Custer State Park: Lover's Leap Trailhead

Lover's Leap is a granite outcropping nearly 500 feet above Galena Creek canyon in Custer State Park, reached by a roughly 3-mile loop trail that begins near the State Game Lodge on Highway 16A. The trail starts with a steep climb through ponderosa pine forest before reaching the ridge, where three granite outcrops deliver sweeping views of Mount Coolidge, Cathedral Spires, and Black Elk Peak. The overlook takes its name from the legend of two Native American lovers who leaped from the cliff to be together for eternity. After the overlook, the trail descends into a narrow canyon along a picturesque stream lined with granite formations and aspen trees, a scene that turns especially vivid with fall color. Wildlife is abundant throughout: deer frequent the stream, bighorn sheep are often spotted near the canyon mouth, and elk and bison make occasional appearances.