Skyline Wilderness Area: Jackson Boulevard Trailhead

The Jackson Boulevard Trailhead is the lowest-elevation access point into the Skyline Wilderness Area, located at the base of Dakota Hogback Ridge on the west side of Rapid City. It sits along Jackson Boulevard with an approximate elevation gain of over 300 feet to the Petrified Forest access on Skyline Drive above — making it the most strenuous approach into the network, but also the least crowded. From here, hikers and mountain bikers climb steeply through ponderosa pine and open scrub before joining the main ridge trail above, with connections to the Petrified Forest Trailhead, Stonewall Overlook, and Dinosaur Park. The full Skyline Wilderness Area and neighboring Dinosaur Park contain over 12 miles of trails. Street parking is available along Jackson Boulevard. No dedicated parking lot or restrooms at this access point. Dogs are welcome on leash. Download the Skyline Wilderness Area trail map from the City of Rapid City Parks Department before heading out — navigation at trail intersections can be tricky.