Indian Creek

Located near the town of Scenic, a short drive through farm fields and a steep descent brings you to the Indian Creek Playground. Search the river gravels or the bluffs above for a chance to find a prize fairburn.

When to visit: Spring, Fall, Winter (if dry), Summer (if cool)

What you can find: Fairburn agate, prairie agate, bubblegum agate, petrified wood, jasper, rose quartz.

What to bring: Rock hammer, spray bottle, backpack, water, snacks.

Where to stay: The most recent BLM use maps show this area as being closed to boondocks camping. There are other BLM area in the general area that do permit camping. See a BLM road use map for more up to date information. Rapid City is the nearest town with hotels and food.

Getting there: From Scenic, South Dakota from Main St. head south and continue onto Bombing Rang Rd. After 600 feet turn right onto Indian Creek Rd. After 5.1 miles Indian Creek Rd will curve to the right, stay straight onto BLM Rd 7129. After 0.7 miles the road turns to the south and begins a steep decline down to the river bottoms. After .3 miles the road will fork, stay to the left to reach Site A, the first Indian Creek crossing.

(Site A: 43°46’05.5″N 102°40’36.0″W)
(Site B: 43°44’58.1″N 102°39’26.4″W)

Rockhounding

The creek bottoms and hills surrounding the Indian Creek area have produced several world class agates. A popular story of one of the largest Fairburns ever discovered claims to have been found in the banks of the first crossing (Site A).  Any of the rock beds at any of the crossings have potential to produce Fairburns, especially after recent rains. Although rain can help your chances of finding rock, it also greatly increases the likelihood of getting stuck. Only attempt the creek crossings with 4WD and high clearance vehicles. Site B is near the creek after several crossings and offer access to nearly limitless gumbo beds. Search the bluffs above the creek anywhere you see rock outcroppings. Several nice agates have been found in the bluffs.

Gallery

(Sample gallery from Railroad Buttes – Indian Creek Gallery Coming Soon.)