After another unforgettable trip with my husband and nephew to the stunning landscapes of Custer State Park, I couldn’t wait to share our favorite hiking trails from this incredible destination!
Located in the heart of South Dakota’s Black Hills, Custer State Park offers a spectacular blend of rugged terrain, towering granite spires, pristine lakes, and panoramic vistas.
To help you plan your trip further, here’s our comprehensive Black Hills Vacation Itinerary with the must-see attractions, scenic drives, and charming towns in the area.
Let’s get to it! Below are the best hikes in Custer State Par.
1. Sylvan Lake Shore
Elevation Gain: 50 feet
Distance: 1.1-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 30 minutes
Parking: Sylvan Lake lots
Restrooms: Available near the general store, lodge, and main lot
Dogs: Allowed on a leash.
The Sylvan Lake Shore Trail is a gentle, picturesque loop that wraps around the park’s most iconic lake. With gorgeous granite outcrops, tranquil waters, and easy footing, it’s perfect for all ages and fitness levels. Come early to snag a parking spot—the area is popular for swimming, kayaking, and even a bit of rock climbing.
And yes, the scenery might spark a sense of déjà vu—it was featured in National Treasure: Book of Secrets, adding a dash of movie magic to your adventure.
Want a bit more of a challenge? You can extend your outing by linking the Sylvan Lake Trail with the Sunday Gulch Trail, offering a rugged descent through creek beds and boulder fields. Scroll down for all the trail details.
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2. Cathedral Spires Trail
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Distance: 3.2 miles out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2 hours
Parking: Small lot on Needles Highway
Restrooms: None at the trailhead.
Dogs: Allowed on a leash.
The Cathedral Spires Trail is nothing short of spectacular. The steep hike plunges into a rocky corridor lined with vertical granite towers shaped millions of years ago.
If you’ve marveled at these spires from the comfort of your car on the Needles Highway, hiking the trail gives you a chance to experience them up close. The path leads you right into the heart of these towering formations, immersing you in their scale and quiet grandeur.
Another Option: If you are an avid hiker, the Cathedral Spires hike can also be combined with Little Devils Tower and Black Elk Peak for a mega-loop. See below for more information.
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3. Little Devils Tower
Elevation Gain: 780 feet
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate with rock scrambling
Time: 2 – 4 hours
Parking: Little Devils Tower Trailhead on Needles Highway
Restrooms: None at the trailhead; use Sylvan Lake facilities
Dogs: Allowed on a leash.
That internal tug-of-war between jaw-dropping views and exhilarating scrambles is part of what makes hiking Devils Tower so unforgettable. Whether you’re navigating over rugged boulders or pausing to take in the vast Black Hills landscapes stretching far beyond the horizon, each moment feels like a highlight in its own right.
Thankfully, there’s no need to choose—the trail delivers both. The challenging sections with light scrambling add a fun physical element, while the panoramic vistas, especially as you walk around up top, are worthy of any bucket list.
Another Option: As stated above, the Devils Tower and Cathedral Spires can be completed in one long hike.
4. Sunday Gulch
Elevation Gain: 800 feet
Distance: 3.9-mile loop including Sylvan Lake Trail
Difficulty: Strenuous
Time: 2-3 hours
Parking: Sylvan Lake lots
Restrooms: Available near the general store, lodge, and main lot
Dogs: Not ideal for dogs or small children due to the terrain.
What’s not to like about the Sunday Gulch Trail? We found a unique trail that begins with a scenic walk along Sylvan Lake, creek crossings, twisting paths, and metal handrails guiding hikers between giant granite boulders.
It’s recommended to hike clockwise to finish with the gulch descent, but we chose counterclockwise, and I’m happy we did. It’s a tough hike, but worth it!
5. Black Elk Peak Trail #9
Elevation Gain: 1500 feet
Distance: 6.6-mile out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 4 – 6 hours
Parking: Sylvan Lake northeast lots (Trail #9 and #4 access)
Restrooms: Available near Sylvan Lake parking
Dogs: Not ideal for dogs due to the terrain.
Reach the highest point in South Dakota! There are a few options to hike to Black Elk Peak. The shortest and most straightforward route is the out-and-back Trail #9.
It begins at Lake Sylvan and takes you directly to the historic stone fire lookout via a gradual ascent. Once you make your way to the 7,244-foot summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the stunning Black Hills.
Another Option: There are several reasons I strongly suggest turning this into a day hike and including Little Devils Tower and Cathedral Spires.
While it adds a few extra miles, you’ll already have secured parking (which can be tricky during high season), it transforms the hike into a loop instead of an out-and-back, giving you fresh views throughout, and these are two of my favorite parts of the park.
I have a separate article with more information on the Black Elk Peak Loop Hiking Trail.
Custer State Park Hiking Tips
- Hydration is key, especially when hitting the trails in the summer. Always bring more water than you think you’ll need. We use these reusable water bottles that fit nicely in cup holders and backpacks.
- Make sure to wear proper footwear. These hiking shoes for men are waterproof and have a protective sole, and these breathable hiking shoes for women have a breathable mesh lining with a contoured footbed. If you need more ankle support, check out these cute boots for women or these nice boots for men.
- Bring a day pack for all your necessities, including a small first aid kit. On our most recent trip, I used ours twice. Luckily, it wasn’t for us, but my band-aids were much appreciated by the two people that we came across who were bleeding!
- Always take a picture of the sign with the map before heading out on the trail.
- Pack snacks and/or lunch depending on how long you’ll be hiking.
- I always suggest wearing a hat and sunglasses and applying sunscreen beforehand.
- When hiking in any park, please remember to leave no trace by always bringing out whatever you bring in.
- Pets are allowed on most trails, but be respectful and follow the rules in keeping your dog leashed.
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Do you have any favorite hikes in Custer State Park? Share with us in the comments below!
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