Hidden Hikes: Sundance Trail System

It is somewhat of a secret that the Black Hills of South Dakota extend into Wyoming. Devil’s Tower, the first national monument, can be found in the Wyoming Black Hills. With more than 500,000 visitors to the monument each year, plenty of visitors find themselves in the Black Hills of Wyoming. However, few are aware of the close proximity of an extensive trails system which makes it possible to better explore this unique area.

Sundance Trail System is nestled among the Bearlodge Mountains, 2.5 miles outside of the small northeastern Wyoming town of Sundance (2.1 miles up Government Valley Road, northwest of Sundance). The 50.3 miles of trail can be explored by foot or by horse. With various styles of hiking, from quick and easy in-and-out trails to moderately strenuous 7-8 hour loop hikes, there is something for everyone.

Spend a few hours before or after visiting Devils Tower, or reserve a spot at either Reuter or Sundance campgrounds to use as a home base and explore the trails (Book campsites at www.recreation.gov). Either way, you’ll have the opportunity to see some of the best of what the Black Hills National Forest has to offer.