Best Hikes in the Black Hills
From a flat lakeside loop to the highest summit east of the Rockies, trails ranked by distance, elevation, and difficulty
Updated: July 5, 2026
The Black Hills pack an unusual range of hiking into a small area, flat lakeside loops, granite canyon scrambles, waterfall boardwalks, and a summit hike to the highest point in South Dakota. Most of the best trails cluster around Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park, with a second pocket of easy waterfall walks up in Spearfish Canyon to the north.
Guided Hikes & Outdoor Tours
Prefer a guide who knows the trails, wildlife, and weather windows? Browse top-rated guided hikes and outdoor experiences across the Black Hills, bookable on Viator.
Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony
Experience the stunning beauty of the Black Hills on this unforgettable private afternoon & evening tour, designed to highlight the region’s most scenic drives & end with the Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony. First, we visit the tranquil Sylvan Lake, nestled among pine-covered hills & dramatic rock formations. We continue with a picturesque journey along the legendary Needles Hwy, where towering granite spires, narrow tunnels, & sweeping views create an unforgettable drive. You’ll have plenty of time for photo stops, short walks, and commentary from your knowledgeable local guide. Then, travel the engineering marvel of Iron Mt Rd, known for its pigtail bridges, scenic switchbacks, & tunnels that perfectly frame Mt Rushmore in the distance. We arrive at Mt Rushmore with time to explore, then as night falls, gather at the amphitheater for the Lighting Ceremony, a patriotic & heartfelt experience that includes a short film, tribute to veterans, & the illumination of the iconic carvings.
Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides
Western Horizons Hot Air Balloons offers breathtaking panoramic views of the beautiful Southern Black Hills of South Dakota. Our hot air balloon rides last approximately one hour. The entire experience from pre-flight set up to post-flight refreshments can last from 2 to 3 hours. We fly out of Hot Springs, SD, just after sunrise, weather permitting.
Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Tour
What makes this tour unique is the combination of three of Western South Dakota's most iconic destinations – Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop – into a single, comprehensive, and fully narrated experience. Over 8-9 hours, you'll not just see these landmarks, but gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for their history, cultural significance, and natural beauty. We always give the guest time to buy their lunch during the tour.
Bike Adventure on the Mickelson Trail - Private
See the Black Hills in a unique way. Enjoy the quiet, scenic trail and let our guides tell you on some of the history, culture and flora and fauna of the area! Great fun for any fitness level - we can accommodate all in your group, even if some want to ride and others don't. This tour is customizable. Questions? Contact us for more information.
Badlands National Park - Sunset and Stargazing (Private)
A once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the incredible Badlands; first in the afternoon and into a golden sunset - followed by the official National Park stargazing program. The best of both worlds, this tour allows us the view wildlife and the parks formations before the sun sets, and then taking on the park after dark! Because Badlands National Park is not surrounded by big cities or other major sources of light pollution, night skies in the park are very clear. After dark, visitors can see many of the night sky’s greatest hits: constellations, the moon, satellites, and airplanes. But the special darkness of Badlands National Park helps visitors to see even more like planets, the Milky Way, star clusters, nebulae, the International Space Station, shooting stars, and – very occasionally – the aurora borealis.
Private Tour of the Badlands with Local Experts
The Badlands have many secrets and requires a seasoned guide to explain and reveal them. GeoFunTrek Tours' guides are local experts with decades of experience. We have no seasonal-guides, part-time guides or trainee-guides. This is a family-owned business and all tours are conducted by family members: Cindy, Christopher and John Esposti. We have the knowledge and skills to make your day one to remember. You will always get the A-Team when you tour with GeoFunTrek Tours! All tours are PRIVATE TOURS, exclusive to the group booking the tour, and no additional guests will be included. Children must be accompanied by one adult. Children 3 years and younger are free and will have their own seat. Children's car seats must be supplied by family members when required. Our vehicles are SUV's and a van may be rented for larger groups. Please enquire about vehicles if you have any questions. This tour is great for 3-generation families with Children, multiple couples and groups of friends.
Prices and availability provided by Viator. We earn a commission on bookings, at no extra cost to you.
This guide covers six trails worth the drive, with real distances, elevation gain, difficulty ratings, and the trailhead for each. Whether you want a kid-friendly mile or a half-day summit push, there's a route here. At 7,242 feet, Black Elk Peak is the highest point in South Dakota, according to Travel South Dakota.
Quick Answer
The best overall hike is Black Elk Peak (7 mi, strenuous). The best easy hike is the Sylvan Lake Shore Trail (1 mi, flat). The best waterfall walk is Roughlock Falls in Spearfish Canyon. Most of the marquee trails start from Sylvan Lake and require a Custer State Park entrance license.
“It's the highest elevation between the Rocky Mountains in the western United States and the Pyrenees Mountains in France.”
Black Elk Peak (Trail #9)
Distance
7 miles round trip
Elevation
1,500 ft
Trailhead
Sylvan Lake
The signature hike of the Black Hills. The trail climbs through granite formations to the 7,242-foot summit, the highest point in South Dakota and the highest summit east of the Rocky Mountains, crowned by a historic stone fire lookout with 360-degree views into four states.
Trail tip: Start before 8 AM in summer to beat afternoon thunderstorms. Bring at least 2 liters of water; there is none on the trail.
Sylvan Lake Shore Trail
Distance
1-mile loop
Elevation
Minimal
Trailhead
Sylvan Lake
An easy, family-friendly loop around the most photographed lake in South Dakota, weaving between massive granite boulders and tall pines. Stroller- and kid-friendly, and a perfect warm-up or cool-down for the bigger Sylvan Lake-area hikes.
Trail tip: Parking fills by mid-morning in summer, arrive early or visit on a weekday.
Sunday Gulch Trail
Distance
3.8-mile loop
Elevation
600 ft
Trailhead
Sylvan Lake
A dramatic loop descending into a narrow granite canyon with handrails and stone steps carved into the rock, then following a creek through pine forest. One of the most underrated trails in Custer State Park.
Trail tip: Hike clockwise for an easier descent. The canyon section can be icy and is often closed in winter and early spring.
Cathedral Spires Trail
Distance
3 miles round trip
Elevation
600 ft
Trailhead
Needles Highway
A there-and-back climb to the base of the Cathedral Spires, the towering granite needles you see from Needles Highway. A favorite of rock climbers and photographers, with big payoff for moderate effort.
Trail tip: The trailhead pull-out on Needles Highway is small; if it’s full, hike from Sylvan Lake via the connector instead.
Little Devils Tower Trail
Distance
3 miles round trip
Elevation
500 ft
Trailhead
Sylvan Lake
A rewarding scramble to a granite outcrop with sweeping views over Sylvan Lake and the surrounding Black Hills. Can be combined with the Cathedral Spires and Black Elk Peak trails for a longer day.
Trail tip: The final approach involves some light rock scrambling, wear shoes with grip.
Spearfish Canyon Falls (Roughlock & Spearfish Falls)
Distance
0.5–1 mile each
Elevation
Minimal
Trailhead
Spearfish Canyon
In the northern Black Hills near Deadwood, short walks lead to three waterfalls, Bridal Veil, Spearfish Falls, and Roughlock Falls, tucked beneath 1,000-foot limestone walls. The easiest way to see big scenery on little effort.
Trail tip: Best in late spring (high water) or fall (color). The boardwalk to Roughlock Falls is accessible.
Hiking Tips for the Black Hills
- Start early in summer. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August, be off exposed summits like Black Elk Peak by early afternoon.
- Carry water and layers. Mountain weather changes fast and most trails have no water sources, so decide ahead of time whether a hydration pack or a water bottle suits your hike.
- One park license covers the Sylvan Lake trails. Black Elk Peak, Sunday Gulch, Cathedral Spires, and Little Devils Tower all sit inside Custer State Park.
- Pair a hike with a drive. Most trailheads are right off the scenic routes, see our best scenic drives in the Black Hills guide.
- Time your trip. May–June and September–October are the sweet spots, check our best time to visit guide.
Where to Stay for Hiking
For early starts on the Sylvan Lake trails, base yourself in Custer or Hill City. For Spearfish Canyon, stay near Deadwood. Or compare every base town in our where to stay in the Black Hills guide.