Ascending Black Elk Peak Trek
Take a Stunning Journey up Black Elk Peak
Black Elk Peak, South Dakota's highest point, offers one of the most breathtaking hikes in the US. Here's your guide to a loop hike that takes you past captivating Cathedral Spires, up to the Harney Fire Lookout at Black Elk Peak's summit, and back down past Little Devil's Tower. Don't miss out on this classic hike!
Hike Highlights
- Start at Sylvan Lake Day Use Area, Custer State Park. Parking comes at a fee, and you can get a pass at the kiosks using a credit card.
- This is a backcountry hike, so be prepared for the conditions.
- While cell service is available on parts of the trail, I still recommend carrying a satellite SOS device for safety.
- Skip the straight-up #9 trail and opt for the more popular loop route with additional scenic spots, like Cathedral Spires.
Black Elk Peak Trail Map
Find the Hike on CalTopo and Download the GPX File
Step-by-Step Directions
Our loop hike itinerary includes the following detailed steps:
- Starting Point: Start at the Sylvan Lake Day Use Area, located at the end of a spur road on the east side of Sylvan Lake. Arrive early (6 am to 7 am) to secure parking as the area is popular.
- Trail #9 to Black Elk Peak (3.25 miles): From the parking area, take the wide gravel Trail #9. When you come across a split, bear right for a gradual ascent that weaves through pine and spruce patches. You'll pass rock outcrops on the left and open meadows on the right.
- After a quarter of a mile, take a break before continuing the ascent towards a high ridgeline and the boundary of Custer State Park.
- At around the three-quarters-mile mark, reach a saddle where the Black Elk Wilderness begins. Marvel at the granite crags in the distance but not yet the summit.
- Bear right at the junction, continuing on Trail #9 as it re-enters Custer State Park. Ascend a gentle slope that rewards you with scenic viewpoints, including a distant stone viewing tower at the summit.
- Next, the trail descends through a woody ravine into marshy basins, where aspen trees become more common, eventually exiting Custer State Park.
- Following Trail #9 leads you closer to Black Elk Peak's summit. The summit is marked by a stone tower atop the peak, the highest point between the Rockies and the Alps.
The total loop distance is approximately 7 miles, with an elevation gain of around 1,300 feet, typically taking between 3 to 5 hours depending on pace13[5].
Additional Tips
- The trail is moderately challenging due to the elevation gain and rocky terrain, but the stunning scenery and many lookout points make it all worthwhile.
- For those intrigued by the Cathedral Spires, you can combine the hike by joining the trails about one-third of the way up; this adds a short side hike to the journey4.
So pack your bags, exploring your adventure begins at Sylvan Lake Day Use Area, travels through forest, meadows, and ridges, and concludes atop Black Elk Peak's summit, marking the end of a rewarding 7-mile roundtrip hiking experience in Custer State Park!
Hiking up Black Elk Peak in South Dakota provides a captivating journey through scenic spots such as Cathedral Spires and the summit itself. To successfully navigate the loop hike, one should start at Sylvan Lake Day Use Area in Custer State Park and make use of maps available on platforms like CalTopo. The trailhead lies at the end of a spur road on the east side of Sylvan Lake, and hikers should arrive early to secure parking. A moderately challenging trek, the trail leads through forest, meadows, and ridges, culminating at the summit marked by a stone tower, offering breathtaking views that validate the lifestyle choices of those who embrace travel for outdoor adventure.
