Jefferson Trail Notes 2015
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Wear good hiking shoes/boots
Bring enough water for cooking, water bottles, and other tasks. There is no water
located at the campground.
Dress for the weather
Trail is marked with bright green tape. Keep the green tape to the right at all times.
Tape will only be used at forks, turns, and bushwhacking areas.
Trail starts at north west corner of turnaround. Proceed on trail to the north and
stay to the left at first fork. Trail is clearly established for 3/4 of a mile.
At the intersections of Three Meadows and Iron Mountain Road. Cross Three
Meadows towards the No Trespassing sign and turn left by broken stump. This is
still an established trail heading north by northwest. Trail will parallel Iron
Mountain Rd. for 1/2 mile.
At Forest Service access road, veer to the right when crossing. You will see a vehicle
access dirt road. Follow dirt road 1/8 mile to the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve vehicle
gate. Go around gate and follow dirt road 1/2 mile to valley area with
tall rock face on north of valley.
At this point we will be bushwhacking for the next 3/4 to 1 mile. Heading west by
southwest to the first tunnel. Make sure to follow the green tape. Just before Iron
Mountain Rd. turn north.
Stay to the east of the tunnel at the lower edge of boulders. Paralleling the road
about 20 to 30 feet off road. Follow the base of the road around the hairpin turn. At
this point we will be bushwhacking 1/4 mile west to the tip of divided road. Still
stay to the right of green tape.
At this point we will cross Iron Mountain Road. Proceed northwest beside road for
1/4 to 1/3 mile to vehicle bypass road. Use extreme caution when hiking beside
guard rails. Loose gravel and small trees can be a slip or trip hazard.
Turn north on asphalt bypass road. Proceed 1/2 mile to fork in road. Stay to
the left and stay on asphalt bypass road for another 1/4 mile.
At this point we will be hiking in the road ditch of Iron Mountain Road. Extreme
caution and single file while along the road. Proceed 1/3 mile north to service road
at pigtail bridge.
Cross road with caution and take lunch break on service road.
After lunch exit service road to the north. Stay to the left and walk the road ditch for
another 1/8 mile to Grizzly Gulch Campground. Once across bridge turn right and
walk through the back of campsite #19.
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At this point we will be bushwhacking to Mount Rushmore. Turn left at utility pole
and hike up hill on the rocks keeping the green tape to the right. This is a very
difficult hill. It is to be expected to take a break every 50-100 feet. Just remember
you’re almost there. From the base of hill to Highway 16a is 1 mile to 1 1/2 miles.
Once at Hwy 16a cross road and enter Mount Rushmore employee access road.
Hike on asphalt past the dorms and up the hill following the lighted trail to the
parking lot of Mount Rushmore.
At this point each unit is on their own.
Thanks for “Hiking the Faces” with the Black Hills Area Council and Troop 1187
Jamie Cox