This 7.1-Mile Trail In South Dakota Is Covered In Wildflower Blooms In The Springtime
By Tori Jane|Published April 02, 2024
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Tori Jane
Author
Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
Fun fact: North Dakota is the single least-visited state in the nation. Weird, huh? Well, lucky for us, we’re in South Dakota, which is a bit more coveted as a destination thanks to friendly faces, far-out places, and some truly fascinating history. It’s the last stand of the wild, wild west (well, the wild, wild Midwest, anyway), and weaving all throughout the territory are hundreds of miles of awe-inspiring hiking trails that make for excellent outdoorsy adventures. Let’s say you’re on the lookout for spring wildflowers in South Dakota; head up to Custer State Park, and check out the rad-tastic Black Elk Peak Loop, which is sure to thrill.
The geology of Custer State Park is nothing short of intriguing - and scenic.
It's the perfect place for nature lovers to get out and enjoy the weather year-round (though sometimes the trails will be closed for inclement weather).
In the spring, though, it's nothing short of spectacular.
Along the way, you'll discover an old fire tower, awesome crystal rock formations, incredible geological wonders, fascinating flora, intriguing wildlife, and lots more.
Do keep in mind that there's an elevation gain of 1,469 feet, which can be challenging for small children or older folks with knee issues.
Once you reach the summit, though, you'll be at the single highest point in South Dakota: a delightfully awe-inspiring 7,242 feet above sea level. Catch your breath and stay a while; the views are terrific.
Black Elk Peak is named after a Lakota Sioux medicine man named, of course, Black Elk - to honor his legacy and his work. Interestingly, the peak isn't too far from the world-famous Mount Rushmore
Winds can be a bit strong, so plan accordingly and wear good hiking boots. You'll also want to pack plentiful water; the temperatures aren't overly hot here except for the warmest days of summer, but you'll still want to be hydrated for the adventure.
Of course, the way down is much easier than the way up...
...but take your time. You don't want to rush things... especially a trail like this one.
For more information about this awesome hiking trail, be sure to visit its official AllTrails listing. If you’d like to upgrade your hiking game, consider trying out AllTrails Plus. I don’t know how I hiked without it!
Do you have a favorite hike or two for spring wildflowers in South Dakota? Tell me about it in the comments!
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