Remove Ads
5.0
203 votes

Black Elk Peak

Black Elk Wilderness Area, South Dakota USA

  • Independent
  • Not Wheelchair
    Accessible
  • No Wifi
Add to Trip
Remove Ads

“the highest natural point in South Dakota”

Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak, or Hinhan Kaga) is the highest natural point in South Dakota and the Black Hills. It lies in the Black Elk Wilderness area, in southern Pennington County, in the Black Hills National Forest. The peak lies 3.7 mi (6.0 km) WSW of Mount Rushmore. At 7,242 feet (2,207 m), it has been described by the Board on Geographical Names as the highest summit in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. Guadalupe Peak and Sierra Blanca also lie far to the east of the Continental Divide and are substantially higher, but the Rockies end north of the region of that latitude.

Read More >
Add Review
Thanks!
Your Rating
1
2
3
4
5

Reviewed by
nastewart2

  • 14 Reviews
  • 3 Helpful
October 12, 2016
Rated 4.0

A great hike for brisk fall weather, on October 4th. Took wife and two boys (11 & 8) up and back in about 4 hours on trail 4 starting at Sylvan Lake about 9 in morning. Came across only 4 others (and 4 dogs) on way up and about 12 on way down. Beautiful views but be ready for wind and flurries this time of year.

2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Codi Byington

  • 65 Reviews
  • 15 Helpful
January 07, 2022
Rated 5.0

Such an amazing hike! It took us all morning to get up there and back with a 2 year old but it was totally worth it. We did not feel the need to rush because there was so much to see along the trail. We saw lots of wildlife and I would highly recommend going in the early morning or evening. Make sure you pack lots of water and snacks. It is mostly uphill especially at the end. The actual tower was a nice place to sit and relax.

Was this helpful?

Reviewed by
NuttyHiker

  • 23 Reviews
  • 57 Helpful
February 05, 2018
Rated 5.0

Beautiful hike. If going during the summertime expect the trail and peak to be extremely crowded! I would suggest starting early in the morning (we started at 7am and it was still crowded). Make sure to bring plenty of water and a snack/lunch to enjoy at the top!
Video of my hike: https://nuttyhiker.com/hiking-black-elk-peak/

Was this helpful?

Be the first to add a review to the Black Elk Peak.

Black Elk Peak

Black Elk Wilderness Area
South Dakota
USA
Remove Ads

Hours

Hours not available

Problem with this listing? Let us know.

Has RV parking changed? Let us know.

Remove Ads
  • Unavailable
    Parking
  • Unknown
    Pets Allowed
  • Unknown
    Restrooms
  • Unavailable
    Wifi
  • Unavailable
    Wheelchair Accessible
  • Unknown
    Credit Cards Accepted
See More Details (3)
Remove Ads

Nearby Hotels

Rapid City, South Dakota
FastBook
$

Click to discover a
great deal!

Rapid City, South Dakota
FastBook
$

Click to discover a
great deal!

Rapid City, South Dakota
Park Hill, Oklahoma
Remove Ads

Related Trip Guides

Remove Ads
14067493