Hiking Black Elk Peak with Kids: The Ultimate Family Guide
If you're looking for one unforgettable hike in the Black Hills of South Dakota, make it Black Elk Peak. As the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains, this hike rewards you with breathtaking 360-degree views, towering granite spires, and a historic stone fire lookout waiting at the summit.
While our family visited Custer State Park, Our family of six, with kids ages 7–14, completed the hike in about 4.5 hours, which included a relaxing 30-minute break at the top for lunch, exploring the tower, and soaking in the incredible scenery. It was challenging but absolutely worth every step.
In my opinion, the best route to Black Elk Peak starts at the Sylvan Lake Trailhead (#9). This trailhead is located inside Custer State Park, so you'll need to purchase a park pass ($20 per vehicle for a 1–7 day pass). If you're already planning to explore Custer State Park or spend time at beautiful Sylvan Lake—as we did for an entire week—the entrance fee is well worth it. Check out our list of the top 15 things to do at Custer State Park.
Sylvan Lake
Black Elk Peak at a Glance
Trail Information Details
Distance: Approximately 7.5 miles (loop using Trail #9 and Trail #4)
Elevation Gain: About 1,100–1,300 feet
Difficulty: Moderate- Challenging
Time: 4–5 hours with kids
Highest Elevation: 7,242 feet
Best For: Adventurous hikers, active adults or families with older kids,
Dogs: Allowed on leash
Restrooms: Available at Sylvan Lake Trailhead
Where to Park: Sylvan Lake Parking Lot- east side of the lake ( Go early it can get quite busy)
View from Black Elk Peak - Stone Lookout Tower
Why Hike Black Elk Peak?
Black Elk Peak combines everything people love about the Black Hills:
Massive granite rock formations
Peaceful pine forests
Wildlife sightings
Incredible panoramic views
Historic stone lookout tower
One of the most rewarding summits in South Dakota
Although it's considered a moderately difficult hike, the trail is well maintained and steadily climbs through beautiful scenery.
Start Early
We highly recommend arriving early in the morning.
The parking lot at Sylvan Lake fills quickly during summer, especially by mid-morning. Starting early also means:
Cooler temperatures
Better chance of wildlife sightings
Less crowded trails
More time to enjoy the summit
Map at trailhead
Our Route
Instead of hiking an out-and-back, we chose to make a loop.
We hiked Trail #9 which starts at Sylvan Lake, through the Black Elk Wilderness area and up to Black Elk Peak and returned using Trail #4, creating a more scenic experience with different views on the way down. We loved seeing new scenery instead of retracing every step.
Well marked trail -Black Elk Wilderness Peak Trail Sign
Trail Breakdown
Section 1: Sylvan Lake to the Forest
The trail begins on the East side of Sylvan Lake with a gradual climb through towering ponderosa pines. The trails were well marked throughout the hike.
The path is wide and easy to follow. During this section you'll cross small bridges, enjoy shaded forest, and begin gaining elevation without anything too steep. This is a great time to settle into your hiking pace.
Hiking Black Elk Peak Trail
Section 2: Granite Formations and Steady Climbing
As you climb higher, the scenery starts changing dramatically.
Harney’s Lookout
Large granite boulders begin appearing alongside the trail, opening up beautiful overlooks throughout the hike. The elevation gain becomes more noticeable here, but the trail remains manageable with several spots to catch your breath.
Keep your eyes open for wildlife—you may spot deer, birds, chipmunks, or mountain goats on the rocky cliffs.
Section 3: The Final Push
The last section becomes rockier and includes a few sets of stone stairs leading toward the summit. Every turn reveals bigger and better views until you finally see the historic stone fire tower standing above the trees. The excitement from our kids definitely picked up during this part!
At the Summit
The summit is absolutely spectacular. The historic stone fire lookout tower, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, is open for visitors to climb. Walking up the narrow stone staircase rewards you with incredible 360-degree panoramic views stretching across the Black Hills.
Pond at Top of Black Elk Peak
On a clear day you can see for miles. One thing to know...It gets windy! Hang onto your hats before climbing the tower because strong gusts can surprise you at the top.
We spent about 30 minutes enjoying lunch, taking family photos, climbing the tower, and simply taking in the incredible scenery. It was easily one of our favorite moments of our South Dakota trip.
Steps near the summit
Sacred Place: Some of the trees near the summit of Black Elk Peak are tied with various colored strips of fabric and our known as prayer trees. The fabric ties are sacred offerings left by Native American people, particularly the Lakota.
Prayer Trees decorated with strips of fabric by the Native Americans can be see at the peak
Hiking with Kids
Our kids (ages7, 10, 12, and 14) all completed the hike successfully. Thankfully the trail climbs gradually, it never felt overwhelmingly steep.
What helped:
Playing brain teasers and hiking games along the way
Starting early before
Taking short snack breaks
Letting the kids explore interesting rock formations
Celebrating each overlook along the way
Saving lunch for the summit
Celebrating with ice cream afterwards
What to Bring
Don't underestimate this hike. Here is our essential packing list for day hikes. Plus, my favorite hiking clothes.
Pack:
Plenty of water
Lunch or hearty snacks
Hiking shoes or trail runners
Sunscreen
Hat (hold onto it at the summit!)
Lightweight jacket—the summit is often cooler and windier
Camera or phone for photos
A Brief History of Black Elk Peak
Black Elk Peak was formerly known as Harney Peak and was renamed in 2016 to honor Black Elk, a respected Oglala Lakota holy man whose life and teachings remain deeply significant to the Lakota people.
The mountain has long been considered a sacred place by many Indigenous tribes, who have visited the summit for ceremonies and vision quests. When we visited there were dozens of prayer cloths tied to trees.
The stone fire lookout at the summit was constructed during the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and remains one of the highest historic fire towers in the United States.
View from Black Elk Peak
Tips for Hiking Black Elk Peak
Start before 8:00 a.m. during summer.
Download an offline trail map before arriving.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction.
Bring layers—it can be much cooler and windier at the summit.
Plan extra time for photos and exploring the tower.
Consider hiking the loop (Trail #9 up and Trail #4 down) for varied scenery.
Celebration at the top
Is Black Elk Peak Worth It?
Absolutely. Black Elk Peak quickly became one of our family's favorite hikes in South Dakota. Between the towering granite cliffs, peaceful forests, historic fire tower, and unforgettable panoramic views, it's an adventure that perfectly captures the beauty of the Black Hills.
If your family enjoys hiking and your kids are ready for a challenge, this trail is one they'll be talking about long after the vacation ends.
Hiking Black Elk Peak with kids? This family guide covers everything you need to know before hitting the trail! Discover trail details, distance, elevation gain, what to expect along the hike, what to pack, the best route, and family-friendly tips for reaching the highest point in South Dakota. From granite rock formations to breathtaking Black Hills views, this is one adventure your family won't forget!