Black Elk Peak Loop via Lost Cabin and Trail #9 North

The Black Elk Peak Loop via Lost Cabin is a hard 13.6-mile circuit from Palmer Creek Trailhead. It follows Trail #2 to Trail #9 South, makes the required summit spur out and back, descends on Trail #9 North, then uses Trail #8, a short local-road connector and the north section of Lost Cabin to close the loop. Allow about 8–9 hours. The listed distance is the complete Palmer Creek circuit represented by this route; other accounts count different access points and connectors, so component-trail mileages are not the full hike. For a shorter summit outing, use a separate approach from Sylvan Lake.

Lost Cabin #2 rises steeply at first, then eases into a gradual descent with views toward Black Elk Peak. The climb resumes on #9 South, so the route asks for sustained effort rather than one climb followed by an easy walk out. Rocky footing can slow you down. The steepest stretch and junctions deserve attention, particularly where Trail #8 meets the short road connection on the return.

Black Elk Peak tops out at 7,242 feet. A stone fire lookout marks the summit, where open granite gives broad views across the Black Hills. The peak was formerly called Harney Peak. From the summit spur, retrace to the #9 junction and take #9 North downhill; expect rocky switchbacks and large steps on this side.

Palmer Creek Trailhead is on Forest Service land outside Custer State Park’s mapped boundary, and this loop follows a trail network across agency boundaries. From Hill City, go south on US 16 for about 3 miles, east on SD 244 for roughly 2.7 miles, turn onto Palmer Creek Road just before Palmer Gulch Resort, and continue about 1 mile to the trailhead on the left/east side. One toilet is listed at the trailhead, but its accessibility is unknown; there is no potable water. Carry what you need for a long day. The exposed summit can be colder and windier than the lower trail, and conditions have changed quickly on this mountain. Dogs are allowed on leash or under strict voice control.