Custer Peak Fire Tower Road
Technical climb to working fire tower atop the Hills
Forest Service Road 345 climbs 1,200 feet in three brutal miles to reach Custer Peak’s fire tower, one of the last working lookouts in the Black Hills. The route starts innocently enough near Custer State Park’s north boundary, but quickly turns nasty with exposed granite ledges, loose rock sections, and switchbacks tight enough to make you question your turning radius. The final half-mile requires careful line choice through basketball-sized boulders before you break into the clearing where the 80-foot steel tower has been watching over the Hills since 1939.
This is difficult territory that demands a capable 4WD with skid plates, low gearing, and an experienced driver who knows when to get out and spot. The granite can be slick when wet, so avoid this route during or after storms. Summer and early fall offer the best conditions and clearest views from the tower, where you can see into Wyoming on clear days. No permits needed, but respect the working tower and firefighters during fire season. It’s a technical challenge that earns you one of the finest views in the Black Hills.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 6 mi / 9.7 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6827 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Custer, SD |
| Land manager | Black Hills National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of clearance and armor do I need for Custer Peak?
You'll need at least 10+ inches of clearance, heavy-duty skid plates, and rock sliders. The granite ledges will scrape anything less armored, and several sections require articulation over boulders.
Is the trail open in winter or spring?
No, it's typically snow-covered November through May. Best access is June through September when the fire tower is operational and weather is stable.
Do I need permits to drive to the fire tower?
No permits required since it's in Black Hills National Forest, but the fire tower itself may be restricted during high fire danger days. Check with the Forest Service for current status.
What's the hardest part of this trail?
The granite shelf sections around mile 4 where you're climbing over solid rock ledges with steep drop-offs. One wrong line choice and you're body damage or worse.
Is there cell service for emergencies up there?
Cell service is spotty at best throughout the climb, though you might catch a signal at the fire tower due to elevation. Bring a satellite communicator for real emergencies.