Black Elk Peak
Hike to the highest point in South Dakota for breathtaking 360° views from a historic fire lookout tower.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Black Elk Peak
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to the highest point in South Dakota for breathtaking 360° views from a historic fire lookout tower.
"Epic hike through rough terrain with stunning views from the highest point in South Dakota!"
💧 Bring Extra Water!
Crucial for this hike, especially in summer. Consider a cooling cloth for pets too!
🥾 Choose Your Trail Wisely
Loop clockwise from Sylvan Lake for a balanced hike. Trail 4 is rocky, Trail 9 might be easier.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Fire Lookout Tower
Summit
Climb the historic stone tower for unparalleled 360-degree views of the Black Hills.
Panoramic Black Hills Views
Summit
Experience breathtaking vistas of rugged terrain and unique rock formations from the highest point in South Dakota.
Little Devil's Tower Views
On the trail
Marvel at impressive rock formations and scenic overlooks on your way to the peak.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hydration is Key!
Trail Choice Matters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring Extra Water!
Crucial for this hike, especially in summer. Consider a cooling cloth for pets too!
🥾 Choose Your Trail Wisely
Loop clockwise from Sylvan Lake for a balanced hike. Trail 4 is rocky, Trail 9 might be easier.
🅿️ Parking Tips
Main parking can be limited; the overflow lot is usually reliable.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Plenty of great photo opportunities on the trail and at the summit.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Extra Water!
Crucial for this hike, especially in summer. Consider a cooling cloth for pets too!
🥾 Choose Your Trail Wisely
Loop clockwise from Sylvan Lake for a balanced hike. Trail 4 is rocky, Trail 9 might be easier.
🅿️ Parking Tips
Main parking can be limited; the overflow lot is usually reliable.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Plenty of great photo opportunities on the trail and at the summit.
🐾 Pet-Friendly Hike
Well-behaved pets are welcome! Ensure they have water and can handle the terrain.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Black Elk Peak for its stunning panoramic views from the summit and the historic fire lookout tower. The challenging yet rewarding hike through diverse Black Hills terrain is a major draw. Some hikers noted that fog can obscure views, and parking can be limited during peak times.
"Great trail, hiked with my cat. She was a fan favorite on the entire hike. Had a cooling cloth to wet and wrap around her, because it got hot in the sun real quick.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and take your time enjoy the beautiful views!
Parking can be limited, but there is an overflow parking area that is pretty reliable.
There are pit toilets that were clean at the beginning of the trailhead closer to the lake.
Overall a nice experience to spend my day.
Elevation gain:~1100
Average time:3-4hrs
Average time with pet(my cat, with many rest stops for her):~4-5hrs"
Emily Webb
"Went up trail 4. Made it to the peak, which was awesome! It was foggy up there for us so the views weren't as good as they could have been, but still spectacular! So many different rock formations to see. Plenty of great photo opportunities on the trail. We came back down trail 4, so I can't give a review for the rest. From other people we chatted with, trail 9 seemed to be easier than 4, which still ends up at the peak. Definitely recommend. Happy hiking!"
CHZCRDS
"It was an epic hike through rough terrain with stunning views.
I did the loop version of this hike. I recorded my hike as 7.9 miles with 1,568 ft climb.
Black Elk Peak is the highest point in South Dakota at 7,242 feet and offers incredible 360 degree views of the Black Hills.
There is a historic stone fire watch tower at the tip of the peak
Black Elk Peak - formerly Harney Peak - honors Black Elk, a noted Lakota Sioux medicine man. The granite high point is sacred ground to Native Americans, especially the Sioux."
Stewart Carnes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular trailhead is near Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park, South Dakota. Access is typically via US-16A. Parking can be limited, so arriving early or using the overflow lot is advised.
No, Black Elk Peak is only accessible by hiking. The summit features a historic fire lookout tower that you can reach on foot.
The closest towns offering amenities are Custer and Hill City, South Dakota, both within a short driving distance of Custer State Park.
Currently, there are no official shuttle services directly to the Black Elk Peak trailheads. Driving your own vehicle is the primary method of access.
From Custer, take US-16A East into Custer State Park. Follow signs for Sylvan Lake. The trailhead is located near the lake.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A Custer State Park entrance license is required to access the park and trailheads. These can be purchased at park entrances or visitor centers.
Black Elk Peak is accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, trail conditions can vary significantly with weather, especially in winter.
Yes, there is a daily entrance fee for Custer State Park. The fee is per vehicle and allows access to all park areas, including Black Elk Peak trailheads.
Tickets are not required for the hike itself, but you will need a Custer State Park entrance license. These can be purchased upon arrival or online in advance.
While generally open, always check for any temporary closures or advisories issued by Custer State Park due to weather or maintenance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is generally rated as moderate. It involves significant elevation gain (around 1,100-1,500 feet) and can be rocky, especially on certain trails.
The average hiking time is 3-4 hours for an out-and-back trip. Doing a loop can take a similar amount of time, depending on your pace and time spent at the summit.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Layers are recommended as temperatures can change. Bring sun protection like a hat and sunglasses.
Yes, there are pit toilets available at the trailhead near Sylvan Lake, which were noted as clean.
Yes, dogs are allowed on the trail but must be leashed. Be prepared with water and cooling cloths for your pet, as it can get hot.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit fire lookout tower offers incredible 360-degree views. The trail itself also provides numerous scenic overlooks and unique rock formations for stunning shots.
Even in fog, the atmosphere can be dramatic and create unique photographic opportunities. The stone tower itself is also a great subject.
Early morning or late afternoon light can provide beautiful golden hour shots. However, the panoramic views are impressive at any time.
Drone usage is typically restricted within National Parks and State Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check Custer State Park regulations for specifics.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the landscape. Don't forget extra batteries!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more manageable experience, consider the loop trail starting from Sylvan Lake, which offers varied scenery. Pacing yourselves and taking frequent breaks is key. The pit toilets at the Sylvan Lake trailhead are a convenient amenity. Remember to check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions can change rapidly in the Black Hills.
🐾 Pet-Friendly Adventurers
While the hike is rewarding, remember that the summit can be exposed. Leash laws are strictly enforced, and it's important to be considerate of other hikers and their pets. The unique experience of hiking with a pet to the highest point in South Dakota is a memorable one, with many visitors sharing positive interactions with their animal companions on the trail.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological Significance of Black Elk Peak
The summit is crowned by a historic stone fire lookout tower, built in the 1930s. This decommissioned tower offers a unique vantage point, allowing hikers to climb to its observation deck for truly spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding Black Hills.
Hiking to Black Elk Peak offers a journey through diverse landscapes, from forested paths to rocky outcrops. The trails showcase the raw beauty of the Black Hills, with opportunities to see formations like Little Devil's Tower.
Navigating the Trails to Black Elk Peak
Trail 4 is a common choice, known for its rocky terrain and rewarding views, including glimpses of Little Devil's Tower.
It's essential to wear appropriate footwear, such as hiking boots, and to carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as the sun can be intense and there's limited shade on exposed sections.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit