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image Sugarloaf Trailhead George S Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills of South Dakota

The Sugarloaf Trailhead of the Mickelson Trail is just off Highway 85 1 mile south of Lead.  This is not part of the main trail, but a fantail loop.  Heading to the the North will take you to the turn for the Lead Trailhead or you can continue on to the Kirk Trailhead.  If you head south, you can go 4.8 miles to Englewood Trailhead or loop down to the Kirk Trailhead and back to Sugarloaf.

The photo above was taken in early May and there is still snow on the ground.  It is common for this portion of the trail to have snow in places until mid-May.

Use of the Mickelson Trail does require a pass for all users over age 12.  You can purchase the pass at the trailhead or online.

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Kirk Trailhead gives you options.  Travel 3 miles to Deadwood.  Travel 5 miles to Englewood Trailhead.  Or ride the fantail loop to Sugarloaf Trailhead, then loop around back to Kirk. This is the only section of the Mickelson Trail with a loop, allowing you to park in one place and ride without backtracking.

Use of the trail does require a Mickelson Trail Pass for all users over age 12.  You can purchase the pass at the trailhead or online.  The exception to this would be when you are using the trail within city limits.

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A drive on Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is 20 miles of pure natural beauty.  The towering limestone walls have been carved away by erosion leaving an incredible canyon.  There is amazing diversity of plants and wildlife.  Pullouts for parking  are found frequently along the drive, allowing you to explore the area.


The canyon has many hiking opportunities like the 76 Trail and the Roughlock Trail.  The  Roughlock trail will take you to Roughlock Falls a beautiful area with sidewalks and boardwalks making it accessible to most people.  Speaking of waterfalls, Little Spearfish Falls is a short hike with a rewarding view of the falls.Take a drive on Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway

If you are in the Black Hills be sure to save an afternoon for a drive through scenic Spearfish Canyon.  The video above starts in Spearfish and takes you about half way in the canyon to Savoy, near Little Spearfish Falls and Roughlock Falls.  The second video is the trip back to Spearfish from Savoy, same drive but a different perspective.


You’ll find the begin of the canyon just off Colorado Blvd. in Spearfish SD.


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Tell us about your drive through Spearfish Canyon

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