Louis A. Stelzer County Park

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What visitors say

• Craig Bellavance★★★★★

  I visited Louis A. Stelzer County Park on a weekday in December when the weather was perfect for hiking, and the crowds were somewhere else. I hiked all four of the park’s trails and didn’t encounter another person. The wildflowers were gone, and the stream was dry. Golden eagles, however, were out and on the hunt. From the summit I watched four pairs cruising above and below me. One pair spent about 5 minutes circling just above my head – I’m not a bird nerd but I thoroughly enjoyed the show. The trails are wide and easy to navigate. Signs and trail markers are in place. Parts of the Stelzer Ridge Trail require an uphill climb. The last 100 feet or so of the Summit Trail is a path that requires you scamper over or around vegetation and boulders. The park has a picnic and play area – one school was participating in a field trip while I was there. The park also has restrooms and a ranger station. The construction of a new visitor center/ranger station and a tree-planting project were both happening during my visit, so the parking lot was a bit crowded with heavy equipment. The parking fee is $3.00.

  a year ago

• Rahima Clevers★★★★★

  A hidden gem just outside of town. Beautiful spot for picnics, hikers, and explorers. The rangers were very friendly and knowledgeable. Wheelchair accessible and well maintained walking paths, playgrounds, and hiking trails. Something for any age/ability. So glad we went & we'll definitely be going back soon!

  3 years ago

• Golden Mariposa★★★★★

  Love this find, what a trail! This week we have made a family goal to find different hiking trails in SD. This is the 3rd trail in our finds: Mt. Helix, Tecolote Park, and this location. Compared to the others, this park is more vast and has slightly more concentrated brush area(trees). Upon entry, a park ground keeper warned us to keep an eye down for garden snakes🐍. Walking in from the parking lot, make your stop to the front desk and pay for parking($3). There are bridges, dirt paths, different playground areas, an outdoor reception area, love that this is so lush with trees, boulders sprinkled the grounds along with benches on the trails, make sure to check temp before hiking in harsh conditions, drink plenty of water grab a sturdy stick to check your paths for any snakes sleep in the brush. So many bees! They're harmless. Such a vast area, our family of 5 completed half the trek and plan to return to complete the entire trail. The loop up hill is the best part, if you slow down at the grand blue deck at the half mark on Wooten Loop - you can look west to see the vast V-shape mountain line. Wonderful park, a few eating areas, 3 different hiking trails, a stage for talent shows or special ceremonies, the park has a map of the grounds for easy navigation. Also small tip: walk in a line oppose to side by side to prevent stepping on snakes 🐍. 10/10

  4 years ago

• Kimberlie Box★★★★★

  The park has been renovated since I was last there. It is a hundred times nicer than it used to be. To be fair, last time was after the Cedar Fire, which may have been why it was in such sad shape. Signs were posted not to drink or use the water, not even to wash your hands and the restrooms we're closed. They have remedied that problem, thank goodness. The park has playgrounds for the kids, BBQs, picnic tables in the shade, the hiking trails have rest points and there is a vending machine at the front of the park that offers water and Gatorade and sodas. I don't recommend going on a hot day to hike. A lot of the trail is lacking shade. The trail was well maintained but there are a few steep slopes. Wear appropriate shoes and remember watch for snakes on the trails. Great place for a family picnic. $3 to park.

  8 years ago

• Melissa E★★★★★

  Beautiful. Clean. Lots of shade, picnic tables and bbq's(even if we can't use them currently). Moderate hike to the top. Drinking fountains in the park saved our butts. Friendly rangers. Kid friendly-we took our 8 month old daughter. RAVEN Approved 👍

  6 years ago

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