Black Elk Peak Trail #9 South

Black Elk Peak Trail #9 South is a 6.6-mile out-and-back from the footbridge beside Sylvan Lake’s swimming beach to the stone lookout on Black Elk Peak, then back on #9. It is the shortest and most-traveled park-side route to the high point. The park lists 3.3 miles one way and 2–4 hours; allow about four hours with a summit break. This is a hard hike at high elevation, not a casual lake walk. The popular summit loop that returns on Trails #3 and #4 is a different outing, so choose this one if you mean to retrace your steps.

Just past the footbridge, #9 splits from the wide gravel access; bear right. The trail climbs gradually through pine and spruce, then reaches a saddle about 0.75 mile in. Granite pinnacles appear, but the summit stays hidden. The route crosses between Custer State Park and Black Elk Wilderness before it reaches the peak. After the first ridge, it drops into wooded ravines and a marshy aspen basin; a small stream crossing has a footbridge. At Lost Cabin Spur #2B, stay right on #9. That dip matters: the hike does not get harder every step, so save energy for the second half.

Past two large boulders, the grade steepens through wooden and stone steps, with twin pinnacles to the left. At about 2.8 miles, #9 meets Norbeck Trail #3; stay left for the summit. The tower comes into view around 3.1 miles. Reaching it means going through a narrow notch and short tunnel, then taking a metal stair over a crevasse and a spiral staircase up the granite spine. It is an unusual finish, but tight passages and steep stairs will not suit everyone.

The lookout sits on South Dakota’s high point at about 7,242 feet. The panorama looks over granite spires and pine forest, with the plains beyond on clear days. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the stone tower from 1938 to 1940; its last fire lookout left in 1967, and the tower was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. For a useful photo, frame the tower against the granite ridge rather than filling the shot with sky.

Start at the Sylvan Lake day-use area and cross the swimming-beach footbridge. Custer State Park requires an entrance license, and this popular parking area can fill early; a morning start helps with space and crowds. There is no water or restroom along the trail, so carry enough for the full route. The park recommends at least a quart of water per person. Summer storms can bring hail, rain and strong wind, and the summit feels cooler than the lake. Pets are allowed under control; follow the rules for both the state park and wilderness sections.

The Sylvan Store at Sylvan Lake Lodge is a separate stop near the trailhead, with grab-and-go meals, ice cream and coffee. It is not an on-trail amenity.

The Forest Service identifies Black Elk as an Oglala Lakota holy man and says the wilderness is sacred to many American Indians. Older route records use the name Harney Peak; Black Elk Peak is the current name.