Hiking Black Elk Peak: The Highest Point in South Dakota
There is a lot to take in from the highest point in South Dakota, both literally and figuratively: the jagged spires of the Black Elk Wilderness, the rolling woodlands of the Black Hills National Forest, the historical significance of Mount Rushmore only three miles away, and the expansiveness of one of the largest and most beloved state parks in the country, Custer State Park. That is why a visit to the highest point in South Dakota, Black Elk Peak, is well worth the effort to make it to the summit! The Black Elk Peak hike is a truly astounding, challenging, and breathtaking feat, easily making it one of the best trails to be found among South Dakota hiking!
Disclosure: Below are some affiliate links-these are all products I highly recommend. I won’t make any recommendations on this page that I haven’t tested or personally used!
Table of Contents
Guide to Black elk Peak
As I have navigated my way across the United States in an effort to hike all fifty of its state highpoints, I have encountered humble highpoints that are best tackled as an add on to other noteworthy things to do in the area, and then I have encountered exhilarating highpoint hikes that are THE best hike in their state.
Black Elk Peak is a state highpoint I can confidently say stands on its own merit, and is the one unmissable reason you should visit this state for a sampling of South Dakota hiking! No where else in the country will you find terrain, topography, and views like these than you will at the highest point in South Dakota!
Just to paint a picture, on the Black Elk Peak hike, visitors will be graced with welcoming views from one of the most serene lakes in the region, Sylvan Lake, as well as the towering, craggy fingers of the Cathedral Spires, and the untouched and rugged wilderness of the Black Elk Wilderness and Black Hills National Forest.
Location of the Black Elk Peak Trail
The trailhead for the Black Elk Peak Trail is located within the borders of Custer State Park, which is in the Black Elk Wilderness, which is within the Black Hills National Forest.
Visitors have to pay a $20 per vehicle entrance fee for Custer State Park in order to access this trail, but believe me, you will be thankful for the opportunity to not only visit the highest point in South Dakota, but also experience some of the majesty of South Dakota’s most cherished state park as well. That $20 dollar per vehicle entrance fee is good for up to a week, so make the most of it and plan to spend a couple days in the park taking in some more of this exquisite South Dakota hiking!
The parking area and trailhead for Black Elk Peak are directly adjacent to Custer State Park’s own Sylvan Lake, a perfectly crystalline body of water bordered by stunning cliffs and gigantic boulders. If you have time, the Sylvan Lake Shore Trail is a great add on before or after the Black Elk Peak hike.
The Sylvan Lake Shore Trail is an easy 1.1 mile loop trail, with almost no elevation gain. There are large boulders along the trail, should you feel the need for some boulder hopping! The trailhead is adjacent to the parking area at the lake.
Make sure to get to the park and parking area early. Not only is that a good rule of thumb to follow in order to assure you are off of any mountain summit before afternoon storms, but Custer State Park will fill up quickly! It is incredibly popular, especially during the summer months! Parking will be hard to come by the later in the day you get, and all the trails in the park, including Black Elk Peak, will also become more visited and hiked. This state park is beloved, so it would make sense that it, and its trails surrounding and leading to Black Elk Peak, would be among some of the most popular in South Dakota hiking.
Black Elk Peak Trail Report
Length of the Black Elk Peak Hike: 7.1 mile loop (if you take the Black Elk Peak Trail up and the #9 Trail back).
Rating: Moderate (my 61 year old mother accomplished this hike with me)
Elevation at the Summit: 7,242 feet
Elevation Gain: 1,469 feet
Dog Friendly? Yes, but make sure your pup is leashed for the entirety of this hike, as there are frequent deer spottings. Also, make sure that your pup is prepared for a 7 mile long hike. A hike of that duration should be one that your pup is used to doing and acclimated to.
Cost: $20 to enter Custer State Park
Best Time of Year to Hike: Late Spring to Early Fall (be sure to check the state park website for possible seasonal closures)
Estimated Time to Complete: 2.5 – 3.5 hours
Black Elk Peak is indeed the highest point in South Dakota. It recently had a name change in August 2016, from Harney Peak to Black Elk Peak, in order to pay tribute to the historical roots of this region known as the Black Elk wilderness. This trail is a challenging but easily doable day hike. You can accomplish just Black Elk Peak, or also enjoy some of the spur offshoots from this main trail, such as the Cathedral Spires Trail and the Little Devil’s Tower Trail, which branch off as spur trails from the Black Elk Peak Trail.
There are also two separate trails that lead to the summit of Black Elk Peak, which means you can add variety to your hike if you so choose. I would highly recommend hiking counterclockwise taking one trail in, and following the other trail out, therefore enabling you to see multiple sides of this amazing wilderness. My recommendation is to take the Black Elk Loop Trail in and up to the summit (go to the right at the trailhead and start of the hike to hike counterclockwise), and follow the Black Elk #9 Trail down from the summit back to the parking lot and shores of Sylvan Lake.
Trailhead and Initial Ascent Up the Black Elk Peak Trail
The trailhead for the Black Elk Peak Trail is right by Sylvan Lake, and is well marked and well maintained. After departing on the trailhead for the Black Elk Peak hike, hikers will immediately reach a large informational board. The Black Elk Peak Trail continues on to the right.
The first initial 3 or so miles climb a low grade but steady ascent through the Black Elk Wilderness forest. There is one major viewing point along this initial ascent not far into the hike, where the trees open up and there is a rocky vista with views overlooking the spires of the Black Hills. Also, if you look hard across the wooded gap to the other side of the mountain range, you can see the old stone fire tower sitting atop the highest point in South Dakota, your goal for this hike!
This is probably the first time I realized just how different this terrain is. I have seen plenty of mountains, but the ones here in the Black Hills and Black Elk wilderness are completely unique. They truly are spires, reaching like bony jagged fingers clawing up towards the sky. To see such a display of this one of a kind natural feat, spread out across this expansive range, is truly mesmerizing. And there is not just one or two of these spire formations, but dozens of them!
Continuing on towards the summit, hikers will traverse more wooded sections of trail, and several more viewing points of the highest peak in South Dakota. The closer you get to the summit, the more evidence of the spirey surroundings start to encroach on the path. Jagged boulders begin appearing along the trail, lodged haphazardly among the trees, towering over visitors. Boulders and craggy enclaves also begin to make an appearance, lending a subtle nod to the fact that this trail is carved out of a truly unique mountain range. Even some mini-sized spires show up, mimicking the larger ones looming on the horizon.
The Summit of Black Elk Peak
Just below the summit, the trees will begin to thin out, and the panoramic views over the Black Hills really begin to open up, lending a hint to what to expect at the summit. The last couple tenths of a mile before the summit include a slight increase in uphill grade, but nothing above a moderate rating. In fact, the most difficult part of this hike occurs at the summit itself.
Just before reaching the stone fire tower at the summit, hikers will encounter a short series of steps carved into the mountain itself. After passing through this ascending tunnel, you will have arrived on the top of the rock face on which the fire tower and the official summit resides.
Arriving at the summit itself requires navigating a small boulder field spread out on the open rock face, before reaching the fire tower that was built on the summit of Black Elk Peak . In fact, this summit and the tower rest on this large rock face, that is completely open on all sides to the surrounding views of the Black Hills and Black Elk wilderness. There are some divets in this expansive rock ledge, where large pools of water have collected and peacefully reflect the unobstructed South Dakota sky.
***A little background on the old stone fire tower, since it is a feature you do not find at every state highpoint. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1938 as a fire tower. It is open to the public, but just know that there is no overnight camping allowed!
The hardest part of this hike comes at the base of the fire tower. There is a short series of stone steps that have to be climbed to access the tower, and this is arguably the most demanding section of the trail, though it is short in relativity. This section should take no more than a couple minutes at a slow, intentional pace, with breaks as necessary, before reaching the tower.
The fact that a tower was built on this summit is unique in itself. The bonus is that you are free to enter inside and explore it. There are several empty rooms at the base, and a metal staircase that takes you all the way to the top. Exploring this tower takes no more than a few minutes, but it is a fun add on to this hike, and an extra reward to enjoy at the top.
The openness of the smooth rock face of the summit lends to a great spot to spread out and relax. No matter which direction you look from here, you will see gray spires piercing the horizon, and the rolling distant hills that make this region of the Black Hills and Black Elk wilderness so iconic.
You may also notice numerous prayer flags wrapped around what rocky crevasses and what sparse vegetation exists on the rocky summit. These are said to be left by previous pilgrimages.
Descending Black Elk Peak
To descend and head back down, take the same series of steps that led you up to the tower and follow them back down to the base of the rock face summit. You will see signage below the summit labeling the #9 Trail, which is my recommendation to take for your descent, though you can always follow the original Black Elk Peak Trail back out the way you came in. However, I will boldly say that the #9 Trail has more in store for you visually, and it is so worth it!
***You can also choose to reverse these trail options, and take the #9 Trail up the summit, and descend the Black Elk Trail. I personally preferred to descend the #9 Trail, only because there was so much to see, I felt like I could take my time enjoying it on the descent.
The trail down along the #9 Trail has a very different feel to it. Before, on the ascent up along the Black Elk Trail, those iconic spires seemed distant. On this trail, you will pass by multitudes of them right at their base. The best offshoot spur trail to take, if you have the time and energy, is definitely the Cathedral Spires Trail. This short spur trail branches off to the left of the #9 Trail, and takes hikers up close and personal with some of the best examples of these South Dakota spires.
***If you choose to add on the Cathedral Spires Trail, it is about an extra half a mile.
Other noteworthy mentions along the #9 Trail include sprawling, lush pastures full of tall, wistful grasses, and even some sections of mossy, lime tinted, thickly foliaged trail that makes you feel like you are hiking in the Pacific Northwest! When I hiked this trail, this was the part on which I spotted deer and other wildlife the most prevalent.
Again, this hike to the highest point in South Dakota exposes visitors to a completely unique and unfamiliar type of geography. It really is one of the best South Dakota hiking experiences, whether you are looking to check off more state highpoints, or you are looking for a trail that sums up the beauty of this region in a nutshell. You will not be disappointed with a day spent on top of the highest peak in South Dakota, Black Elk Peak!
Recommendations for the Highest Point in South Dakota
- the right gear
This is a easily doable day hike that should take the average hiker approximately half a day, however, I would still recommend bringing the 10 hiking essentials, for safety and responsibility purposes. The Black Elk Wilderness and Black Hills National Forest that surround the highest point in South Dakota are expansive and untamed.
***Download your own Day Hiking Essentials Checklist HERE!
- the right shoes
You will want a pair of trusty footwear (like my Vasque Breeze III GTX waterproof hiking boots) or trail running shoes (like my HOKA One One Speedgoats), with good stability and grip, for the Black Elk Peak hike and any other South Dakota hiking you have planned!
- the right socks
The right shoes are only as good as the socks you pair them with. I prefer a performance sock with a proven and trusted track record of being blister proof. I used to get bad blisters on all my long day hikes, until I discovered Hilly Twin Skin socks. The “twin skin” layers helps to ward off the friction that can cause debilitating blisters! I haven’t had a single blister since discovering Hillys, not even on my longest day hikes like the Grand Canyon’s Rim to Rim hike!
- plenty of water
A transportation system for bringing water is part of a complete 10 hiking essentials inventory, so make sure to utilize that in order to bring sufficient water for this hike. For day hikes of this length, I always bring at least 3 liters of water in my Platypus hydration bladder.
- the right daypack
Make sure that your daypack is equipped to carry all of your day hiking essentials, plus the necessary water and snacks you will need for your day hike of Black Elk Peak. I trust this Camelbak Helena 20 daypack for all my day hikes.
*What Snacks Should You Bring With You? Here’s a few of my favorite day hiking snacks!
- Sandwich
- Beef Jerky
- Trail Mix / Nuts
- Tuna Packets
- Applesauce Pouches
- Squeezable Peanut Butter
- Honey Stinger Waffles
- GU Energy Gels
- Banana – for cramping
- Carrots
- RX Bars
- NUUN Tablets / Electrolytes
Other Active Travel Opportunities Near Black Elk Peak
The Dakotas are ripe with active travel opportunities. There are three National Parks, two National Memorials, and one amazing state park that are definitely worth a visit between these two states. And the best thing is that all of these options are within no more than a several hour’s drive from Black Elk Peak, if not closer (since Black Elk Peak literally resides within Custer State Park)!
Area surrounding the Black Elk Peak hike
This South Dakota National Park resides just south of the Black Hills and only a short drive from Custer State Park and Black Elk Peak. There are some short nature trails that you can hike above ground at this National Park to get your fill of South Dakota hiking, but the real stunners are the resident bison herds that can often be viewed from the roadside, and the amazing underground explorations in the actual Wind Caves themselves.
There are few places more alien looking than Badlands National Park. There are also few places more beautiful. This South Dakota National Park somehow pulls off the most beautiful “desert” scenery, only hours away from the highest peak in South Dakota, while somehow still showing off some brilliant colors, including pinks, purples, golds, and greens. There are some awesome South Dakota hiking opportunities here, as well as more resident bison viewing chances! This park is a two hour’s drive east from Black Elk Peak.
***Check out this perfect road trip itinerary for BOTH South Dakota National Parks!
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is renowned for its wildlife, and you have a good chance to see some along its parkwide scenic drive. There are also some shorter, fun hiking trails in this National Park as well! This National Park will take approximately five hours to drive to from Black Elk Peak.
The historical significance of this National Monument speaks for itself, but in addition to meeting some pretty interesting older gentlemen up close and personal, did you know there are some short South Dakota hiking “trails” at this monument as well? Take a short trek along the Presidential Trail Loop, just short of a mile long, which leads under and around some of the best up close viewing spots of the monument.
Come view the world’s largest mountain carving, located only a short drive from Black Elk Peak.
This oldest and largest South Dakota state park is so beloved for a reason. Beautiful lakes, one of a kind topography, spire views, wildlife including bison, South Dakota hiking, historical significance, and scenic drives – it is all here!
Ready to Check Off Some More State High Point Hikes?
Conquer them ALL with this FREE State High Point Info Graphic!
Related Articles:
- The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary for BOTH South Dakota National Parks
- Hiking White Butte: the Highest Point in North Dakota
- The Top National Park Marathons and Half Marathons in the US
- The 50 State High Points in the US
- 6 Hiking Exercises You Can Do From Anywhere
PIN for LATER!
