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Black Elk Peak

5.0 (9 reviews)

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At the top of the mountain
Joe S.

This is the highest point in South Dakota and highest point east of the Rockies in the United States. We took the 4.5 hour hike round trip up to Black Elk Peak. This was formerly named Harney Peak. It was renamed due to political correctness. You may still see reference to Harney, so just know it is the same place. We took the long loop that was trails 4 and back on 9. Amazing hike, but it gets steep and challenging. I did see some older people and kids at the top, but know your limits before attempting this. Bring water and snacks. There is a lookout/fire tower at the top. View is the best in all of South Dakota. You will be tired and sore after hiking this. We started in the trail at 7:30 am to avoid the heat and crowds. The parking lot fills up and it can be hard to park due to the lake and popularity. I would give this ten stars if

The tower built by the CCC. AMAZING
Madeline H.

Amazing hike. Can't recommend it enough. I would do it again and again if my life allowed for it. Seriously can't wait to go back and do it again. I want to take everyone I love so that they can experience it too.... Absolutely worth it when you get to the tower too. Loved it. Breathtaking.

View on the way up
Elisabeth P.

We went hiking here during our stay in Custer state park and it was truly one if the best hikes I've been on. We started at the Sylvan campground trailhead, although there are other trailheads that converge I believe. It's 3.5 mile hike one way and the beginning part is relatively easy and the end moderate. Overall, I find it to be a very doable hike for multiple levels. It may take some longer than others, but certainly doable. I think it took us a few hours total and that's with a good 1/2 at the top. The first part of the hike has beautiful forest scenery with plants and trees and fun mushrooms and flowers. There are some amazing views on the way that you'll have to stop for. The second part is more mountainous, rock formations and less trees. As you approach the lookout you go in through a rock tunnel. The lookout itself is magnificent! Built out of rock and wood, you can go all the way to the top of the lookout for one unbelievable view. The bottom of the lookout is neat too with a couple of empty rooms no longer in use. You can take a path from here behind the lookout to the pump house where there is a peaceful water reservoir that is protected from wind. All in all, unbelievable hike! Don't miss it if you're in Custer area.

Map of the Harney range near Sylvan Lake
Eric E.

I hiked/climbed Mt. Harney on the morning of September 13, 2013. My journey began at Sylvan Lake around 9:30am. The hike to the summit from here is roughly 4 miles, so with side jaunts aside it's about an 8 mile round trip hike. The morning air was a cool 54 degree's so I wore layers and breakaway's for adjustments. Just a mile into my climb the top layer came off as my heat buildup started. It didn't take long to get up to a level where I had a nice overlook, but overcast conditions limited that going forward. Visibility diminished the higher I climbed due to the fog and sporadic drizzle. I continued the marked path which is very easy to follow and well traveled. On my way up I recorded and photographed several segments. Passed about 30 people up to the summit, the majority of which were going the same way. About half way to the summit a peak called 'Little Devils Tower' sits off to the right of the path. It's aptly named for its similarity to the real tower in WY. As I ascended higher the temps were dropping a tad, but I was sweating too much to consider layers. The biggest difference was the final ascent, which is maybe a half mile. Temps dropped dramatically over the last half mile to the top, and a misty rain and constant fog enveloped the area. When I arrived at the building atop Harney the temps plummeted. A fellow hiker with a thermometer said it was 36 degree's and it felt like it! I spent a few minutes at the top looking at the building and shooting a short video. Since there was absolutely no visibility and I was starting to freeze, I started my way back. My hike back was nice and relaxing until about the final mile or so, when the mist-rain turned to a subtle drip, then a full rain. By the time I got back down to the Sylvan Lake I was drenched. It took me about an hour and forty five minutes to climb up and about an hour and fifteen minutes to climb down. It was unfortunate to have inclement weather but that didn't divert from the accomplishment that I set out for, and that was to climb to the top of Mt. Harney.

The view was breath taking the entire hike. The hike was long but it wasn't very hard at all. I would make this hike again!

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Wrinkled Rock Climbing Area

Wrinkled Rock Climbing Area

5.0(2 reviews)
3.1 mi

This place is a hidden gem. Honestly, if you were driving super fast and wasn't paying attention,…read moreyou'd probably miss the entrance. Luckily, sister was with me so she was able to guide to me. There are a lot of rock climbers in the area and camping here is completely FREE. There are two pad for tents but people pretty much camp whereever they like. There are hiking trails nearby and trails to climbing areas. Stayed here for a week and a half and I felt like I didn't get to explore it enough. I really didn't want to come home. No woods or fire allow so don't even bother bringing them. You might also want to consider bringing your own toilet papers too. There are toilet papers, however, so many people stop by that by midday or evening there's hardly any left. Behind the bathroom, you can scramble to the top for the perfect sunset view. I must say, my favorite climb from Wrinkle Rock is the Second Hand Rose Arete. It's bolted (sport climb) and would highly recommend it! It's fun one! This place also isnt far from the Needles, Middle Earth, Custer state park. We drove up every morning and I had a blast. Sylvan lake is gorgeous and while you're at it hike to Black Elk Peak (Harney Peak), you won't regret it! Just make sure you bring LOTS of water! Northwest from Wrinkled Rock, there's Horsethief Lake which is absolutely gorgeous. I was soo jealous of the little kids on paddleboard. Definitely stop by!

Located RIGHT outside Mount Rushmore, this climbing area has FREE camping areas. There were only…read moreabout 3 sleeping pads (about 10ft X 10ft) and they are on a first come, first serve basis. The idea is low impact camping: no fires, pit toilet, ect. We spent one night here on our way through the area and it was perfect.

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Wrinkled Rock Climbing Area
Wrinkled Rock Climbing Area - Black Hills National Forest

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Black Hills National Forest

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - 07.04.24 July 4th at Keystone SD

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

4.4(786 reviews)
4.0 mi

I definitely recommend putting this on something you go and visit in your lifetime. It is a very…read moreamazing monument from the time you walk up through the main gate you can start to see the monument and it's just amazing at the work that was put into it they have lined the pathway with the flags from all 50 states and it just kinda gives you this amazing walk up experience and that if you haven't seen you early enjoy. My family and I spent about an hour and a half there which is a great amount of time you can walk up get some great photos plenty of park Rangers around to talk to get directions and tell you a little bit more about the park They do offer videos certain times of the day that are very informative. They have a full-blown theater at the foot of the mountain, which is really amazing when people can perform and things like that which I had no idea that was there until later. And then they have this amazing easy to travel trail. You can do about 50% of it with the stroller and get close up to the monument and take a great photo but then there comes an area where it says I have almost 450 steps so we stopped right there and turned back, but it does do a loop around the whole area with spectacular views. I definitely think that this is a great place to go and visit really peaceful place well-maintained. They do have restaurants and gift shops there so if you're ever in South Dakota, go and give this place a visit

Last summer, June 2025 - completed my quest to visit all 50 states. ND and SD were my last two -…read moreand no visit to SD would be complete if you didn't stop off to see Mount Rushmore. I don't remember how much parking was. There are signs there. Or check the site. Just follow the signs, grab a ticket and pay for it at one of the kiosks. It's not rocket science. You'll figure it out. Usual shops for gifts and things but know it's tourists' prices. Multiple exhibits where you can learn about how the memorial came to be before taking a walk on the trail that gives you a closer look. Don't forget to grab some shots of the way leading up to the memorial of all 50 states' flags and plaques. Admission is free - and check the site for different events like lighting ceremonies. Didn't catch that but maybe next time. I say that because I can see myself visiting the area again. Lots to see and do out there.

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Mount Rushmore National Memorial - 07.04.24 George Washington

07.04.24 George Washington

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - 07.04.24 Miss South Dakota, Joelle Simpson

07.04.24 Miss South Dakota, Joelle Simpson

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Outside

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Outside

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway - Mountain goats

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway

4.7(26 reviews)
46.1 mi

This is such a pretty drive and worth checking out, even if you're not planning on doing any hikes…read more The canyon walls look so steep and during the sunset they get pink-tinged. I saw a bunch of mountain goats right next to the highway, and it was my first time seeing them since they're supposed to be shy! Be sure to drive slow so you can catch the wildlife and also not hit any of them. Some turkeys were there and they did not have any street smarts, if you know what I mean. Bridal Veil Falls is right off the highway, and very accessible. I also checked out Devil's Bathtub, although I didn't get in since it was freezing cold! Be aware that there are about 7 or so river crossings (you basically follow the stream up) so either be good at balancing on the rocks or be prepared to get wet.

I'll always rate it 5 stars. I've been coming here my whole life. On this trip, One day we spent…read moreexploring the rocks under bridal veil falls and hiked the nature hike to roughlock falls and back. The next day we did Devils bathtub hike (about 1.6 miles round trip). Bring water shoes and be prepared to navigate a bit as the trail crosses the steam many times. We saw the lovely transplanted mountain goats that have been in the canyon for years now. Always a pleasure to see them. We were fortunate enough to come in June and got some cool weather to enjoy it all. Note: devils bathtub is not hot springs. lol. The canyon is super clean and facilities are all in great shape EXCEPT the vault toilets at Roughlock. They were the worst smelling things I have ever experienced. Please figure out something different. I wish I would have peed in a bush instead of going in there. Yuck!

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Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway

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Black Elk Peak - hiking - Updated May 2026

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