Sturgis City Dams Trail
The Sturgis City Dams are located just south of the Belle Joli Winery about 2.6 miles off Vanocker Canyon Road in Sturgis, South Dakota. The trail starts at the Deadman Trailhead which you can find on Google Maps. The total trail is around 5.6 miles and that includes walking to all 3 reservoirs and back. There are a lot of switchbacks and going back is mostly uphill so be prepared for that. There is plenty of parking, but no facilities. This was a very beautiful and peaceful hike and I was pleasantly surprised. It is especially pretty to hike it in the fall.
Off Vanocker Canyon Road turn here for the trail access beginning point.
Lots of parking available.
Start of the trail - Deadman Pass Trailhead # 78 - no signs anywhere.
First sign we saw marked on the tree.
The switchbacks begin.
View of Bear Butte.
Great views.
Still found some flowers in October.
Here is where you turn to get to the dams.
First sight of the reservoirs.
First reservoir.
Walking to the dam.
Behind the first dam.
Second reservoir.
Third reservoir.
Behind the reservoir.
One last look - it’s gorgeous.
Time to go up, and up, and up.
Last great view and then the hike back down to the car.