Bear Butte State Park (Mato Paha)

Mato Paha, or "Bear Mountain", is the Lakota name given to this site. Separated from the rest of the Black Hills by more than a mile, Bear Butte, a 1,200-foot tall geological formation, offers an expansive view of its surroundings. An easy hike takes you around Bear Butte Lake. A more challenging hike takes you to the summit on a 1.8 mile-long trail.

Today, the ancient ceremonies of the past still take place at the mountain. The mountain is a sacred place to the Lakota, Cheyenne, and all the indigenous tribes of the Northern Plains, who still use Bear Butte as a place of worship. Bear Butte is a place where the Creator has chosen to communicate with them through visions and prayer. You will find colorful pieces of cloth tied on tree branches on the journey to the summit. These are prayer cloths and must not be touched or removed.

Entrance Fees

Things To Do At Bear Butte

Know Before You Go

Open Year-Round. Between Oct. 1 and April 30, flush toilets and other water systems may be closed. Please contact the park directly for current status. Vault toilets usually remain open.
Please stay on the trail and respect those participating in religious activities. Do not disturb or photograph prayer cloths and tobacco ties.
Pets are not allowed on the Summit Trail. It is too narrow to safely accommodate a hiker and pets.
All campsites are first come, first served.
A buffalo herd roams the base of the butte. Buffalo are dangerous, do not approach.