---
title: Black Elk Peak
date: 2022-10-18T09:45:00-05:00
author: Click Rain Inc
canonical_url: "https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/nearby-activities/black-elk-peak"
section: Pages
---
![Aerial shot of mountains around Custer State Park](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Featured/BlackElk-2400x1400.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=60&h=35&c=dd98c8c6&v=63b3128c08bcc3f8afb0437a8ab0d7f581aa6bb151d10a2c2ae5c3d9c340b448) # Black Elk Peak

 

  

 ## Black Elk Peak Trailhead

Black Elk Peak via Harney Peak Trail is a 6.4 mile loop trail in Custer State Park, offering the highest available views of the rocky land that makes up the Black Hills National Forest and also includes a heart-pumping incline to a historic stone fire tower at the top. Your starting point for this trail is at popular Sylvan Lake that is offers stand-up paddling, kayaking and canoe rentals. Plan 3-4 hours for this trail and the lakeside store is open seasonally for snacks, gifts & lunch.

And just 1/2 mile up the road from the lake, don't forget Sylvan Lake Lodge with its infamous great room, lounge and veranda, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner during the spring, summer and fall seasons.

 [Book Your Stay](https://www.custerresorts.com/explore-accommodations) 

    ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/DSC08984_2023-03-01-203647_chhf.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=50&c=514b403b&v=829403344681b8230b92954c26dabce4d648f17906835e44246849902e584825)  

 

  

  ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)## Enjoy These Nearby Experiences

 

    ![Exterior view of Sylvan Lake Lodge in Custer State Park, featuring rustic architecture with stone and wood siding. A curved driveway leads to the main entrance, surrounded by pine trees and well-kept grounds.](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/SLL-Header.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=6b8c2707&v=4c3d20104c2d66643475157c6b1b06b22b5c14b2e0a066e3104d6e35f8161f4e) ### [Sylvan Lake Lodge](https://www.custerresorts.com/plan-your-trip/sylvan-lake-lodge)

Stay at Sylvan Lake Lodge and see Custer State Park's crown jewel for yourself—the gorgeous Sylvan Lake.

 

     ![Close-up shot of assorted food and beverages](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Featured/Dining-2400x1400.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=e3c6f0af&v=ab3a3091f303056f00e387cdf5e43e3371c2e88c1b6c48fbf756171c0d6b47a3) ### [Dining](https://www.custerresorts.com/dining)

![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) In Custer State Park

There are several delicious dining options spread throughout the park, all open seasonally from the beginning of May through mid-October. Come hungry and ready to explore more them all.

 

     ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Custer-Resorts-20221002-ByronBanasiak-38a.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=dd3ab349&v=f5ee0aca6347cb864c41e51e51efd852fc23dd776816b3f27caba32fee40b152) ### [Shopping](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/activities-experiences/shopping)

![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) In Custer State Park

No matter which lodge you find yourself drawn to exploring, our Custer State Park Resort stores have you covered.

 

     ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/CSP2018-052Final.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=7a6a62d2&v=fee25b8f77d3a5a74be6bc163c45e39d1bd29af5c13c7828d3efdee41495928c) ### [Cathedral Spires Cabin](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging/cabins/sylvan-lake/cathedral-spires)

As the largest cabin on property at Sylvan Lake, our Cathedral Spires Cabin has it all. A designer kitchen, a beautiful, private backyard patio surrounded by the spires, and all four (4) bedrooms offer en-suite baths.

 

     ![](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/CSP_Sylvan-4468_final_a.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=8762e2c6&v=37f47013b981c47809cd0d6d48600793a6bf6829cca38a68a0fa1627cfb027dd) ### [Honeymoon Cabin](https://www.custerresorts.com/lodging/cabins/sylvan-lake/honeymoon-cabin-king-s1ks)

That moment when you've explored everywhere and finally found the perfect stone-formed patio with breathtaking expansive views and said, "This is it." We did that.

 

     ![Group in a Jeep driving by buffalo](https://d1y6vw2yu4dxpf.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Featured/22-CSPR-Activities_BuffaloJeepSafari-2400x1400.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=75&h=65&c=4faeead7&v=ca560f166bddc3ded11f3576f73f8e6c93ac4c009c8c35fe2322814299aabd18) ### [Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour](https://www.custerresorts.com/activities/activities-experiences/buffalo-safari-jeep-tour)

![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) In Custer State Park

Take an unforgettable safari through the park in search of pronghorns, elk, and the noble buffalo.