Harney Peak Road to Black Elk Peak — Black Hills High Country Circuit via Sylvan Lake Approach
Granite spires and lookout towers above the Black Hills.
Black Elk Peak — still called Harney Peak by most locals who’ve been driving up here for decades — sits at 7,242 feet and anchors the roughest corner of Custer State Park and the Black Hills National Forest. The backcountry road approach via the Sylvan Lake area and the forest roads south of Highway 87 gets you deep into the granite terrain away from the tourist corridor. FR 345 and the connecting spurs drop you into creek drainages hemmed in by Cathedral Spires-style rock formations, with the fire lookout tower on the summit visible from miles out. The surface is mostly hard-packed gravel with rutted sections after rain, some embedded granite slabs, and tight turns through timber.
Honest difficulty: this is a high-clearance run more than a technical 4WD crawl. A stock 4Runner or Wrangler on all-terrains handles it fine in dry conditions. Where it gets spicy is in spring mud or after summer thunderstorms when the clay sections get greasy. Best window is late June through early October. No backcountry permit for vehicles, but Custer State Park requires a park entrance fee. Fuel in Custer or Hill City. Dispersed camping is limited inside Custer State Park — use BHNF land on the north side for free camping.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance |
| Surface | Gravel, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7242 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Custer, SD |
| Land manager | Black Hills National Forest / Custer State Park |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | USFS Black Hills National Forest Custer State Park official page |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail without modifications?
Yes — stock high-clearance 4WD is the minimum and it's sufficient for most of this route. The rocky sections near the higher elevations benefit from skid plates, but a bone-stock Tacoma or 4Runner in 4-low will get through without drama.
When does this trail open and is snow a real concern?
June through October is the reliable window. Snow can linger on the upper sections well into May and can return by late October — at 7,242 ft, it hits harder and faster than the valley towns suggest. Don't trust an early June date without checking current road conditions with USFS Black Hills first.
Do I need a permit to run this trail and is there a fee?
Yes — you'll need a valid America the Beautiful pass or pay the Custer State Park entrance fee depending on which sections you're accessing. The Sylvan Lake approach runs through Custer State Park, so budget for that entry fee. Check the USFS Black Hills site for any additional backcountry or dispersed camping requirements before you go.
What's the hardest section and what makes it technical?
The rocky stretches climbing toward the Black Elk Peak area are the crux — exposed granite slabs and loose rock that punish poor line choice at speed. It's not extreme, but it's unforgiving if you're not paying attention; go slow, pick your line, and the moderate rating holds up.
Is there reliable water along the route, and how far is the nearest fuel from the trailhead?
There are water crossings on the route but don't count on them for drinking water without a filter — treat everything. For fuel, Custer, SD is your best bet before heading out; top off there because once you're in the backcountry, you're committed for the full 24-mile run with no services.
Trail track
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