2015 Map of Dead Horse Flats

About this map

Black Hills National Forest land defines this portion of the South Dakota high country, where the landscape is carved by deep drainages like Redbird Canyon and Gillette Canyon. The central upland known as Dead Horse Flats serves as a geographic anchor, surrounded by numerous vital water sources including Dead Horse Spring, Wells Spring, and Blowout Spring. The terrain transitions from prominent landmarks such as Yellow Butte and Red Butte in the south to the high breaks of Wilson Divide in the north. The area is interlaced with named routes like the Gillette Divide Cut-Off and Dead Horse Rd, which follow the natural contours of the ridges and canyon floors. This survey documents a complex network of draws and springs essential for managing livestock and forest resources in Pennington and Custer counties.