Battle Mountain

Page Type: Mountain/Rock

Location: South Dakota, United States, North America

Lat/Lon: 43.44289°N / 103.45327°W

County: Fall River

Activities: Hiking

Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Elevation: 4434 ft / 1351 m

Page By: panhandletrails

Created/Edited: Apr 3, 2011 / Apr 3, 2011

Object ID: 708028

Hits: 971

Page Score: 87.81% - 11 Votes

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Table of Contents

Overview

Getting There

Red Tape

Camping Resources and Information Links

Images

Overview

The Seven Sisters Range south of Battle Mountain.

In ancient times, this mountain was used by native Americans for flint to create arrowheads. A favorite of local hikers and geocachers, this mountain rises from the edge of Hot Springs nearly one thousand feet. Battle Mountain is located in the Black Hills region called the Dakota Hogback, which is a ridge composed of steep rock strata protruding from the surrounding area. The Dakota Hogback ridge was formed from Dakota Sandstone that was thrust upward by a granite intrusion, when the Black Hills were formed. It is interesting to note that the Dakota Sandstone Hogback spans an area from northeastern Wyoming to northwestern South Dakota as an ellipitcal dome that encircles the Black Hills.

The summit of Battle Mountain is the site of several radio and communications towers. Unfortunately, in a few places this obscures an otherwise commanding view of Hot Springs, the Black Hills and the plains on the southern edge of the Black Hills. Nevertheless, one can still see many of the peaks to the north, the Seven Sisters Range to the southwest and Angostura Lake at the southern edge of the Black Hills.

While most of the mountain is covered with ponderosa pine forest, some aspen can be found. The most common wildlife seen there are deer and pronghorn antelope. But, other species seen include elk, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, coyotes, porcupines, foxes, and an abundance of rabbits. Like the entire Black Hills region, there is an abundance of bird species, though wild turkeys seem to make themselves the most apparent at times.

The nearby city of Hot Springs is an Old West resort town, where people have long enjoyed the refreshing mineral waters, heated by nature. Besides the many things to see and do in Hot Springs, nearby Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park offer additional camping, hiking, climbing, and nature viewing opportunities. The old ghost town of Cascade Falls is not far south of Battle Mountain, and the actual falls have long been a favorite place to swim.

Getting There

The summit cone of Battle Mountain

Since Battle Mountain sits right at the northeast edge of Hot Springs, finding your way to the summit is not difficult. Unless you want to bushwhack your way to the summit, the best route up is just off Highway 385. Turn east on Thompson Road. One block east, you will come to Battle Mountain Road, which is pretty much a 4-wheel drive road. It gets worse as you ascend, and by the time you have hiked the 1.4 mile road/trail to the summit junction, you might wonder how even a 4-wheeler could make it up there. But, those who service the towers at the top do find a way to get up there. The road is generally at it's worst condition in the spring, following all the snowmelt and washouts from the runoff. The advantage of the bad condition of the road means that as you hike, it will be quite unlikely you will encounter any vehicle traffic. As you near the end of the road/trail, you will see a steep branch to the right. If you follow that, it will take you between two rocky cones. The east cone is obviously the higher and the true summit. The towers are fenced in and clearly marked "Do Not Trespass". But, you can still find plenty of great views without trespassing.

Red Tape

There are no permits needed to hike. But, please resist any temptation to ignore the "No Trespassing" signs. Those who respect that should have no problems.

Images