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A slightly longer, flatter alternative to the South Side Trail.


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Map Key

0.5

Miles

0.9

KM

Point to Point

3,894' 1,187 m

High

3,862' 1,177 m

Low

32' 10 m

Up

5' 2 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

7%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly Kids will love looking at the prairie dogs along this trail.

Description

From the Belle Fourche Campground, you'll follow the Campground Spur and then the South Side Trail momentarily to access this trail. The trail is straightforward but boasts awesome views of the tower and its surroundings.

The trail traverses the Belle Fourche floodplain to the northeast before turning more to the north and crossing the park road. Soon after crossing the road, you'll come to a T-intersection with Red Beds Trail. Turning either way will get you to the visitor center, but going right is a slightly longer route. If you go left, you can also make a short loop by linking up with South Side Trail.

Flora & Fauna

This trail traverses the park's floodplain ecosystem and is home to prairie dog colonies. A prairie dog's light-brown fur blends in well with the color of the dirt that makes up their mounds. Named due to their bark-like alarm call and black-tipped tails, prairie dogs are, on average, about 14 to 17 inches in total length and weigh between 1 and 3 pounds. With short, strong legs and toes with long nails on their front and hind feet, prairie dogs are well-equipped for a burrowing lifestyle.

Contacts

Shared By:

Brian Smith

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 4 votes

#11109

Overall
  4.3 from 4 votes
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Trail Rankings

#228

in Wyoming

#11,109

Overall
3 Views Last Month
364 Since Jan 29, 2016
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Photos

Looking north, across the floodplain, to Devils Tower.
Jan 29, 2016 near Sundance, WY
Wyoming Skies
Jan 29, 2016 near Sundance, WY

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