Hikers and nature enthusiasts will find plenty of fantastic hiking trails in South Dakota, and many offer spectacular views. The best view ever might be from Black Elk Peak, South Dakota’s highest point. Winter is an especially good time for this hike – the view is just as incredible, and you’re likely to find a bit of solitude on the trail. It’s certainly one of the best winter hikes in South Dakota.

Start your hike from Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park.
Stu Rapley/flickr
With any luck, you'll be one of the few hikers on the trail. During the year, 41,000 people take this hiking trail, but only around 3,000 make the trek between the months of November and March. You just might find that you have the place to yourself!
The hike is about seven miles round trip and is considered moderately difficult.
Carl Young (Riding With Carl)/Google
During winter months, it's a good idea to bring along some YakTrax or other traction cleats. Depending on the weather, the trail can be slick in spots.
This trail takes about a half day for most hikers to complete, and you'll gain 1,407 feet in elevation along the way.
William O/TripAdvisor
Bring plenty of water, and dress in layers for any weather condition.
Make sure to pick a clear winter day for this hike - check the weather before you leave. You don't want to encounter a storm at the top of Black Elk Peak.
Lynda L/TripAdvisor

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This trail, and Black Elk Peak itself, are sacred to the Lakota people. Black Elk, a legendary medicine man, climbed this peak when he was just nine years old, and had a life-changing vision.
938fjg/Tripadvisor
In the book Black Elk Speaks, he says, "I was standing on the highest mountain of them all, and round about beneath me was the whole hoop of the world," he is quoted as saying. "And while I stood there I saw more than I can tell and I understood more than I saw; for I was seeing in a sacred manner the shapes of all things in the spirit, and the shape of all shapes as they must live together like one being."

Please remember that this is a sacred place. Don't disturb prayer cloths and other items that are tied to trees, and make sure that you carry out any trash you carry in.
At the top of the peak, you'll find a fire lookout tower.
Enrico Sebnitz/TripAdvisor
As you approach, you'll be traveling up a stone staircase. Take extra care here in the winter months, because crosswinds and cold weather can make these steps slippery...and it's a long way down.
The tower was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1932. It's no longer in use, but you can check it out.
Mark L/TripAdvisor
The view from the top is spectacular, even in the winter.
Sarah M/Tripadvisor
It's easy to see why this place is special to the native people of South Dakota. At 7,272 feet, it's pretty amazing up here.

Have you ever hiked Black Elk Peak during the winter? Do you have any other favorite winter hikes in South Dakota? Let us know about them in the comments.

If you’re looking for more winter trails, take a look at this trail that’s even more breathtaking in the winter.

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More to Explore

Intriguing Attractions in South Dakota

Will Suphan | January 24, 2024

What are some bucket list attractions in South Dakota?

Bucket list attractions in South Dakota include:

  • Mount Rushmore. This iconic attraction of four presidential heads carved into a mountainside is the most famous spot in the state.
  • 1880 Train. This is an old train you can ride on. It takes you through the most scenic parts of the Black Hills.
  • Historic Prairie Village Carousel. One of the last antique steam-operated carousels left in the nation.
  • Winner Drive-In. See movies the old-fashioned way at this outdoor drive-in movie theater and get a touch of nostalgia.

Learn more about bucket list attractions in South Dakota.

What are some unique attractions in South Dakota?

Unique attractions in South Dakota include:

  • Custer State Park. This wildlife reserve is teeming with wild bison who roam this rugged landscape.
  • Geographic Center of the Nation Monument in Belle Fourche. When you come to this monument, you’ll be standing in the geographic center of America.
  • World’s Largest Pheasant. An odd roadside attraction that was built in 1959. It is a 28-foot pheasant statue that weighs 22 tons.
  • Mount Moriah Cemetery. Walk among the final resting places of various legends of the Old West with a ton of history.

Find out more about unique attractions in South Dakota. 

What are the weirdest attractions in South Dakota?

The weirdest attractions in South Dakota include:

  • 1880 Homestead Cabin. An extremely remote stay where there is no electricity or running water so you can truly rough it.
  • Stratobowl. This is a treeless spot in the middle of a forest that has become the launching pad for an annual hot-air balloon festival.
  • Potato Days. An event focused entirely on potatoes that even has a mashed potato wrestling event.
  • Cosmos Mystery Area. This attraction has a tour that seems to defy physics with water running uphill and various other illusions.

Discover more about the weirdest attractions in South Dakota. 

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Black Elk Peak, Mount Rushmore Unorganized Territory, SD 57751, USA