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Black Elk Peak Trail

Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota · 5 min read

Distance
7 mi
Elevation Gain
1,100 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
May through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
5 / 10
Trailhead Amenities
Restroom
Flush Restroom
Parking
Fee Required
Cell Service
Limited
Water
At Trailhead
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Black Elk Peak at 7,242 feet, the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains
  • Historic 1930s stone fire lookout tower sitting atop the granite summit
  • Five-state views (South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota) on clear days
  • Well-maintained trail through ponderosa pine and exposed granite terrain
  • Named for Black Elk, the Lakota holy man whose vision on this summit is described in Black Elk Speaks

Overview

Black Elk Peak is the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains, and the trail to its summit is the most iconic hike in Black Hills National Forest. The 7-mile out-and-back from Sylvan Lake gains 1,100 feet over 3.5 miles of well-maintained trail through ponderosa pine forest and exposed granite terrain, culminating at a 1930s stone fire lookout tower with views that reach into five states on a clear day.

The mountain carries deep cultural significance for the Lakota people. Nicholas Black Elk, the Oglala Lakota holy man, described a vision he experienced on this summit in John G. Neihardt's book Black Elk Speaks (1932). In 2016, the peak was renamed from Harney Peak to Black Elk Peak in recognition of this significance, by a unanimous decision of the South Dakota Board of Geographic Names.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.5: Sylvan Lake to Forest Section. The trail begins at the Sylvan Lake day-use area and immediately enters the Black Elk Wilderness, crossing granite outcrops and ponderosa pine forest. Trail markers are clear and the route is well-worn. The first mile passes through the most heavily forested section, with occasional granite outcrops offering preview views of the surrounding terrain.

Miles 1.5 to 2.5: Ridge Approach. The trail begins gaining elevation more consistently, with the forest thinning as the granite becomes dominant. Views to the east toward the Needles formations and south toward Custer State Park open up in clearings. The trail stays on the west side of the main ridge.

Miles 2.5 to 3.5: Summit Section. The final mile is the most exposed, climbing over open granite with steel cables and handrails installed at one short scrambling section. This is the only technically assisted section of the trail and does not require climbing experience. The summit appears after the final rocky section: a 360-degree view with the stone tower visible from 200 yards below the top.

At the Summit: The Civilian Conservation Corps fire lookout tower was completed in 1936 using materials quarried from the summit area itself. The tower is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In summer, volunteer staffers occasionally open the interior to visitors. The summit register is in a box near the tower base. Views from the tower deck extend to Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, and North Dakota on clear days.

Black Elk Wilderness

The Black Elk Wilderness covers 13,426 acres surrounding the peak, the only designated wilderness area in Black Hills National Forest. The designation protects the granite spire terrain and ponderosa pine forest around the summit from development and mechanical use. The trail through the wilderness is managed to preserve the character of this terrain, which differs significantly from the surrounding managed forest.

When to Visit

May through October is the primary season. Summer (July and August) is peak visitation, with the Sylvan Lake trailhead parking filling by mid-morning on weekends. An early start (before 8 AM) is strongly recommended from June through August. Spring (late May through June) and fall (September through October) offer better parking availability and comfortable temperatures.

Lightning is a real hazard on the exposed summit. Thunderstorms are common on summer afternoons in the Black Hills, typically building from the west and arriving at the summit by early afternoon. Plan to reach the summit before noon and begin descending by 1 PM at the latest during thunderstorm season.

Snow can remain on the upper sections into May in a heavy snow year, and can appear again in October. The granite sections become slippery when wet or icy.

Getting There

From Rapid City, take US-16 southwest approximately 25 miles to SD-87 (Needles Highway). Follow Needles Highway south through the scenic tunnel sections to Custer State Park and the Sylvan Lake entrance. Total drive time from Rapid City is roughly 60 minutes. Sylvan Lake is one of the most popular destinations in the Black Hills, so expect traffic on weekend mornings.

From Custer (the town), follow US-16A south to the Custer State Park entrance, then follow signs to Sylvan Lake. Drive time is about 20 minutes.

The $20 Custer State Park vehicle fee covers entry for the day. The state park also sells a $28 annual pass.

Connecting Trails

The Sunday Gulch Trail connects to the Sylvan Lake area and can be combined with the Black Elk Peak hike for a longer day. The Sylvan Lake Shore Trail is a good warm-up or cool-down option at the trailhead. The Cathedral Spires can be reached via a connector trail from the Black Elk Peak area for experienced hikers looking for a longer day.

For background on how the Black Hills national forest fits into the broader regional public lands picture, see national forests vs. national parks. Practice Leave No Trace principles on all Black Hills trails, particularly in the Black Elk Wilderness where the ecosystem is sensitive.

Trailhead Parking

Sylvan Lake Trailhead in Custer State Park. $20/vehicle Custer State Park day-use fee. Large paved lot with flush restrooms and water.

← Back to Black Hills National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Black Elk Peak Trail difficult?
The trail is rated moderate. It gains 1,100 feet over 3.5 miles, with the steepest section in the final mile to the summit. The trail is well-maintained and well-signed, making it suitable for hikers with reasonable fitness. The exposed granite summit section can be icy in early spring and late fall; check conditions before attempting outside the main summer season.
What is the historic stone tower at the summit?
The Civilian Conservation Corps built the Black Elk Peak fire lookout tower in 1936. It's constructed of hand-cut ponderosa pine logs and native granite, blending into the summit rocks in a way that modern structures rarely achieve. The tower is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The interior is occasionally staffed by volunteers in summer. The summit views from the tower deck are exceptional.
Do I need to pay to hike Black Elk Peak?
The trailhead at Sylvan Lake is within Custer State Park, which charges a $20/vehicle day-use fee. This is a South Dakota state park fee, separate from any national forest or federal fee. The Black Elk Wilderness area you hike through is federal land (part of Black Hills National Forest), but the trailhead access requires the Custer State Park pass.