Lost Cabin #2

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers

The Lost Cabin Trail runs from Palmer Canyon Road near Hill City up to the uber-popular #4 / Black Elk Peak Trail 0.6 miles from Sylvan Lake. After an initial 0.3 miles through rolling meadow, it climbs steadily through open forest with occasional views and frequent switchbacks for 2 miles to a ridgeline and the wilderness boundary.

Once in the wilderness, the trail runs past many stone needles with views of the Pinnacles and Black Elk Peak. A final climb up 0.5 miles of narrow trail brings you to the well-traveled trail from Sylvan Lake.

Mostly the trail is narrow, overgrown, and eroded. As a descent route, it is fun (though it leaves you with a few miles of dirt road hiking if you didn't park at the trailhead). As an ascent, it would be a long slog up challenging terrain, which is just steep enough to be a really exhausting hike. However, it allows you to connect a few other fun trails in the area and make a big wilderness loop including the state highpoint.