Circuit Route

Overview

There are shorter, more direct ways to reach the summit of Boulder Hill, such as just parking off the Forest Road (FS 358 | Boulder Hill Road) to the west and traveling due-east to the summit up an old (decommissioned) dirt road. But why rush a good thing? This route runs nearly a full circle around this rugged little peak and provides a bit more of a leg stretch than the “park on the shoulder of the road and chug up to the summit” options from the west.

The route described here combines a mix of official trails, footpaths, decommissioned roads and Forest Service roads, but you could always back-track on trails to avoid the boring walk back to the truck along the Forest Service road. Note that, despite the Trails Illustrated map indicating a smooth little trail directly and without any confusion heading directly to the summit of Boulder Hill from the Boulder Hill Trailhead, the reality is slightly more convoluted.

Roundtrip Distance: 3.2 miles
NET Elevation Gain: 600 feet
YDS Class: 2+
Planning Map: Trails Illustarted # 751 | Black Hills North

Getting There

From the tourist town of Hill City…
 Travel 14 miles east on US 16 to Silver Mountain Road. Move into the left-lane to prepare for your turn.
 Turn left onto FS 358.
 Immediately at the next fork stay left to remain on FS 358.
 Travel approximately 2 miles to the junction with FS 1D.
 Park in the Boulder Hill Trailhead parking lot.

Route Description

Along the wooded lower reaches of the route to Boulder Hill

 Leave the trailhead and head across the road to the trail.
 Travel roughly ½ mile up and over the saddle with Storm Hill and down to a trail junction.
 Head roughly southwest along the southern flank of Boulder Hill.
 Gain a foot path / old road that heads mostly north toward Boulder Hill. This will eventually cross and old decommissioned road.
 Top out on the road and continue to your right then switching back to begin the easy, rocky scramble.
 From this point, follow signs of a use path through the rocks, slabs and boulders to the summit of Boulder Hill.
 The true summit is the point to the north of the old lookout ruins and includes a USGS summit marker.
 From here, you can backtrack down the footpath to the trail back to your vehicle, or hit the FS 358 for a smooth (if boring) stroll back to the truck.

Entering the rocky area below the summit

Essential Gear

Outerwear appropriate to the season and plenty of water, along with a map (and compass or GPS, as always) should be sufficient!

Images

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