Black Elk Peak sits at 7,242 feet!  This hike will bring you to the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains and west of the Pyrenees Mountains in Europe.  Does this hike have best view of the Black Hills?  Perhaps.  The trail is considered a historic place in many guide books.  To have the most memorable experience in traveling through the Black Hills you will definitely want to check out this trail.  Horses, dogs, and kids are all invited to explore this trail.  There is a horse tie at the top because they cannot continue out to the lookout.

The change in elevation throughout the hike is thousands of feet.  The trail difficulty gradually increases as you gain elevation.  The total length is approximately 7 miles round trip.  Possibly the hardest obstacle in completing this hike is keeping up the energy and endurance to continue trekking on.  Be sure to pack food, water, and sunscreen for everyone on the hike.  Also, kids will love the lookout at the top, but make sure they are prepared for the strain in getting up there.

You will need to purchase a state park pass to access this trail.  Day passes are $8, week passes are $20, or year long SD state park pass is $36.  An advantage that comes with this purchase?  At the end of your hike Sylvan lake will be at your finger tips and you will have already paid your entrance fee.  Also, supporting the South Dakota state parks will surely help keep the Black Hills beautiful!

Are you thinking about hiking Black Elk Peak?

An elevation of  7,242 feet is nothing to ignore!  There is definitely NOT a coffee shop in the lookout.  Some other trails in the area include Cathedral Spires, Little Devils Tower Trail, and Sunday Gulch.