From Rapid City take Highway 44 west to the junction with Highway 385. Turn to the south and travel 2.8 miles to the junction with FSR 258 just past the Pactola Visitor Center. Travel west on FSR 258 for 1.4 miles to junction with FSR 545. Take FSR 545 for one mile to the trailhead.
There are two trailheads for the trail. The closer one is located just past the fee station to the left of the road. If parking here it will be necessary to walk on the road to get to the beginning of the trail. The other trailhead is located off the end of the Loop A camping area. Trail mileages are measured from the second trailhead.
![Fort Mead Trailhead](https://southdakota.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/placeholder-1-400x284.jpg)