Boles Canyon

Boles Canyon is an easy, 38-mile, well-maintained dirt road traveling through the western side of the Black Hills. The road travels north and south, connecting Highway 85 just east of O'Neil Pass and Highway 16 a little east of Newcastle, Wyoming. The road surface is mainly hard-packed dirt and gravel and is generally extremely dusty. You pass through many forest sections and plenty of ranchland. Considering the amount of broad-leaf trees, fall colors should be exceptional along the road. The northern 23 miles of the road are seasonal and only open May 15th - December 15th, while the southern 15 miles are open year-round. This is a popular elk hunting road in the fall.

Dispersed camping is widely available on Forest Service land, and there are many flat, open opportunities to pitch camp. However, finding previously disturbed campsites is few and far between. Please be aware that per Forest Order BKF-146-2019, campfires are not permitted unless the fire is in an established fire ring constructed and approved by a public agency in a designated recreation area. A forest service-run campground can be found a short distance from Road 117.1 at Redbank Springs, where picnic tables, fire rings, and outhouses can be utilized for a nightly fee.