Hike South Side Trail

South Side Trail is the perfect way to explore the prairie dog town.

NPS photo

South Side Trail is perfect for an easy stroll through the prairie dog town or accessing other parts of the park. This 0.6 mile (1 km), one-way, trail starts at the park amphitheater (Belle Fourche River hub) and proceeds through the prairie dog town, across the park road, and up the hillside. South Side Trail ends at a junction with Red Beds Trail, which also connects with Valley View Trail, Joyner Ridge Trail, and the visitor center and Tower Trail. 

The portion of trail through the prairie dog town is packed dirt and relatively level. Some prairie dog burrows are close to the trail, so watch your step! Enjoy exploring this bustling community, but do not approach, touch, or feed prairie dogs or their burrows. 

Beyond the park road crossing, the trail becomes steep and rocky as it switchbacks up the hillside. The trail is relatively open and offers sweeping views of prairie dog town and the Belle Fourche River valley as it ascends to Red Beds Trail. 

Common Trail Combinations: 

• Amphitheater Circuit (South Side to Red Beds to Valley View): 1.5-mile loop 
• Amphitheater to Visitor Center Out-and-Back (South Side to Red Beds): 2.6 miles, roundtrip 
• Southside to Red Beds Loop: 4 mile hike using South Side Trail to access Red Beds loop and return to amphitheater

Details

Duration

0-30 Minutes

Combining other trails with Southside Trail can take your hike from a brief stroll to a few hours.

Activity

Front-Country Hiking

Age(s)

All ages, but small children should be with guardians.

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are not allowed on any hiking trail in the park.

Activity Fee

No

Park entry fees are required.

Location

Belle Fourche River hub

South Side Trail is accessible from the park amphitheater (park in the picnic area or campground), the prairie dog town pullouts along the park road, or from Red Beds Trail. The trail itself connects the park amphitheater / Belle Fourche River hub to the park road and to Red Beds Trail.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

The trail is open year round, but is not maintained in winter.  

Summer: Very sunny and can get very hot. 

Winter: commonly has packed snow and ice. Snow also hides burrows and can make the trail treacherous. 

Spring and Fall: Suggested best time to hike. 

Time of Day

Any Time

Any time, but the hillside portion of this trail may be dangerous when dark. We recommend this hike for day, dawn, and dusk.

Accessibility Information

South Side Trail is not accessible by ADA standards. The portion of trail in the prairie dog town is wide enough for two people, but is not wheelchair or assistive device accessible. The hillside portion of trail is wide enough for one person and has steep sections, including rock stairs without railings. During summer, most of this trail is in direct sunlight. The trail is mostly packed dirt, with sections of loose rock and dirt.