Eagle Cliff Trails (Trail number 68) is a unique trail system in the Black Hills. This trail system contains over 27 miles of trail.  There are a total of 21 loops and one way trails. You will be able to hike this trail in any combination to create your own length of trail to meet your hiking needs.  The elevation of these trails sits between 5,700 and 6,600 feet, depending on the trail that you take.  Also, the trails range from easy to difficult. There will be a trail for everyone looking for hiking in the Black Hills.

You might find deer, elk, or mountain lion tracks along the trail. You might even get lucky enough to see any of those animals. Eagle Cliff trails are heavily packed in Ponderosa Pine and Aspen trees. The trail terrain is a lightly traversed dirt trail with pine needles. On parts of the trail you will find rocks and even fallen trees.

The Eagle Cliff Trail System was initially developed by skiers back in the 1980s.  Winter skiers will love this set of trails, as well as hikers, bikers, and snowshoers.  You cannot take motorized vehicles on this trail system.  Portions of this trail close throughout the year for logging. Sadly, there is not abundant information available for when the trails close.

The trails within this trail system include:  Bratwurst, Eagle Cliff, Intake Meadows, Sunny Meadow, The Loop, The Loop Spur, Toni’s, Dead Ox, Raddick Run, Roller Coaster, What the Hell, Cliff Top, Deep Snow, Hidden Basin, Holey Rock, Hollow, Lily Park, Lost Run, Raddick Gulch, Rolling Ox, and Wipeout.  The longest individual trail is 3.7 miles (Dead Ox), and the shortest is 0.2 miles (Rolling Ox).

Where do you find Eagle Cliff Trails?

To get to the trailhead from Spearfish, take Hwy. 14A through Spearfish Canyon, heading south, until you reach Cheyenne Crossing.  At Cheyenne Crossing, take a right onto Hwy. 85 and head southwest to reach the trailheads.  You will find a trailhead at 3.7, 7.3, 8.1, and 9.1 miles from turning onto Hwy. 85.