Red Beds Trail
The Red Beds Trail is a beautiful 2.8-mile loop that offers great views of the Tower and the Belle Fourche River. You can access this trail from the Visitor Center parking area, but we usually start the trail at the Wind Circle Sculpture (Circle of Sacred Smoke) and take the Southside Trail to the Red Beds Trail. The trail can be steep and is not for those out of shape but combined with the Tower Trail it is a fantastic work out. The trail is great for solitude since most people just do the Tower Trail and nothing else.
Start of the trail at the Southside Trail across the street from the Prairie Dog Town. We park at the Circle of Smoke/Picnic Area.
Pass lots of prairie dogs.
In the summer, very pretty.
Pretty good hike uphill to the Red Beds Trail.
Hit the Red Beds Trail. We always go to the left and to the Visitor’s Center first.
This is the trail we take.
Looking back down at what we have hiked so far.
Neat rock formations.
Start of the Red Beds Trail by the Visitor’s Center.
Now take the path that leads to the Tower Trail.
Can continue on the Red Beds Trail or do the Tower Trail first, circle around, and then continue back on the Red Beds Trail for a longer hike.
Saw a nice buck roaming around.
Sister mounds.
Start to go down.
Hit the prairie for a bit.
Connects to the Joyner Trail as well - I recommend doing this separately and starting at the main Joyner Ridge Trailhead for this.
Continue on the Red Beds Trail.
Easy trail, wide open spaces.
Local wildlife
Fall.
Summer.
Unique landscape and colors
Getting dark. Near sunset.
Beautiful view of the valley below - View in the Fall.
Same view in the summer.
This takes you to the Valley View Trail which leads to the campground. Another option to get back to your vehicle if you parked down below.
Start to climb uphill again for the final stretch.
Back on the Southside Trail to our vehicle.