Cold Brook Canyon Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Journey down the Cold Brook Canyon Trail to experience vibrant raptor populations and tenacious prairie dog colonies.

Starting at the Cold Brook Canyon Trail Parking Area, descend moderately through forested terrain for a short while before the grade slackens noticeably. Pass through a seasonal creek, moving out of the forest and into the golden grasses of the South Dakotan prairie. As you travel deeper into the canyon, keep your eyes peeled for raptors nesting in the hillsides, awaiting their chance to pluck a prairie dog dinner from the interweaved tunnels underlying the valley floor.

Upon reaching the trail's end, visitors must return the way they came, unless they have pre-arranged to leave a shuttle vehicle at the western trailhead off Song Dog Road.

Visitors are bound to see multiple species of raptor as well as prairie dogs along the route. Occasionally, bison have been spotted in this area as well.