Great Bear Recreation Park is home to over 7 miles of shared use nature trails – hikers, bikers, runners and cross country skiers. Be mindful of others on the trails and adhere to all posted signage. No motorized vehicle access permitted.

Hiking

Hiking at Great Bear Ski Valley

HOURS OF OPERATION
Everyday 8am – Dusk

The dramatic hills at Great Bear, comprised of sand and gravel and held in place by a thin layer of topsoil, feature picturesque nature walks and backcountry hiking experiences.

This 220-acre park is the largest in the Sioux Falls Park and Recreation Department and is a wonderful example of the glacial deposit areas common to this region.

The Ralph and Doris Wallin Nature Trail winds through the hills and valleys of the park, offering hikers spectacular views of Sioux Falls as well as secluded Burr Oak canopied creek bottoms. This 7-mile trail system has 3 distinct loops ranging from an ADA-rated hard-surfaced trail for those seeking a leisurely stroll through the park to the more demanding primitive deer trails for those wishing for a more backcountry experience.

There are no fees associated with hiking at Great Bear!

Remember, Great Bear Ski Valley has a fragile ecological system. Please, take only pictures and leave only footprints! Pets are welcome but must be on a leash at all times

ADDRESS
Great Bear Ski Valley
5901 E Rice St
Sioux Falls, SD 57110

5 Tips for a Great Day Outdoors!

1. PACE YOURSELF

Choose a trail and pace that is comfortable for your fitness level. Walking and hiking are ideal ways to get and stay in shape, but overdoing it can be risky. Great Bear offers a variety of paths and trails to suit almost everyone.

2. STAY HYDRATED

It’s always a good idea to bring plenty of liquids to ensure your body stays hydrated. Water or sports drinks are the ideal ways to keep your body working at peak performance. There is no access to water at the park.

3. PACK A SNACK

A quick snack is a great way to keep your energy level up when walking. Health bars or granola provides a quick and healthy energy burst. Better yet, bring a picnic and make a day of it. There are not concessions open to the public at Great Bear in the summer.

4. LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS

Please be sure to clean up after yourself and your pets. After all, nothing ruins the beauty of nature more than litter.

5. HAVE FUN!

Bring a camera to capture the flora and fauna on and off the trails.

WARM WEATHER ACTIVITIES

GREAT BEAR SKI VALLEY WARM WEATHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

4 miles of hiking trails

Varied terrain for different skill levels

Amazing scenic overlook

32 miles of visibility on a clear day from Overlook Trail

Beautiful natural vistas

Ideal picnicking spots

Great on-leash dog walking areas

Close to the city convenience

Picture perfect settings

With wooden bridges crossing creeks and ponds throughout 220 acres

YOUR GUIDE TO OUTDOOR FUN

Great Bear Recreation Park offers a 4-mile (6-kilometer) trail system just waiting to be discovered. Our park, just minutes from the city, features the Ralph and Doris Wallin Nature Trail which winds through hills and valleys. Check out Great Bear’s summer trail map that will make planning a great day outdoors as easy as a walk in the woods.

Cross Country

Explore the quiet beauty of Great Bear Ski Valley on our 4-mile trail system of groomed, cross-country trails.

Cross-country ski rentals $31

There is no fee to access the trails.

As one of the top Nordic sports, cross-country skiing involves the navigation of snow-covered terrain, most of which relies solely on your body’s own strength and stride rather than the gravity used when going downhill. For this reason, as well as others, cross-country skiing can be an excellent form of physical fitness.

Benefits of Cross-Country Skiing

You get a full-body workout
Burn lots of calories
Improves cardiovascular health
Higher level of physical fitness
Promotes social engagement
Relieves stress
Improves endurance
Excellent form of cross-training
Connects you with nature

Trail maps are available at Guest Services. Snowshoes are also allowed on the trails, although Great Bear does not have snowshoe rentals. Great Bear does not make snow on the cross-country trails and there are no lights for nighttime use.

mountain biking

Trails not yet open - start riding oct. 10!

Falls Area Singletrack (FAST), in partnership with Great Bear Ski Valley, is developing over 10 miles of multi-use trails designed for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. Built for skill progression and long-term sustainability, this project will elevate Great Bear into a premier year-round outdoor recreation destination in Sioux Falls.

Currently, there are over 4 miles of bike trails located at the trailhead at the back of the parking lot. Please do not ride on hiking only trails for everyone’s safety and to protect the trails.

FAQs

Is there a fee to access the trails? Nope! Great Bear is a city park so the trails are open to the public free of charge from dawn to dusk.

Do you rent bikes? Unfortunately, we do not offer bike rentals.

Is there chairlift access? Not yet! We are hoping with the development of more trails, we will someday be able to offer chairlift access.

How can I donate toward the construction of more trails? Your support is always welcome through our partner FAST!

Can I ride my e-bike on the trails? Only class 1 e-bikes are permitted on the trails.