Bear Butte State Park

Category: Parks

The park offers hiking for a variety of users. An easy hike will take you around Bear Butte Lake. And, for a bit more of a challenge, try the Summit Trail. It gains approximately 1,000 feet in elevation and offers an expansive view of four states from the mountain's peak. Pets are prohibited on the Summit Trail, as the trail is too narrow to safely accommodate both hikers and pets. Water is available only at the trail base, so be sure to bring some with you along your hike.

ato Paha or “Bear Mountain” is the Lakota name given to this site. To the Cheyenne, it is "Noahvose." This geological formation is one of several intrusions of igneous rock in the Black Hills that formed millions of years ago. The mountain is sacred to many American Indian tribes who come here to hold religious ceremonies.