Cold Brook Canyon

Cold Brook Canyon eases you from the shade of tall ponderosa pines into wide-open mixed-grass prairie over a leisurely 1.4-mile one-way ramble. The trail drops into the canyon along a seasonal creek bed, where the forest canopy thins and the air opens up. You'll cross through a lively prairie dog town — expect sentinel barks announcing your arrival and dozens of furry heads popping up like a game of whack-a-mole. The transition from forest to grassland happens gradually enough that you almost don't notice until you're standing in full sun with bison-grazed hills rolling in every direction. This is a moderate hike thanks to some uneven footing on the canyon descent, but nothing that'll have you questioning your life choices. Perfect for hikers who want a taste of the Black Hills' ecological diversity without committing to a full-day death march.