![]() ![]() Or, if you are traveling from Custer, go north on Highway 89 for 7 miles to reach Sylvan Lake. Trail starts at the northwest corner of the day use loop road. Follow this for 6.1 miles to Sylvan Lake recreation area on the north side of the road. This route is not one we would recommend except for seasoned hikers.įrom Hill City, go south about 3.2 miles on Highway 385, then east onto S.D. ![]() That route is strenuous in places, with over 2,000 feet of altitude gain over about 5 miles from the trailhead to the summit. This route actually starts on Trail 8, the Willow Creek Loop trail, then joins Trail 9’s northern end. And actually, to be technically correct, Trail 4 is “absorbed” by Trail 3 at 2.3 miles, which in turn is “absorbed” by the upper reaches of Trail 9 near the summit.įor those who prefer a longer route with more solitude, they can hike in from the Trail 9 north trailhead, located at Willow Creek Horse Camp. If you hike from Sylvan Lake, perhaps doing a “Trail 4 up and Trail 9 down” loop would give you the most complete experience for your Black Elk Peak hike. Trail 4, however, offers some splendid views of Cathedral Spires. Both trail routes are approximately 3.5 miles from Sylvan Lake to the summit, with about 1,100 feet of elevation gain. We like Trail 9, but our favorite route is Trail 4. ![]() Some reports have the average number of hikers on that route at 300 per summer day. The most popular trail to the summit is Trail 9 from Sylvan Lake. Black Elk Peak lies within the Black Elk Wilderness. South Dakota has all the components of a perfect road trip. Probably the only downside to the hike, are the unsightly dead trees that have been killed by pine beetles. Stunning scenery that changes from fiery fall foliage to towering granite peaksthrow in some bison, golden rolling fields, & the alien rock formations of the Badlands National Park and you get a good picture of South Dakota. The outstanding views from the old stone lookout tower at the summit are matched by very few other peaks in the Black Hills. Black Elk Peak, formerly known as Harney Peak, is the tallest point between the Rockies and the Alps. ![]() Do not camp or dispose of human waste within 100 feet of streams or other water sources. This colorful photograph of the view from Black Elk Peak in South Dakota is used as a backdrop for the Black Elk Peak Trail map and trail info which is. Camping is allowed anywhere except within 1/4 mile from Harney Peak and the Harney Peak Trail (Trail 9). But, there are some steeper climbs in sections, like Black Elk Peak.) Best time to visit: May-October. The Norbeck Wildlife Preserve and Black Elk Wilderness Trail System provides many opportunities for 2-3 day backpacking trips. The trail is easy to follow, but rough and rocky at times due to the natural terrain. Add on Little Devil’s Tower, and it increases to 1700 feet, including some rock scrambling. The peak is the highest summit in the Black Hills, and offers hikers a superb intermediate-level hike, in any of several trail options. Difficulty: Medium to strenuous (Most areas of the trail have moderate elevation gain. Strenuous The trail to Black Elk Peak includes nearly 1500 feet of elevation gain. The name title on this page will keep both names until people get accustomed to the new name. Make sure to bring lots of water for them.We saw young elementary kids on the trail so most little kids could probably complete the trial too.Recently, the federal government changed the name of Harney Peak to Black Elk Peak. Dogs are able to do this trial, although they do not like the stairs at the summit. Bring a light jacket just in case because it becomes a bit cold on the summit. A hiking stick is helpful, especially when going down. Also, the first parking lot that you see when coming down on trail #4 is not the starting one near Sylven Lake so don't be fooled :) A few more tips. While descending on Trail #4 we got a good view of the cathedral spires without detouring. doublemgee 12 3 Challenging but worth it Review of Black Elk Peak Reviewed JThe trail took us 5 hours total because it took us around 2 hours to summit and go back down and then we stayed on the summit for 1 hour. Trail #4 is less rocky than trail #9 and has better views/scenery so its a good trail to end on. We went up Trail #9 and went down #4 and would recommend that order. In case you aren’t aware of it (and as I outlined in this post ), the name of this mountain changed just a few years ago and they’re still working on updating all the signs and maps. The views and scenery were beautiful and although there was not much wildlife we saw a few interesting birds. Black Elk Peak, formerly Harney Peak, is the highest point in the Black Hills and one of the most sought-after hikes in this area. The trail took us 5 hours total because it took us around 2 hours to summit and go back down and then we stayed on the summit for 1 hour. ![]()
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