Mato Paha or "Bear Mountain" is the Lakota name given to this site. To the Cheyenne, it is "Noahvose." This geological formation is one of several intrusions of igneous rock in the Black Hills that formed millions of years ago. The mountain is sacred to many American Indian tribes who come here to hold religious ceremonies. Please be respectful of worshippers and their religious practices.
Watch for snakes. Little tree cover and ALWAYS windy. Trails are narrow but in good shape and the view is wonderful.
Was a great hike, but there was still a lot of snow making it difficult to hike in certain parts. Would definitely do it again, but in the spring/summer months.
Took me 1.5 hr going up, 1.0 hr return. Some ice patches on higher elevations. Some damage from recent fire. Amazing views on top. Caution: this is an important native sacred site, desecration has been known to bring bad luck. Walk quietly, do not touch prayer flags.
Good work out and beautiful views
It’s a great work out.
Great hike
If heights bother you, not the best! Nice trail with great views! Nice trail head!
Peter O. on Bear Butte
Awesome hike with a great view
Very spiritual. Lovely hike!
One of my favorites in this area.
Really cool hike on a well maintained trail. Great view from the top. Its a must do if your in the area
Mariana P. on Bear Butte
Absolutely relaxing and beautiful views. Rained on us ! We still had a picnic. Let's do this again !
The views are fantastic! Make sure to take lots of water and wear sturdy shoes.
Roger O. on Bear Butte
Great hike, worth it for the view.
A great hike
Wonderful hike! It's a moderate to hard hike. Quite vertical the second half with lots of loose schist rock. Completely worth it though for the view.
Dan S. on Bear Butte
Very nice trail
I've hiked this one twice. Moderate hike with a lot of great views. The last time i hiked it was this February, so the description of it being closed until May is incorrect.
Great views of surrounding countryside.
Beautiful hike - bring a big jug of water and a walking stick! Poison Ivy was turning red so it was easy to spot on our hike - seemed a bit steep in places but well worth the work - would hike again if given the chance!
This is a beautiful hike. Don't plan to take your dogs, they aren't allowed on the trails, also remember it is a spiritual place for the Sioux Nation. You will see prayer flags and ceremonial sweat buildings along the way. I am always at peace and one when I am at Bear Butte.
This was one of my favorite hikes I've done! It might have been the people that I went with, but I still think that it is a very fun and beautiful hike. I went in the early spring and when we were half way up it started to drizzle. By the time we reached the top, it was snowing! It was foggy so we didn't have much of a view, but seeing all the prayer cloths tried to the trees up there was beautiful just the same!
One of my favorite hikes in the hills. Not much shade so be sure to bring sunscreen and wear cover. Hiking poles might be nice for the descent too. Our kids loved all the rocks and scree covering the trail.
Nikki J. on Bear Butte
I have hiked this trail a few times. There isn't much shade so if its a hot summer day you will want to keep that in mind. Also wacth out for rattle snakes I have seen a couple of them on my hikes.
Have hiked it a few times over the years, very peaceful feeling but it's somewhat difficult.
This trail has not a speck of shade and some pretty rough footing. Not the best choice for a hot day! Bring plenty of water. The views were spectacular, though....this place really feels holy.
Seems like a very long hike, but perhaps it is because it winds around and around the butte. Very very windy when I went...and a bit cold!
Denise R. on Bear Butte
Our family hiked this together,the youngest being 8yrs old at the time. The spiritual meaning of the butte drew us to climb it.The trails were steep and winding enough to keep us in anticipation of whats around the next bend.It was a nice view from the top,relaxing on the deck.Well worth the climb.