The hazy skies hung a little drama on the mid-ground rocky buttes. The view expands to 270-degrees and you’re treated to your first look over the backside of the mountains. Two of our children began to complain, nonetheless, and we stopped several times in the advancing heat.Ībout twenty minutes from the Black Elk Peak is a phenomenal place to rest and take photographs. Some exertion is required over this stretch of the hike, but nothing superhuman. The final ascent lasts for about a mile and the view really opens up. When you exit the woods you are at the final ascent. Shaded boulders along the way make for great snack breaks. Sunlight and rocky peaks appear through trees on occasion during this stretch of the hike.
BLACK ELK PEAK TRAIL 9 SERIES
Honestly, it is not as far as it looks - about two miles from this spot.įollowing a series of excellent looks at Black Elk Peak, the trail descends into the woods for about a mile. This was a tender mercy of the Lord, for had our children known we were headed that far, they surely would have revolted much earlier than they did. While taking this photo we didn’t see the structure in the background. Nice view of Black Elk Peak (and Monica). How the heck do you get from here to there, you might think? Walk uphill for two hours. That is the destination of the hike, the castle like structure featured at the top of this article. In the below photo you can see the red arrow pointing at a prominence. When the view opens up you are officially on your way. The hike begins peacefully as you stroll along a meadow before winding into the woods. Placid yet rugged, with a breathtaking backdrop, the lake offers kayaking, cliff jumping, swiming, and other activities, which makes it a fine destination all on its own. If there is a more perfect place to begin (and end) a hike, we haven’t found it. Look for the Black Elk Peak trailhead sign near the bathroom. Drive through the gate and approach the lake, then follow the road around the right side and park in the loop near the swimming/picnic area. Admission to the State Park is $20 for a one week pass. The trailhead is found on the east side of Sylvan Lake. While steep at the top, there is nothing terribly dynamic to dissuade those motivated enough to make the journey. Endlessly magnificent in it’s grandeur, the payoff offers stunning, 360-degree, mountaintop views.Īlso known as Trail #9, and formerly called the Harney Peak trail (map), the Black Elk Peak trail is a moderate, seven-mile stroll into the heart of the Black Hills. At 7400′, this is the highest peak in the state. While there is much to grab your attention - the national monument, incredible caves, canyons, lakes, and historic towns - ultimately its the granite faces and stegosaurus protrusions that make this area a national treasure.Īll things considered, the natural beauty culminates emphatically in the Black Elk Wilderness, and at the very top of the very center is Black Elk Peak. This is in no small part due to the craggy landscape that sprawls for miles. Most anyone who’s visited the Black Hills will tell you the region has charisma galore.
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