Hippy Hole — cliff jumping spot in Hermosa, South Dakota
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Hippy Hole

Hermosa, South Dakota · map view — photos in the app

About this spot

Located roughly 20 miles from Rapid City near Keystone, this spot sits along HWY 40 heading toward Hermosa. About 3.5 miles outside town, you'll descend a steep hill and pass through a canyon with a bridge at the bottom. Just before the bridge, look for a marked trailhead with a gated parking area. From there, the trail runs approximately 3 miles to reach the main swimming area known as Hippy Hole—a large pool bounded by rocky walls. The primary jump launches from the tallest cliff face adjacent to a waterfall and reaches approximately 30 feet, landing in similarly deep water. A small cave sits behind the jump zone; following the path around this cave leads to the highest point available for jumping. Be aware this upper jump requires careful assessment during low water periods, as the landing depth can drop to just 6-8 feet in those conditions. The jump originates from a leaning rock formation suspended above the water—reaching it safely depends on building sufficient speed on approach. Please help preserve the area by leaving no trace.

Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.