The Black Hills are not just a collection of trails and vistas; they are sacred land, rich in culture, wild with life, and waiting to inspire. When you step onto these paths, you become part of a promise to honor the land, protect wildlife, respect local communities, and preserve the remarkable beauty of South Dakota’s 77,000 square miles. That promise lives in the Forever 605 code, a simple philosophy that helps keep this place thriving for generations to come.
1. Pack It In, Pack It Out
Carry out everything you bring in and dispose of it properly. Help leave the trail better than you found it: pick up stray litter, recyclables, and anything that doesn’t belong. Your choices matter. Every trailside snack wrapper or abandoned gear diminishes the landscape for others and wildlife alike.
2. Stay on Designated Trails
The trails are there for a reason. They help you know the way and protect surrounding vegetation from getting damaged with too much traffic. Plus, it's usually safer to stay on the designated path. While the Black Hills are home to so many beautiful things, there are also things you likely want to avoid, like poison ivy and prairie rattlesnakes.
3. Honor Wildlife by Observing From a Distance
The animals you encounter didn’t invite you into their home. Always observe from a respectful distance and never feed or approach them. Wildlife interactions are unforgettable, but only when they are safe and natural.
Backing this up with forest service guidance, a minimum of 25 yards distance from large animals like bison is recommended, and always keep young children close and controlled.
4. Be Prepared and Travel Thoughtfully
Good outdoor preparation isn’t just smart, it’s respectful. Before you leave:
- Check weather forecasts
- Pack adequate water and snacks
- Dress in layers
- Bring first aid and emergency essentials
- Tell someone your route and estimated return time
Part of the Forever 605 approach is mindful exploration: planning ahead so your journey is safe, sustainable, and fulfilling.
5. Respect Other Trail Users
Sharing the trail gracefully elevates the experience for everyone. Yield to others, keep noise levels considerate, and give uphill hikers the right of way. Cyclists should announce passes, and everyone should make room for equestrians and groups who move differently.
Every voice you meet on the trail is part of the story that makes the Black Hills unforgettable.
6. Respect Sacred Places and Local Heritage
Many Black Hills locations, like Bear Butte, Black Elk Peak, and other sacred sites, are places of prayer, memory, and deep meaning for Indigenous communities. You may see prayer ties along trails on sacred summits. These cloths hold intentions of healing, thanks, and honor, and they must never be touched or removed.
Walking these trails with reverence means listening, observing, and appreciating both the stories and the silence woven into these heights.
Carry the Code Forward
Every step you take in the Black Hills is an opportunity to honor the land, communities, and traditions that shape this extraordinary place. Following these trail rules isn’t just good etiquette, it’s living the Forever 605 code wherever you wander: on summit paths, shaded forest corridors, or serene ridgelines.
Explore boldly. Move with care. And let the spirit of the 605 echo long after your footprints fade.
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