Sunday Gulch Trail — Attraction in Custer

Great hike. Really cool views and interesting path. Not difficult but you need to be sure fitted in parts. We tried to follow the advice on the other posts and go the “right way” around but as we were going it seemed as though we were the only ones going that direction. So we went counter clockwise which had a steep down on rocks with railings and there was a stream which was great for the dog to cool down and drink. It was shaded so even though it was 30C it was bearable. Then it was basically all uphill but at a fairly gradual incline. We did not find it difficult . There was more sun But a breeze and only 1 or two spots with a trickle of stream. But after we asked a family we passed how they found going clockwise and they said we made the better choice because although they had mostly gone downhill the whole way the last steep climb up the rocks was difficult when...

This was a great trail, but I wish I had encountered it intentionally. The very short trail around the lake was detoured into this trail, and so my intention to take a casual one mile walk around the lake (perhaps with a rock scramble or two) to meet my wife on the other side turned into a six mile odyssey without cell service. It was a great hike, and modestly challenging for this 69 year old. Next time in South Dakota, I’ll do it...

Wow! What a fun hike. This hike is 3.9 miles when you do it from the parking lot at the Sylvan Lake store. The total elevation change is 700’, so be prepared for a strenuous hike. We did the hike in the clockwise direction and were glad we did, as it was much easier coming up the slippery, wet rocks and stairs with handrails in the eastern section that follows the creek, than it would have been going down...