Black Elk Peak — Local services in Hill City

Harney Peak

At 7,242 feet high, Harney Peak (now more aptly named Black Elk Peak) is the tallest point in South Dakota. This magnificent hike is sacred ground to more than 60 different tribes as they offer prayers and ceremonies across the land which Black Elk received his great vision.

Tips for Hiking:

Feel free to leave the survival supplies and the camel back in your car- no need to overthink this peaceful and casual 6 mile trail. The access to Black Elk Peak is at Sylvan Lake. You will see two large parking lots where you can park your car.

Once starting out, you will see a concrete bench with the telling words of “Life is a journey, enjoy every step.” This sets the course for a peaceful walk up the meandering trail. It never gets to steep at one time, but be sure to not be in a rush or it will feel like you’ve been hiking forever.

The ‘Fire Lookout’ sits atop Black Elk Peak and is unlike any other hilltop vista that you’ve seen. You can see for miles across the horizon, but the most astonishing sight is the various pieces of colorful cloth left by native americans. I was so moved by this beautiful place that I had to sit down on the rock and write this poem:

Upon coming down from the trail, I would recommend taking the loop from trail 3 into 4 that eventually ends at the same starting point. However, you may be a couple hundred yards from your car- just continue straight and you will be fine.

“Mountains wide and the peaks I’ve climbed To see the grandeur of this countries splendor. Though some lands lay barren, others sprout tall. …Still, do we care for them all? We weren’t here first, yet still we strive to make it last… but how much longer with ever deepening cracks? The great spirit soars above, winding across the land and carried out through the native hand. Delicate, kept and left in place, Pay honor and tribute with grace. Cloth of color, the spirit song sings. Majestic and mighty. Beauty.”

If you enjoyed my review, please find my blog titled Live...

Summited South Dakota's highest point (and the highest point in the US east of the Rockies) in July 2020 via the northern route (starting at Willow Creek). Harney/Black Elk is a very beautiful high point. The northern route is more challenging but absolutely worth the effort to climb given the great scenery. A steady up-and-down leads you to the short trail to the summit. Some good climbing on the final stretch before the summit. A nice observatory greets you on top along with a small pond/lake. Note the that actual summit is a short stroll from the tower but is easily visible and has a USGS marker up top. Sad to say that political activists have decided to vandalize much of the summit area. Really not a great way to prove your point or win sympathy, but I digress. I will be returning in July 2024 when the Highpointers Club holds their Konvention and update this post with my review of the southern route from Custer State Park (the most commonly used route). Highly recommend to anyone, even those who are not...

The hike to Black Elk Peak - at 7242’, the highest point in South Dakota - is a must-do if you are a hiker and you visit the Sylvan Lake area of Custer State Park. It is a strenuous hike, so take plenty of water and give yourself plenty of time. We are experienced hikers in our 70s and we did the round trip hike in 5 hours 45 minutes. When planning your hike, check the weather forecast as you do not want to be on the trail during a thunderstorm. We did the hike counterclockwise from the Sylvan Lake parking lot, going up trail #4 and down trail #9. We have also done this hike in the clockwise direction. I think we prefer the counterclockwise direction, as you go up trail #4, which is steeper and more rugged than trail #9, earlier in the day when it is cooler. It is interesting to visit the historic fire lookout at the summit and to enjoy the fantastic, panoramic view in...