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Best hikes in the Black Hills - trails, distances and difficulty

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: September 29, 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.

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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.

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We earn a commission on Viator bookings, at no extra cost to you. Check dates and final prices on Viator. Tour information collected May 15, 2026; not live availability.

Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony

Twilight Tour: Custer State Park & Mt Rushmore Lighting Ceremony

Confirm group format · 6h

Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (38 reviews)

Route and experience details

Experience the scenery of the Black Hills on this 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, in 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 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.

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From USD 760

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Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides

Western Horizons Hot Air Balloon rides

Confirm group format · 3h

Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (38 reviews)

Route and experience details

Western Horizons Hot Air Balloons offers 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.

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From USD 395

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Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Tour

Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Tour

Confirm group format · 9h

Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (34 reviews)

Route and experience details

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.

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From USD 312

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Bike Adventure on the Mickelson Trail - Private

Bike Adventure on the Mickelson Trail - Private

Private tour · 24h

Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (31 reviews)

Route and experience details

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.

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From USD 375

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Badlands National Park - Sunset and Stargazing (Private)

Badlands National Park - Sunset and Stargazing (Private)

Private tour · 7h

Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (26 reviews)

Route and experience details

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.

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From USD 850

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Private Tour of the Badlands with Local Experts

Private Tour of the Badlands with Local Experts

Private tour · 9h

Viator snapshot: 5.0/5 (25 reviews)

Route and experience details

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.

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From USD 425

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For guided options beyond hiking, browse Black Hills tours.

This guide covers six trails worth the drive, with real distances, elevation gain, difficulty ratings, and the trailhead for each. At 7,242 feet, Black Elk Peak is the highest point in South Dakota, according to the 2026 Guide to Custer State Park.

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. For the full activity map, see things to do in the Black Hills.

“Black Elk Peak Trail #9 South (normally open to hiking and stock use) is the most heavily used trail on the Forest with approximately 500 visitors a day during peak use.”
U.S. Forest Service, Black Hills National Forest, Black Elk Wilderness history

Black Elk Peak (Trail #9)

Strenuous

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

Easy

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 good 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

Moderate

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

Moderate

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. Needles Highway closes to vehicles with the first snow and stays shut until April 1 or later, so in winter this trailhead is out of reach by car.

Little Devils Tower Trail

Moderate

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)

Easy

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. Typical temperatures and snowfall by month are in our Black Hills weather guide.
  • 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.
  • Late-season checks. As of September 29, 2026 the Forest Service lists no closure on Black Elk Peak Trail #9 or the other trails here, but fire danger was rated extreme in the central and southern Hills, and a standing order bans campfires outside agency-built fire rings. The Forest Service also warns that trees can fall across Black Elk Wilderness trails at any time; many are cleared in early summer, and storms can drop new ones after that. Check the Black Hills National Forest alerts before you go, and carry traction devices once snow arrives.

Where to Stay for Hiking

For early starts on the Sylvan Lake trails, base yourself in Custer hotels or Hill City hotels. For Spearfish Canyon, stay near Deadwood hotels. Or compare every base town in our where to stay in the Black Hills guide.