9/16/2023 0 Comments Black elk peak trail![]() ![]() Near our camping area (not pictured – to the right) Since we were bringing Juno along, we made sure to pack extra water in our bags before hitting the trail. Even though it was September, the weather was pretty hot (mid 70s) and unfortunately the hike up to Black Elk Peak offered no water sources along the way. Honestly though, for Labor Day weekend, it was far less crowded than I expected it to be. When we arrived, there were 5-6 other cars in the parking lot and one other couple getting their backpacks ready to hit the trail. ![]() We arrived to Willow Creek trailhead around 1PM on Saturday after a quick visit to Mount Rushmore (beautiful but complete CF) which was just down the road. Even though its standard route gets quite crowded, we discovered that hiking Black Elk Peak via Willow Creek trail was not only less populated, but also gave us the option to backcountry camp, it was a win win. After a quick Google, we found Black Elk Peak to be a solid choice in the area we planned on staying. When Jackie and I planned a trip to South Dakota over Labor Day of 2019, we wanted to do some hiking along the way. Our Trip to Black Elk Peak via Willow Creek Trail: September 2019 If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. *Links included in this description might be affiliate links.Bug spray and bug net (in summer months).La Sportiva Trango Hiking Booths (Women’s).La Sportiva Trango Hiking Boots (Men’s).Black Elk Peak via Willow Trail Hike Route Gear Needed Once on the summit of Black Elk Peak, you have picturesque views in all directions. There are tremendous views in almost all directions at this point and for much of the remainder of the hike to the summit. Finally, the trail up to Black Elk Peak from Willow Creek is horse friendly, so be sure to keep an eye and an ear out for them along the way.īest Views: Black Elk Peak offers great views about 3-4 miles into the hike once you get onto the ridge. ![]() If you plan on hiking Black Elk Peak during the spring or early summer months, be prepared for lingering snow, mud and mosquitoes in areas. Unlike the southern side which has hoards of people on any given day, the northern approach is much more quiet and secluded. Hike Tip(s): If you want to have a trail to yourself on Black Elk Peak, the Willow Creek approach is the way to go. Whether you are hiking with a dog, a thirsty human or plan on camping for the night – you need to remember that this hike is completely without any sources of water from the time you leave the parking lot until you get to the summit. On the 5+ mile hike up to Black Elk Peak via Willow Creek there are no sources of water along the way. In terms of other hiking in the area, there are a handful of other trails which you can view on the map here. Theoretically, you could hike to the south side of the lake instead of going all the way back to Willow Creek. Make it a Loop: The hike to Black Elk Peak is an out and back hike. Be aware, that the summit of Black Elk Peak can get very crowded with other people and dogs, so make sure your dog plays well with others if you want to take them on this hike. Please bring enough water for your dog and of course pick up after your dog. There is a lot of beetle kill and rolling terrain which can make for tricky camping spots.ĭogs: The to Black Elk Peak is dog friendly but has no sources of water along the way. Camp spots are good within the first mile of the hike, but after that you probably will need to hike 3-4 miles before finding anything great after that. However, there is also backcountry camping available for free along the trail. SummaryĬamping: Black Elk Peak does have a campground that is horse friendly, you can read more about this here. Willow Creek trailhead has a non-plumbing bathroom and maps available as well. Parking: Black Elk Peak has a parking lot that can fit 10-15 cars easily and based on the time of year we visited vs the number of cars there, I don’t feel that parking will ever be an issue for you. Regardless of the direction you are coming from, you can enter Willow Creek Horse Camp into your favorite navigational device to get to this trailhead of Black Elk Peak. Continue on this for 3.1 miles to find the entrance to Willow Creek on your right.įrom downtown Keystone, take SD-244 for 9.3 miles (driving past Mt Rushmore) and find the well marked entrance to the Willow Creek Campground on your left. Season: Year Round, expect snow November – MarchĬheck the Weather Forecast Directions to Black Elk Peakįrom downtown Custer, take US 385 for 10.7 miles, then turn right onto SD-244. Virtual Trail Guide: Black Elk Peak via Willow Creekīlack Elk Peak via Willow Creek Distance: 10.75 Miles RTĭifficulty: Moderate to Difficult What does this mean? 15 Mount Charleston Hiking Trails Jackie enjoying the summit views, looking west. ![]()
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