North Buzzard Trail

The North Buzzard Trail is part of the larger Buzzard's Roost trail system, located just a few miles west of Rapid City, South Dakota. There is a dedicated parking lot for the trail system. While the parking lot can sometimes be full, the trails themselves are not typically crowded.

Yes, dogs are permitted on the North Buzzard Trail. Please ensure they are kept on a leash where required and that you clean up after them to maintain the trail's cleanliness for all users.

The trail offers varied experiences throughout the year. While specific seasonal conditions can vary, the trail is generally accessible. Be aware that recent weather events, such as windstorms, may affect trail conditions, especially in winter. Always check local conditions before heading out.

The North Buzzard Trail is located within the Black Hills National Forest. Generally, day-use hiking on trails like this does not require a specific permit or fee. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Black Hills National Forest website or local visitor centers for the most current regulations, especially if you plan on camping or engaging in other activities.

The North Buzzard Trail is generally considered an easy, 'green' difficulty trail. It's approximately 3,445 feet (1 kilometer) long with about 330 feet of elevation gain. This makes it suitable for beginners and families looking for a pleasant outdoor experience. However, some sections of the broader Buzzard's Roost area can be rocky, so be prepared for varied terrain.

The North Buzzard Trail is primarily a doubletrack trail. While it's generally easy, it's part of a larger system where some sections can be rocky with few smooth parts. Hikers should be prepared for varied surfaces. Recent weather, like windstorms, can also lead to obstacles on the trail.

The trail offers stunning views, particularly from the summit of Buzzard's Roost. You'll see the forested Black Hills and the prairie to the east. The final ridge-line stretch to the Buzzards Roost Summit is especially scenic, providing some of the greatest views in the Black Hills.

Yes, the North Buzzard Trail is part of an extensive network of over a dozen interconnected trails at Buzzard's Roost, totaling more than ten miles. This offers a wide variety of options for hikers. The route itself also passes through sections of trails such as North Buzzard, Temporarily Closed, Jack's Upper, Sun Down, Upper Connector, and Stumpy, among others.

The North Buzzard Trail is approximately 4.3 kilometers (2.7 miles) long. A typical hike on this trail takes around 1 hour and 13 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views.

While the parking lot for the Buzzard's Roost trail system can sometimes be full, the North Buzzard Trail itself and the broader interconnected trail system are not typically crowded, offering a feeling of being far from civilization despite being close to Rapid City.

The North Buzzard Trail itself is primarily a segment within the larger Buzzard's Roost system. While you can hike it as an out-and-back, its integration into the network allows for many loop options by combining it with other trails like Buzzard's Loop or Pretty Vulture, offering diverse experiences.