Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
410.00 ft (124.97 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
3.00 mi (4.83 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Legend has it that two Native Americans lept to their death atop what is now affectionately known as Lover's Leap. Located midway along the trail, a benchmark noting the spot where the two lovers took their final steps leads to the edge of the rocky cliff. The marker is hidden among ponderosa pines and offers a view of the river valley below. The trailhead itself is difficult to find because it is off Grace Coolidge Creek near the State Game Lodge behind the lodge and a chapel. The trailhead is marked along the treeline. Once on the trail, a fork presents itself; venturing left will take hikers uphill through the pines, and this is the quickest route to Lover's Leap. After winding up the ascent and reaching the marker, the trail then leads back downhill across waterways. Eventually the trail winds back around the Coolidge General Store.

Logistics + Planning

Current Weather: Powered by Dark Sky

Partly cloudy throughout the day.
Sun
70°F
49°
Partly cloudy throughout the day.
Mon
78°F
51°
Partly cloudy throughout the day.
Tue
81°F
57°
Partly cloudy throughout the day.
Wed
82°F
62°
Mostly cloudy throughout the day.
Thu
91°F
64°
Partly cloudy throughout the day.
Fri
86°F
66°
Partly cloudy throughout the day.
Sat
85°F
63°

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Spring
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Picturesque views.

Cons

Trailhead is difficult to find.

Trailhead Elevation

4,229.00 ft (1,289.00 m)

Highest point

4,639.00 ft (1,413.97 m)

Features

Wildflowers
Bird watching
Wildlife
Near lake or river
Family friendly

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Custer State Park, South Dakota

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