SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT CABIN

Overview Summit Ridge Cabin is located near the border of Wyoming in Southwestern South Dakota on the Black Hills National Forest, providing a perfect setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's, the cabin was originally used as housing for personnel that staffed the adjacent forest fire lookout tower. The cabin is available for reservation throughout the year when accessible.

At an elevation of 6,096 feet, it can receive considerable snowfall. The roads to the cabin are not plowed, so generally it is not accessible from December through March. NOTE: Check with local office for snow conditions during winter months.

Recreation The area around the cabin is remote, yet offers visitors a multitude of recreational opportunities throughout all seasons. Hiking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles are popular in summer and early autumn. Snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling offer visitors a chance to seek out winter landscapes.

For hikers and bikers, the George S. Mickelson Trail, near Custer, South Dakota (approximately 40 miles from the cabin) traverses over 100 miles through the heart of the Black Hills, with four tunnels, more than 100 converted railroad bridges, and 15 established trailheads spaced along the route. The trail surface is packed gravel, traversing mountain, meadow, and forest terrain.

Facilities The cabin measures 22' x 32' and is comfortable for four people, though groups as large as ten may reserve the facility. The cabin is furnished with three bunk beds. Bedding and mattresses are not provided.

The cabin is equipped with a propane stove for cooking, a wood stove for heat and an outdoor fire ring. Guests must provide the propane. Visitors must also bring several of their own supplies as the cabin does not have food, cooking utensils, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, towels, dish soap, matches, pots and pans, toilet paper or garbage bags.