.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Hell Canyon Trail's stunning valley views and the thrill of spotting mountain goats. While some sections can be overgrown and muddy, and ticks are a concern, most hikers find the moderate challenge rewarding and the light traffic a significant plus. The loop offers a beautiful immersion in the Black Hills landscape. +2
"It's a pretty nice hike. A bit muddy, and lots of cows when I went (I started counterclockwise in the canyon). Definitely a tad overgrown in the canyon, but the views from the western side are great. My watch recorded 5.3 miles and 771ft of elevation gain."
TF
"Nice hike with a good view of the valley where you started if you started counter clockwise. I'd recommend the left side first now that I know it's the most open and most difficult part of the trail. Also be mindful of ticks."
silas gabriel (Personal email)
"This hike is five minutes from Jewel Cave and took a little over two hours. The parking lot is fairly small but there was only one other car when we arrived mid-morning on a Wednesday in June. We saw many mountain goats, which was a treat! We hiked the loop counterclockwise, and agree with those who recommend this. Most of the climbing was gradual or in the shade. This was a pretty hike with scenery either above us or below us the whole loop."
Christy H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hell Canyon Trail is located in Custer State Park, South Dakota, about five minutes from Jewel Cave National Monument. The trailhead is accessible via a small parking lot off the main park road.
Yes, Hell Canyon Trail is situated within the beautiful Custer State Park, offering stunning Black Hills scenery.
Rapid City, South Dakota, is the closest major city, approximately 90 minutes away by car.
While the park has scenic drives, some tunnels have low clearance (like on Needles Highway at 8ft wide and 9'9" tall). It's best to check specific road restrictions for RVs if planning to drive through the park.
Currently, there are no dedicated shuttle services directly to the Hell Canyon Trailhead. Driving your own vehicle is the primary way to access it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Custer State Park requires a park entrance fee. A 7-day pass costs $20, which grants access to the park and its various attractions.
Hell Canyon Trail is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, park facilities and visitor centers may have specific operating times.
Park passes can typically be purchased at park entrances or visitor centers. It's advisable to check the official Custer State Park website for the most up-to-date purchasing options.
Discounts may be available for certain groups, such as seniors or military personnel. Check with the park entrance station for current discount information.
No, the fee is for entry into Custer State Park, which covers access to all trails and scenic drives within the park, including Hell Canyon Trail.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The loop is approximately 5.3 miles, as recorded by hikers' watches, with around 771 feet of elevation gain.
It's generally considered a moderate hike. Some sections are steep, but the overall elevation gain is manageable for those in decent shape. +1
Many visitors report seeing mountain goats, deer, woodpeckers, and numerous chipmunks. +1
The trail can be a bit overgrown in the canyon section and may be muddy after rain. The western side offers great views.
Pets are generally allowed in Custer State Park on leash, but it's always best to check the park's specific pet regulations before your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The western side of the loop offers spectacular valley views. Don't miss opportunities to photograph wildlife like mountain goats and deer. +1
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and enhance the landscape's beauty. Golden hour is particularly stunning.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national and state parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check Custer State Park's official drone policy.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive valley views, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife photography.
The trail has some CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) history, which might offer interesting photographic elements.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for some overgrown sections and potential mud, so ensure kids wear appropriate footwear. The small parking lot means arriving earlier in the day is a good strategy to avoid a long walk to the trailhead. Pack plenty of snacks and water to keep energy levels high.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own picnic lunch and snacks to save money on dining out. The trail offers stunning natural beauty, so you won't need to spend extra on expensive tours. Remember to bring your own water bottles to refill, further reducing costs.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas and a telephoto lens for wildlife. The trail's varied terrain, from open slopes to shaded canyons, offers different lighting conditions and compositions. Remember to check park regulations regarding drone usage if you plan to incorporate aerial shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Loop: Clockwise vs. Counterclockwise
Conversely, hiking clockwise means tackling the steepest and most challenging uphill section right at the beginning. While this can be tough, it gets the bulk of the strenuous climbing out of the way early, leaving you with a more relaxed descent. Regardless of your choice, the consensus is that there's truly no 'wrong' way to experience this gorgeous trail, and you're guaranteed spectacular views either way.
Key Takeaway: Consider your fitness level and preference for uphill climbs when choosing your direction. Both offer unique perspectives of the Black Hills landscape.
Wildlife Encounters: A Highlight of Hell Canyon
These encounters add an extra layer of excitement and wonder to the hike. Remember to always maintain a safe distance from wildlife and never feed them, as this can disrupt their natural behaviors and pose risks to both the animals and yourself. Observing them from afar allows for the best and safest experience for everyone.
Pro Tip: Bring binoculars to get a closer look at wildlife without disturbing them. Early morning and late afternoon are often the best times for spotting animals.
Trail Conditions and What to Expect
Beyond the terrain, visitors should be mindful of ticks. The Black Hills region can have a significant tick population, so wearing appropriate long clothing, using insect repellent, and performing thorough tick checks after your hike are essential precautions.
Essential Gear: Long pants, sturdy hiking boots, and insect repellent are highly recommended.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit