Are dogs allowed on Horse Thief Lake Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Horse Thief Lake Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Horse Thief Lake Trail?

No, Horse Thief Lake Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Horse Thief Lake Trail?

Horse Thief Lake Trail is rated moderate. It is 5.3 miles long with 1,263 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike Horse Thief Lake Trail?

Horse Thief Lake Trail is best hiked in spring, summer, and fall. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See South Dakota trail conditions

ModerateOut and Back

South Dakota

Horse Thief Lake Trail

Keystone, South Dakota

5.3 mi

Distance

1,263 ft

Elev. Gain

2h 19m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Trail

Horse Thief Lake Trail is a scenic out-and-back trail located near Keystone, South Dakota. Spanning 5.3 miles with a moderate difficulty rating, this trail offers a challenging hike with an elevation gain of 1263 feet. The dirt surface winds through varying elevations, reaching a maximum height of 1736 meters. Due to its elevation and location in the Black Hills, this trail provides a natural escape with potential views of the surrounding forested landscapes.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

steep elevation gain

Elevation Profile

Min:1,514 ft

Max:1,736 ft

385 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Best Seasons

Spring Summer Fall

Highlights

forest setting

Reviews

No reviews yet

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.