Lookout Mountain Small Loop

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Climbs Lookout Mountain to the summit passing through grasslands, rock outcroppings and pine forest. Amazing views of Spearfish and the Northern Black Hills including Crow Peak, Spearfish Mountain, Spearfish Canyon, Bear Butte and the northern plains.

To reach the summit you'll need to scramble up a short section of rock, or bypass the climb by navigating around the east side of the mountain on the Round The Crown Trail or the Pony Express and going up the short section of two track and a steep rocky section, before turning around and coming down.

Start at Nevada Street and take the tunnel under the interstate. Head left and follow the Ridge Trail across the prairie to the northwest parallel to the interstate. The trail meanders up the northwest shoulder of the mountain. The trail then splits off to Round The Crown. Go to the right up a short section of unnamed trail that leads towards the summit instead of going around. Continue climbing until the trail appears to stop at a short vertical rock step just below the summit. Find the easiest way up and regain the trail to the summit.

The trail off of the summit is steep and rocky with some potential for a fall. Descend to a two-track road that is used to move equipment to the towers at the summit. Follow the track down until the trail joins the Hopa Maste on the right-hand side. Follow the Hopa Maste back to the northwest through grass and trees until you rejoin the Ridge Trail.

This is one of many possible loops on the mountain.

Once used as a lookout for Native Americans, the property was gifted to the City of Spearfish for preservation and recreation. There is now an official trail system and a Committee that oversees the mountain.