One of my favorite hikes in my hometown is the short, but not to be underestimated, White Rocks. This hike always gives me a bit of nostalgia as I grew up exploring the hills that surround this quaint little mountain town. Beginning in the famous Mount Moriah cemetery, this 1.5 mile out and back takes you past the final resting place of some of the West’s most famous characters. Park in the cemetery parking lot, pay the $2 entrance fee and add a little historic tour to your hike.
From the parking lot follow the main cemetery road for about .25 mile towards the American flag that overlooks downtown Deadwood. While on this road you will pass the gravesites of Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane and Potato Creek Johnny. Take a moment at the American Flag to take in the view of downtown and the historic houses that line the gulch.
Continue along the main road as it begins to climb through the cemetery eventually making your way out of the cemetery towards Seth Bullock’s grave. You may wonder why Bullock’s grave sits above the cemetery. Bullock had been a lifelong friend of President Teddy Roosevelt. After Roosevelt’s death, Bullock built and dedicated a monument to his friend. Bullock’s final wish was to be buried facing the Friendship Tower, which sits directly across the gulch on what is now known as Mount Roosevelt.
From Bullock’s grave continue on the rocky road as it ascends towards White Rocks. This is the final climb of this hike as the summit of White Rocks sits about .25 mile above Bullock’s grave. There will be many steep spur trails that will take you to the base of White Rocks but staying on the road until it starts to levels out will make the climb to the base much easier. Once at the base of the rocks scramble to the top for amazing views of Deadwood gulch, Terry Peak, Mount Roosevelt, Bear Butte, and the surrounding area.
In 2002 the Grizzly Gulch fire started in hills southeast of Deadwood. The fire quickly spread to the city limits and White Rocks was engulfed in flames. Although the fire was devastating to this area and to the people who lost their homes, the regrowth almost 20 years later is magnificent. Pic of flames topping White Rocks:
Romping Tramps 