This is also the first time you can see the fire tower on top of Black Elk Peak. You may even see people rock climbing up to the top. This group of granite rocks shoot up into the sky and make for a spectacular scene. 5 miles you will reach an amazing lookout 👀 at Cathedral Spires. 4 miles into the trail, it will start to steadily go up. There is not a lot of shade on this trail and we were feeling a little roasted in the beginning.Ībout. This trail begins on a flat trail with boulders on the left side. This section of the trail is about 3.3 miles, but you will have to connect to the #3 for a bit so that adds to the distance. You can find the #4 trail right off of the main parking loop by Sylvan Lake. I like to put less pressure on my knees on the way down. After researching the trails, I had read that the #4 was a bit steeper and more strenuous 🥵, so I chose to do that on the way up. We chose to start by taking the #4 on the way up and to take the #9 down. It’s kind of a choose your own adventure, which is always fun! You can also connect the two and make the trail into a loop. You can choose to take the #4 or #9 trail in the park. There are actually two ways to reach Black Elk Peak. Park near Sylvan Lake and walk to the #4 trailhead 🪧 located off the loop into the parking lot. This road will lead you directly into the park and once you’ve gotten to the entrance station, you’ll want to follow signs for Sylvan Lake. Finally, take a left on SD-87 S and continue for 5.8 miles. Then, you’ll turn left and continue on US-16 W/US-385 and drive for 6.5 miles. However, here are the directions from Rapid City, which is the closest large city in the area.ĭriving from Rapid City, you’ll take US-16 W/Mt Rushmore Road for 23 miles towards Kansas City. There are many road signs that will point you directly to Custer State Park. As always, you want to leave nature looking better than you found it.ĭon’t worry, it’s hard to get lost on your way to Black Elk Peak 📍. 🍃 Remember to follow the Leave No Trace Principles. They are not allowed into any buildings or on the beaches. 🦮 Pets are allowed in this area, but must stay on a leash that is no longer than 10 feet. So, check the weather in advance and don’t go if there is a chance of inclement weather. It is dangerous to be near the swimming hole or in the swimming hole when there is a storm. ☀️ Thunderstorms can roll in quickly here. Get there early if you want to get a spot that is close to the trailhead. 🚗 The parking lot area fills up during the summer months and on the weekends. Always maintain your distance and do not feed any of the animals. 🐐 Watch out for any wildlife on the trail and do not approach it. ⏰ The Park is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Also, entrance passes are available at all five entrances of the park. You can also purchase an annual pass for $36. 💵 Custer State Park has a $20 entrance fee per vehicle.

Black elk peak