Uploaded December 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
A easy an comprehensive guide to hiking to Black Elk Peak, the South Dakota high point.
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* Guide: hikingguy.com/hikes/black-elk-peak
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Black Elk Peak is a 7-mile loop in Custer State Park with 1,500 feet of gain to South Dakota's highest point. The route starts at Sylvan Lake, climbs through Cathedral Spires on Trail 4, summits at a 1930s CCC stone fire tower with views across the Great Plains, then loops back down Trail 9. The trail is well-marked and manageable for most hikers. You'll need a park entrance pass, which costs around $20 per vehicle. Parking at Sylvan Lake fills early in summer, so arrive before 9 AM or use the overflow lot and add a short walk.
0:00 Black Elk Peak Overview
01:59 Hike Start
05:02 Cathedral Spires
06:32 Mt Rushmore
08:31 Black Elk Peak
11:24 Little Devils Tower
11:48 Flashers View
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*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
A easy an comprehensive guide to hiking to Black Elk Peak, the South Dakota high point.
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Guide: hikingguy.com/hikes/black-elk-peak
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
Black Elk Peak is a 7-mile loop in Custer State Park with 1,500 feet of gain to South Dakota's highest point. The route starts at Sylvan Lake, climbs through Cathedral Spires on Trail 4, summits at a 1930s CCC stone fire tower with views across the Great Plains, then loops back down Trail 9. The trail is well-marked and manageable for most hikers. You'll need a park entrance pass, which costs around $20 per vehicle. Parking at Sylvan Lake fills early in summer, so arrive before 9 AM or use the overflow lot and add a short walk.
0:00 Black Elk Peak Overview
01:59 Hike Start
05:02 Cathedral Spires
06:32 Mt Rushmore
08:31 Black Elk Peak
11:24 Little Devils Tower
11:48 Flashers View
---
*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
