Pine Ridge Trailhead
The Pine Ridge Trail is a 40-mile long trail open to hiking, mountain biking and equestrians. The trail spans most of the Pine Ridge area of the Ranger District. The east end of the trail begins at Spotted Tail Trailhead about 5 miles south of Chadron. The west end is at the West Ash Trailhead on West Ash Road about 10.5 miles southeast of Crawford. Approximately 2 miles of Dead Horse Road connect the eastern and western sections of the trail as it passes through private land giving the user a taste of rural life in Northwest Nebraska.
General Information
The trail passes through a wide variety of landscapes ranging from grassland, ponderosa pine forest, creek bottoms, canyons and open ridges with views of the nearby buttes. Approximately 10 miles of the trail passes through the Pine Ridge National Recreation Area.
The wildfires of 2006 and 2012 burned through almost all of the trail. Along some sections, the former pine forest was severely burned, with few remaining live trees. In other areas, the effects of the fire are barely noticeable.
Access: Between the east and west ends of the trail are numerous access points and trailheads. Some trailheads that are easily accessible include:
The trail can also easily be accessed from Chadron State Park. A state park pass is required here.
- Motorized vehicles are prohibited on Pine Ridge Trail.
- Certified noxious weed-free hay/feed is required on national forest lands.
No fee
Dogs must be kept under control.
Address: 125 N Main St Chadron, NE 69337
Phone: 308-432-0300
Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday (mountain time) (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Directions
Refer to each Trailhead page for directions to access the Pine Ridge Trail.
Travel Considerations
With unreliable cell phone coverage, tell at least two people your planned route, stops, and estimated time and location of your next check in. It could also benefit you to bring a GPS device that can send/receive messages or have SOS option if necessary.
Parking
Refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Map for parking options.
Do not block roadways or gates when parking.
Follow all travel restrictions when enacted, including Fire Restrictions. Off road travel may be prohibited during some stages of fire restrictions.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Cell phone coverage is spotty along the trail.
Restrooms
Restroom information is not available for this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are not available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
