Black Elk Peak via Horsethief Lake

Black Elk Peak via Horsethief Lake is a 13-mile out-and-back to South Dakota’s highest point. From the day-use area, take Trail #14, then Grizzly Bear Creek #7, Norbeck #3 and #9 to the summit; the return follows the same way. The mapped corridor is about 6.45 miles to the top, and the 13-mile figure includes the return. This is the summit extension, not the short Horsethief Lake #14 walk or the separate 14.6-mile loop. Plan on about eight hours with breaks; seven to nine is a sensible full-day window. You climb from roughly 5,000 feet to 7,242 feet, so the distance and sustained uphill make this more than a quick viewpoint walk. If 13 miles is too much, Trail #9 from Sylvan Lake is the shorter, more heavily used way to the same summit.

Trail #14 threads through thick forest past granite peaks and twisting spires. It crosses two saddles with campsites and broad views, good places to pause before the longer climb. At the junction, follow Grizzly Bear Creek #7 toward Norbeck #3; #7 is the rugged, uphill stretch through remote forest and rocky formations. This route turns onto #3 before covering the entire #7 trail, then follows #9 for the final summit approach. Keep the numbered sequence straight: several trails cross the wilderness, and this is an out-and-back rather than a loop. The route line is a little over six miles one way, so save some energy for the same corridor on the return.

The summit is a historic site as well as a high point. The stone fire lookout was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1938 and 1940, and it was staffed until 1967; it no longer operates as a lookout. The tower, stairway, dam and pumphouse are part of the summit, so give yourself time to look around rather than touch the high point and turn straight back. The rocky summit opens to a broad view across the Black Hills and neighboring states. For a photo, step back enough to frame the stone tower against the granite and leave some of the summit in view; a tight crop makes it look like any isolated building.

Start at Horsethief Lake Day Use Area on SD-244, about two miles west of Mount Rushmore; the Forest Service identifies it as the Trail #14 trailhead and provides dedicated parking. Potable water is not available at the day-use area, and no reliable food or water stop was confirmed along the route, so carry what you need for the full day. The route is in Black Elk Wilderness, where dogs must be on a leash or under strict voice control. Check current Forest Service notices for temporary closures before setting out.