Barnes Canyon Trail
Barnes Canyon Trail is a newer trail in Custer State Park and it goes between Wildlife Loop Rd and Badger Clark Road. The hike follows an old logging road, and is a about 4.7 miles one way. The cool thing on this trail was we saw 3 elk ( hard to ever see ) and some buffalo near the trail. For the most part there is nothing special about the trail, and we saw very few people on it. This year (2021) the trail is part of the summer challenge hikes, and the medallion is halfway up the trail. When my husband and I hiked the trail we did 1/2 the trail at night and turned around and did the 2nd half the next day. If you are just doing the trail for the medallion, I recommend coming from Badger Clark Road side- the trail is easier, prettier, and has more lookouts. The other part of the trail starts off Airport Road off Wildlife Loop Road.
To the trail from Airport Road.
Follows an old road the whole way.
Did the trail at night when it was cooler. Maybe why we saw the elk and buffalo.
Buffalo near the trail. Elk were too fast to capture.
At the top - the cairns.
Summer hike challenge - medallion.
Interesting rocks - Two dog faces?
Start of the trail from Badger Clark Road.
Interesting…. Old softball field for Department of Corrections. It has now been torn down.
Nice and easy road to follow.
More trails to explore later.
Logging information.
Getting close.
Selfie station at the top - winter challenge 2023.
Some rocks for rain control?
Looking towards Wildlife Loop Road.
Looking towards Badger Clark Road.
Hiking with friends is always fun.
Hiked the trail again in the winter for the winter challenge. They had 2 selfie stations for some reason, so extra selfies were taken - 2022.
