Stratobowl Rim Trail

The Stratobowl Rim Trail is an easy out-and-back hike off Highway 16 south of Rapid City, roughly a mile each way to an overlook on the east rim of the Stratobowl. The path is wide, gently rolling, and well shaded by ponderosa pine — a former logging road that's now stroller- and family-friendly, with only minor ups and downs along the way. The payoff is the view: a natural box canyon ringed by limestone walls rising several hundred feet, with a peace sign mowed into the field far below and Spring Creek often audible in the valley. Granite monoliths and plaques at the overlook tell the area's remarkable history. In 1934 and 1935, the National Geographic Society and Army Air Corps launched record-setting stratosphere balloon flights from this spot, capturing the first photographs showing the curvature of the Earth. Each September, the Stratobowl Historic Hot Air Balloon event returns balloons to the bowl. Bring water and watch for downed trees after storms. Sunrise and sunset are especially worthwhile.