Osprey Trail is a moderately trafficked trail outside Rapid City, SD, next to Pactola Lake. Its namesake is the osprey bird which frequents the area and divebombs live fish around the lake (That’s a sophisticated way of putting it, right?). This trail is for those looking for an easy hike and wanting to spend some time around the lake.
The Details
Hike Distance: 3.2 mi (5.1 km). This distance includes walking from the lot and another unofficial trail near the trailhead. Otherwise, the total length is 2.2 mi (3.5 km).
Hike Duration: I hiked it in roughly 1 hour, but I’d say allow 1-2 hours if you plan on taking your time. I did not include the time I spent at the outlook, which was about 15 minutes.
Hike Difficulty: This is an easy hike that doesn’t have much for elevation gain. The paths consist of dirt or gravel with some tree roots and rocks in the trail in spots.
Hike Elevation Gain: 249 ft (76 m)
Parking: There is a gravel parking lot within the Pactola Lake Campground
Cost: It depends. Officially, the forest service site states it is $7 for a day pass. However, when I was there, they gave me free entry since I was only hiking. Otherwise, their standard campground fees will apply if you’re staying there overnight. The attendant at the entry booth will direct you to the parking lot.
Coordinates to Parking and Trailhead: Trailhead 44.07131810604631, -103.50268609918345 (or type in Osprey Hiking Trail into Google Maps), the booth attendant will direct you to which lot to use.
How to get there
Take Highway 385, then turn onto Custer Gulch Rd, which leads to the Pactola area, where you’ll approach a booth. Let them know you are hiking the Osprey Trail, and they’ll give you a parking pass to put on your windshield, then direct you to the parking lot. Once leaving the lot, you’ll see a sign directing you up the road towards the trail. It’s about .2 mi (.32 km) until you see an area coned off (it was when I was there) and walk past the cones and an additional gate for .1 mi (.16 km) to arrive at the trailhead.
Hiking Osprey Trail
Loop A
Two loops and a spur trail to the overlook make up this trail system. Begin loop A by walking right of the board towards a brown pole marker labeled Osprey Trail 58. It will have the letter A on it as well.
The first portion consists of a meadow, pine trees, and a view of Pactola. The back half of this loop will be primarily pine trees. You’ll finish loop A right behind the trailhead board on the opposite side of where you started.
Loop B and Overlook
If you’re facing the board, to your left will be two different trails to take. The one right of the rocks goes to the shoreline, and that’s about it. Technically, it’s not an official part of the trail. Taking the path furthest left of the rocks leads to loop B and goes through a field and several pine trees where eventually you’ll get a view of the lake.
Reaching the overlook is achieved by taking the spur trail of loop B and following the wide gravel path. At the end is a bench to sit on and a view overlooking the lake with hills in the background.
I don’t have this hike high on my list since I like more of a challenge and scenery. However, I think it’s an excellent trail if you’re camping at Pactola, looking for a family hike, or a beginner looking for an easier trail. If they are indeed charging a day fee, I don’t think it’s worth the price if you’ll only be hiking since there are so many other better hikes in the area.
If you’d like to check out my trail recording, you can find it here.
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