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Black Elk Peak Loop via Little Devil's Tower in Black Hills National Forest

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, the trail rewards with unique views at Black Elk Peak and the quieter, equally scenic Little Devil's Tower, making it perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and soak in the natural beauty of the area. #Hiking #Mountain #Loop #Forest #Nature #Rock

  • Distance: 8.0 mi
  • Elevation gain: 1,870 ft
  • Maximum elevation: 7,169 ft
  • Elevation loss: 1,877 ft
  • Minimum elevation: 6,165 ft
  • Moving time: 1 h 52 m
  • Moving speed: 4.3 mph
  • Maximum speed: 14.3 mph
  • Total time: 1 h 58 m
  • Global speed: 4.1 mph

Interactive trail map

Trail profile

  • Distance: 8.0 mi
  • Elevation gain: 1,870 ft
  • Maximum elevation: 7,169 ft
  • Elevation loss: 1,877 ft
  • Minimum elevation: 6,165 ft
  • Moving time: 1 h 52 m
  • Moving speed: 4.3 mph
  • Maximum speed: 14.3 mph
  • Total time: 1 h 58 m
  • Global speed: 4.1 mph

About this trail

Name: Black Elk Peak Loop via Little Devil's Tower in Black Hills National Forest trail, distance, elevation, map, profile, GPS track

Start: Sylvan Lake Trail, Sylvan Lake Resort, Custer County, South Dakota, United States (43.84632 -103.56115)

End: Sylvan Lake Trail, Sylvan Lake Resort, Custer County, South Dakota, United States (43.84596 -103.56073)

Coordinates: 43.84261 -103.56115 43.86585 -103.52557

Topography: Custer County topographic map, elevation, terrain

Other hiking, mountain biking, running and outdoor activity trails

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Black Elk Peak Loop via Little Devil's Tower Trail and Black Elk Peak Trail in Black Hills National Forest

United States > South Dakota > Custer County > Sylvan Lake Resort

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: 7.4 mi • Elevation gain: 1,447 ft • Maximum elevation: 7,169 ft

Black Elk Peak Trail in Black Hills National Forest

United States > South Dakota > Custer County > Sylvan Lake Resort

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: 6.8 mi • Elevation gain: 1,503 ft • Maximum elevation: 7,169 ft

Little Devil's Tower Trail in Custer State Park

United States > South Dakota > Custer County > Sylvan Lake Resort

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: 4.0 mi • Elevation gain: 988 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,900 ft

Cathedral Spires Trail in Custer State Park

United States > South Dakota > Custer County

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: 2.0 mi • Elevation gain: 633 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,696 ft

Sylvan Lake Loop Trail in Custer State Park

United States > South Dakota > Custer County > Sylvan Lake Resort

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: 1.1 mi • Elevation gain: 115 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,207 ft

Cathedral Spires

United States > South Dakota > Custer County

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

Distance: 3.0 mi • Elevation gain: 797 ft • Maximum elevation: 6,699 ft

Gear up for your next adventure:

Backpacking Tent - Lightweight and durable tent for multi‑day hikes
🏕️Tent Footprint - Protect your tent base from wear
🧢Sun Protection Hats - Wide-brimmed and UPF-rated hats for high-altitude sun safety
📌Outdoor GPS Map App - Apps and devices for digital topographic navigation
🚑Emergency Bivvies - Heat-reflective sleeping bags for survival situations

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