Boulder Hill Trailhead

The Boulder Hill Trailhead sits on Boulder Hill Road, roughly halfway between Sheridan Lake Road and Highway 16 USDA, making it an easily accessible launching point for one of the Black Hills' most rewarding short hikes near Rapid City. The main trail is a 3.3-mile loop through Black Hills National Forest, gaining 800 feet of elevation and taking most hikers about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. The route winds through Ponderosa pine forest before opening into steep, rocky terrain near the top. The summit rewards hikers with stunning views from a rocky lookout, and the final stretch involves fun, approachable scrambling over boulders. From the top, rolling hills stretch in every direction, with parts of Rapid City visible to the northeast and Harney Peak dominating the horizon to the southwest. The summit features two high points, including the ruins of an old lookout tower and a USGS marker at the true peak. The trailhead also serves as the closest access point to the Flume Trail's Loop B. The trail is popular for birding, wildlife spotting, and photography.