Running the Little Devil's Tower Trail in Black Elk Wilderness

Destinations Midwest South Dakota Black Hills

Running the Little Devil's Tower Trail in Black Elk Wilderness

The Little Devil's Tower Trail in the Black Elk Wilderness, part of the Black Hills region of South Dakota, offers an exhilarating running experience for enthusiasts and nature lovers. The trail, approximately 3.7 miles round trip, features stunning rock formations and breathtaking views that make it a unique destination. Its well-maintained path winds through lush forests and offers a clear view of the iconic Little Devil's Tower, making it a popular choice for both casual and experienced runners.

Adventure Guide To Running the Little Devil's Tower Trail in Black Elk Wilderness

Trailhead Access
- Located at the Sylvan Lake parking lot, this trailhead provides easy access to the Little Devil's Tower Trail. The route begins at an elevation, gradually climbing to reveal spectacular vistas of surrounding landscapes.
Scenic Views
- As runners make their way up the trail, they will encounter panoramic views of the Black Hills. Prominent lookout points along the route allow for picture-perfect moments, especially at sunrise or sunset when the scenery showcases golden hues.
Unique Flora and Fauna
- Runners will appreciate the rich ecosystem in the area, including ponderosa pines and vibrant wildflowers. Birdwatchers might also catch glimpses of various species that inhabit the trail, adding an exciting element to the run.

Local Insights

Interesting to note, the Little Devil's Tower gets its name from its striking resemblance to the larger Devil's Tower in Wyoming. The Black Elk Wilderness itself is named after Black Elk, a prominent Oglala Lakota Sioux leader who played a significant role in the region’s history.

Visitor Tips

Best Times to Visit: Late spring through early fall, when the weather is mild and the flora is vibrant.
What to Bring: Wear running shoes suitable for uneven terrain, carry water, and bring a snack for energy. A camera is also recommended for capturing scenic moments.
Driving Directions: From Custer State Park, take SD-87 N for approximately 12 miles to reach the Sylvan Lake trailhead, about a 25-minute drive.

By following this guide, runners will enhance their experience on the Little Devil's Tower Trail in the captivating Black Elk Wilderness.

Reviews

Island Ewert5 months ago

Quite possibly the best hike in Custer State Park! The payoff at the end was amazing. It is a bit of a true scramble at the top but take your time, follow the blue arrows on trail and it will be worth it

Brady Hayesa year ago

Trailhead has a parking lot tight off the road. For the first 3/4 of the trail it's a nice hike through some trees with nice scenery in the distance. The last 1/4 is a scramble which prior to this hike I had no clue what scrambling was. It's basically rock climbing up a bunch of boulders until you are at the top most young children and elderly would not be able to do this safely. Views at the top worth it plus I saw a Mountain goat 🐐. 10/10 would hike again!

TF3 months ago

#9 trailhead was an absolute circus so I did the highpoint from here (#4 trail) Awesome views of the spires and relatively isolated until you meet up with #9 near the summit. Meandered a bit and clocked just over 7 miles

Chelsea Bollom2 months ago

Very cool trail. Go early om the morning so there is less people. You do have to climb up rocks to get to the top but the view is so worth it! Just follow the blue arrows when you get to the rocks.

roy wilson4 months ago

I would recommend for more skilled riders as there are some serious curves,narrow road,and no guard rails.Really beautiful ride though

Hiking

Running the Little Devil's Tower Trail in Black Elk Wilderness