South Dakota Highpoint
Black Elk Peak
7,244 ft · Black Elk Wilderness · Black Hills National Forest
HikeLoading map…
The summit pin marks Black Elk Peak and its historic stone lookout. The access pin marks the Sylvan Lake Trail #9 area in Custer State Park, the shortest standard approach.
USGS-derived Black Elk Peak summit locationStandard route
Black Elk Peak Trail #9
From the Sylvan Lake Day Use Area, follow Trail #9 east and then north through Custer State Park before entering Black Elk Wilderness. Continue through forest and granite terrain to the final stone stairs and walkways leading to the historic lookout tower on Black Elk Peak.
Distance
6.6 mi
Route
Out & back
Difficulty
Strenuous
Trailhead
Sylvan Lake Day Use Area
Typical hazards: Summer thunderstorms, hail, strong wind, rapidly changing temperatures, rocky footing, snow or ice outside summer conditions, and exposed terrain near the summit.
South Dakota GFP currently lists Trail #9 at 3.3 miles one way and rates it Strenuous. It is the most direct standard route from Sylvan Lake.
South Dakota GFP: Custer State Park hiking trailsAlternative routes
Black Elk Peak Trail #4
A more rolling alternative from the Needles Highway south of Sylvan Lake. Trail #4 can be combined with Trail #9 near Black Elk Peak and also connects with the Little Devils Tower and Cathedral Spires trail network.
South Dakota GFP lists Trail #4 at 3.25 miles one way and notes that it has more uphill and downhill travel than Trail #9.
South Dakota GFP: Custer State Park hiking trailsPermits & fees
2026 requirements
Custer State Park access
The standard Sylvan Lake approach begins inside Custer State Park, where a park entrance license is required.
- Custer State Park temporary license
- $25 per vehicle · valid 7 days
Black Elk Wilderness
Visitors entering Black Elk Wilderness must complete the free self-registration form available at major wilderness trailhead portals and carry the form while in the wilderness.
- Wilderness registration
- Free · self-issued at trailhead
Access
Sylvan Lake Day Use Area
The shortest standard approach begins at Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park. Park at the Sylvan Lake Day Use Area and walk east to Black Elk Peak Trail #9.
Sylvan Lake is a very popular trailhead.
South Dakota GFP warns that parking is limited around Sylvan Lake. Arrive early during busy summer and fall periods and use designated parking only.
Park amenities
- Sylvan Lake day-use parking
- Restrooms in the Sylvan Lake area
- Drinking water and visitor services seasonally available around Sylvan Lake
- Sylvan Lake General Store and Lodge nearby
Know before you go
Black Elk Wilderness rules
Complete the required wilderness self-registration and carry the form.
Use only non-motorized and non-mechanized travel in Black Elk Wilderness.
Do not camp within one-quarter mile of Black Elk Peak or Trail #9.
Camp and dispose of human waste at least 100 feet from water.
Open fires are prohibited in Black Elk Wilderness.
Group size is limited to 25 people and stock combined; smaller groups are encouraged.
Stay on designated trails and avoid cutting switchbacks.
Conditions
Check before leaving
Check Custer State Park and Black Hills National Forest information before leaving. Weather changes rapidly in the Black Hills, and temporary fire, trail, road, or resource-management restrictions can affect access.