Rimrock Trail #79

The Rimrock Trail runs along the crest and walls of Spearfish Canyon in the northern Black Hills, combining an upper and a lower loop that share a short common segment. Hiking just the outer edges of both makes a roughly 6.5-mile day, while the loops on their own run about 3 to 4.5 miles each, with around 700 feet of total elevation change. The route mixes easy, near-flat creekside stretches along Little Spearfish Creek with a short but steep climb to the canyon rim, where the views open up across the canyon and surrounding country. Rated moderate overall, with the option to hike shorter sections, it's a quieter alternative to the canyon's busy waterfall walks, especially for fall aspen color. Along the way you'll pass a Dances with Wolves filming site, the origin spot of the 1997 White House Christmas Tree, and the remains of an old ranger station. Main access is off Forest Road 222 from Savoy, near the Rod & Gun and Timon Campgrounds. Best hiked late spring through fall.