South Dakota trails

The Black Elk Peak Loop provides an unforgettable hiking experience through the stunning Black Hills. As you ascend, you’ll enjoy diverse landscapes, including expansive forests, towering rock formations, and sweeping views from the summit of Black Elk Peak, the highest point in South Dakota, where visitors…

Distance: 11.9 Km • Elevation gain: 441 m • Maximum elevation: 2,185 m

The Door Trail is a short but exciting adventure that immerses you into the park’s rugged, lunar-like terrain. After the easy walk on a boardwalk, the trail becomes more uneven, winding through eroded gullies and fascinating rock formations, rewarding you with stunning panoramic views of the Badlands'…

Distance: 1.4 Km • Elevation gain: 16 m • Maximum elevation: 803 m

This loop trail is a delightful way to get up close and personal with the iconic monument. As you stroll along the paved path, you can admire the stunning views of the presidential faces from various angles and read interesting historical tidbits about each leader. While the stairs can be a bit of a workout,…

Distance: 1.0 Km • Elevation gain: 45 m • Maximum elevation: 1,617 m

The Cathedral Spires Trail offers a fantastic hiking experience filled with stunning views of unique granite formations. As you ascend through picturesque forests and navigate some rocky sections, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of the Black Hills and the surrounding landscape. The hike is…

Distance: 3.2 Km • Elevation gain: 193 m • Maximum elevation: 2,041 m

The Little Devil's Tower Trail offers an exhilarating experience that’s well worth the effort. The hike is mostly a gentle ascent through stunning rock formations, culminating in a rewarding scramble to the top where breathtaking views of the Black Hills and the Cathedral Spires await. Although the final…

Distance: 6.4 Km • Elevation gain: 301 m • Maximum elevation: 2,103 m

This loop trail to Black Elk Peak and Little Devil's Tower is an absolute gem for hikers exploring South Dakota's Black Hills. This well-maintained loop starts at Sylvan Lake and offers breathtaking panoramas, rugged rock formations, and a chance to experience two iconic summits in one trek. While challenging,…

Distance: 12.9 Km • Elevation gain: 570 m • Maximum elevation: 2,185 m

The Black Elk Peak Trail offers a fantastic hiking experience that combines natural beauty and cultural significance. Starting from Sylvan Lake, the trail winds through dense pine forests, rugged granite formations, and features the famous Cathedral Spires. The climb is moderately challenging, with rewarding…

Distance: 10.9 Km • Elevation gain: 458 m • Maximum elevation: 2,185 m

Lovers' Leap loop trail offers a delightful mix of scenery, starting with a climb through towering ponderosa pines and leading to sweeping views of the Black Hills. The rocky outcrop at the top provides breathtaking panoramas, including views of Mount Coolidge and Black Elk Peak, making the initial uphill…

Distance: 6.9 Km • Elevation gain: 225 m • Maximum elevation: 1,427 m

This loop hike in Badlands National Park offers a good opportunity to explore the park’s unique landscape. The trail takes you through a striking mix of badland formations, mesas, and open prairies, expansive views along the way. Though the trail is exposed with little shade, the gentle terrain and varied…

Distance: 10.8 Km • Elevation gain: 59 m • Maximum elevation: 810 m

The Sylvan Lake loop is a delightful and easy hike that offers stunning scenery around the picturesque lake. This is a popular trail known for its serene views of Sylvan Lake, framed by towering granite rock formations and lush landscapes. While most of the trail is flat and accessible, the northwest section…

Distance: 1.8 Km • Elevation gain: 35 m • Maximum elevation: 1,892 m

Hike on the Castle Trail in the Badlands National Park. #Hiking #Desert #Nature #Park

Distance: 7.9 Km • Elevation gain: 44 m • Maximum elevation: 814 m

Hike to Cathedral Spires in the Custer State Park. #Hiking #Mountain #Nature #Forest #Park

Distance: 4.9 Km • Elevation gain: 243 m • Maximum elevation: 2,042 m

Hike along the Notch Creek on the Notch trail in the Badlands National Park. #Hiking #Nature #Park

Distance: 2.3 Km • Elevation gain: 52 m • Maximum elevation: 853 m