FacilityFacilityRecreation.gov

Shanks Trailhead

Black Hawk, South Dakota · Pennington County · Facility

Access the Shanks Trailhead from Rapid City. Travel Highway 44 west for 5 miles, turn North (right) onto Forest Road 603. Travel 0.5 miles, trailhead will be on left in the bottom of the quarry.

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44.06552, -103.38065
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About Shanks Trailhead

Access the Shanks Trailhead from Rapid City. Travel Highway 44 west for 5 miles, turn North (right) onto Forest Road 603. Travel 0.5 miles, trailhead will be on left in the bottom of the quarry.

Plan Your Visit to Shanks Trailhead

Heading to Shanks Trailhead? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Shanks Trailhead?

No central reservation system listed for Shanks Trailhead. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/253852) for the latest entry policy and availability.

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