Mallo Trail

The Mallo Trail is somewhat unique in that it passes through several vegetative zones including riparian, aspen, spruce/fir, ponderosa pine, grassland, bare rock, and shrub communities.

Several points along the trail afford vistas of the Black Hills, and wildlife is abundant. Wildlife species common in the area include mule deer, whitetail deer, elk, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, and a variety of small mammals and birds. Predators such as coyotes and mountain lions are less common but do pass through the area.

The Weston County portion of the trail is marked with a variety of fiberglass or wooden posts and rock cairns. From the trailhead, the trail leads south along the ridgeline on the Wyoming/South Dakota state line. The trail follows along a fence line for a distance of approximately one quarter of a mile to a gate in the fence where the trail re-enters Wyoming and continues onto BLM administered lands. The trail crosses a prominent two-track road and then makes a loop (with a cut across for those preferring a shorter hike) before returning to the gate at the Wyoming/South Dakota line. From there, visitors will hike back along the same trail they used to enter the loop trail. The entire trail is more than 3.5 miles.

The Mallo Trail trailhead is located at a small parking area approximately one mile east of Mallo Camp on Beaver Creek Road. Parking at the trailhead is limited. Dispersed camping on BLM-administered land is allowed. Organized groups advertising events on the trail must contact the Newcastle Field Office to obtain a special recreation permit for activities occurring on BLM administered lands.