Four incredible Hikes at CUSTER STATE PARK | Black Hills South Dakota

[@steveorner7919]

We hiked black elk peak after doing the cathedral spires trail but we had very little water. I wouldn’t recommend that. We had 2 little children with us and one fell asleep halfway down and had to carry him. It was pretty rough. We however, would definitely do that hike again prepared with food and water. Another hiker on the cathedral spires trail told us that black elk peak was maybe a mile from that trail. He was very very wrong. But it was absolutely stunning from the top. So that day we walked the Sylvan lake trail, cathedral spires trail and black elk peak with 2 small children. We still think the Lord carried us most of the way as we have absolutely no hiking experience. And at the top he gave us Thunder snow. Just an amazing experience all around. Thanks for sharing. Makes me want to return to Custer.

[@AmericasParks]

What a great memory, Steve! Glad you made it safely back! Have a blessed weekend!

[@bjspringer3410]

My family and I did an RV trip from Ohio to Yellowstone in the summer of 2020... we spent 2 nights in Custer State Park and the Black Hills. We needed far more time and will be returning. We definitely fell in love with the area.

[@AmericasParks]

Good taste, BJ! One the finest state parks indeed!

[@jacobkoch1931]

I live in South Dakota and I absolutely love Custer State Park! I try to get out there 2-3 times a year. Little Devils Tower is definitely my favorite, there’s no better feeling than getting through those little cracks on the way to the top.

[@AmericasParks]

Nice to hear, Jacob! Love that area, first time to Custer. Had such a memorable stay!

[@jymnmeier3527]

On this Blessed Sunday I say to you and your wonderful family, a most Happy Easter! As I watch you journey amongst the wonder of God's creation admiring its beauty, I am reminded of the gift this life we live truly brings. I sit here with my heart overflowing, reminded of the miracle of rebirth. A feeling I experience every time I an immersed in nature.

[@AmericasParks]

Beautiful words, my dear friend! So edified by those remarks. Hope you had a great Resurrection weekend!

[@Gigaamped]

The “let’s finish strong” at the beginning of the last hike cemented your spot as America’s steward to our great parks and monuments. Happy Easter Randy!

[@AmericasParks]

Loved that comment! :) Have a blessed weekend!

[@lesliesmith7835]

Happy Easter Randy. Such a beautiful video in a wonderful state. I loved the rock formations, much of it reminded me of the Hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National Park. "He is Risen"... Amen ... Robin :-)

[@AmericasParks]

God bless you, dear brother! Hope you had a great Resurrection weekend!

[@papajon62]

Great video, Randy! We were there about 3 weeks before you shot this video! We were really blown away by the beauty in this area. Little Devil’s Spur was our snack spot for lunch. Little class 3 before the peek, lots of fun, follow the blue markers. Cathedral Spires was next. When we came through, we were on the edge of some dark rain clouds moving through that valley. The spires looked liked something out of a J R R Tolkien book, very middle earth. Finished with the loop to Black Elk Peak, highest point east of the Rockies and west of the Pyrenees. Such an underrated area, A real sleeper, highly recommended! If one can, try to leave some time to rent a canoe and paddle around Sylvan Lake. Thanks for taking us along again….

[@AmericasParks]

Great words, Aamon! You really got to experience this place. Congrats on your hike to the top of Black Elk Peak!

[@aeromedical6750]

This park is on par with many National Parks in terms of the amenities and scenery. I definite must see if you’re in the Rapid City area.

[@AmericasParks]

@@aeromedical6750 Totally agree! Thanks for the comment!

[@jameshouse1268]

So beautiful 🤩, Custer State Park is a “must do”! Thank you for some gorgeous videography. Take care always!

[@AmericasParks]

Much appreciated, James!

[@kristalann1973]

Absolutely love Custer SP and the surrounding Black Hills National Forest…I’ve hiked these trails many times and you must return and hike up to Black Elk Peak! It is an incredibly beautiful hike and the fire tower is awesome! Great video! Thanks for sharing your adventure!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Kristal! Happy to hear you've experienced this gem!

[@SergeCousineau]

Nice video Randy ! This was the place I saw my first white Mountain Goat . Will soon be editing this park of our 84 days road trip . Did you know that one of those tunnels was looking straight to Mount Rushmore. Nice drone shots 👍👏 Have a great Easter 🐣 weekend Serge H&S 👩‍❤️‍👨🌈🇨🇦

[@AmericasParks]

Hello, my friend! Yes, did the "drives" the next day and should have that incredible tunnel in the video. Need to catch-up with your channel! Have a blessed Easter!

[@SergeCousineau]

@@AmericasParks No worries Randy you are a very busy man and I do understand! Almost reached 50K …crazy !👍👏🥰 Serge 😉👍🌈🌞

[@kellyjohnson3617]

Custer state park is insanely breath taking. Only drove through there on a road trip and we were stunned by the beauty. The granite spires are incredible

[@AmericasParks]

Nice to hear you've been out there, Kelly! Such a beautiful place!

[@daylight2nd]

Just have to say - I've been following the channel from the start and the videos were always interesting, but now the edits are how they are made are so quality, well done!

[@AmericasParks]

Really encouraged by those kind words! Thank you!

[@NickandRachel]

Now that's a beautiful State Park! Yeah a lot of people don't realize you having to walk back and forth on those trails to set up cameras is like hiking it twice lol All of those trails looked beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

[@AmericasParks]

Perhaps the best State Park in our great country! Love the Black Hills! Enjoy your weekend!

[@DestinationEarth]

What a really interesting looking park! The scenery there is absolutely wonderful. It's amazing you don't hear about these areas more. Great collection of trails, but I feel I would likely have to break those down into a couple of days. You did great with just having the two days however!

[@AmericasParks]

Not problem for you, my friend - expert hiker! Yeah two days and I packed in a lot. Hope to get the "best drives" uploaded tomorrow.

[@IvorsTravels]

Another beautiful area. Sylvan Lake is stunning I have waited at the tunnel a couple of times where, incredibly, tour coaches threaded their way through. The circuit through the park has some really beautiful moments. Through the Needles and the more open areas to the south are so lovely to drive. Thanks for showing some of the walks here. Really enjoyed once more.

[@AmericasParks]

Thank you, my friend! Hope to get the video up tomorrow where I highlight those drives you've enjoyed!

[@ronswayne7621]

Thanks for sharing another episode in your wonderful saga- A life well lived!

[@AmericasParks]

Much appreciated, Ron! Have a blessed weekend!

[@bobbybeeman7280]

Thanks man, I will never be able to get there so really do appreciate the journey. Thanks again!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the kind words, Bobby! Grateful the video brought you some joy!

[@neilholland6558]

Another great and informative video. Thanks!

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate that, Neil!

[@lizardquinceanera6893]

Thank you so much for this amazing video! It was perfect to the point and gave me all the info I wanted. This area has to be one of the top most underrated natural landscapes in the US I feel like I missed so much when I went. I’m saving this for when I’m planning my next trip out there!

[@AmericasParks]

Happy to hear that you found the video useful! Hope it's a great return visit!

[@BeezerMN]

I'm heading out there in early May. so, of course to plan my trip I search your videos to see if you've been there. Appreciate the work you do sir.

[@AmericasParks]

Have a super trip! You won't be disappointed in the Black Hills!

[@carolynedwards1045]

Thanks for this video. What memories it brought back! We kayaked Sylvan Lake and had the best time. We hiked Sunday Gulch from the bottom up and almost killed me!! Happy Resurrection Day!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Carolyn! Nice to hear you've been out there. Hope you had a blessed Resurrection Day as well!

[@Mikey-Likes-It_101]

Randy, another nice diversion from our NPS sites - there are many exceptional and surprising state parks (especially in Northern California) across America to see. I appreciate that you include these in your collection of AMERICA’S PARKS. The fall colors really make your film pop! We especially enjoyed your view of the lakes. I think YOU are the Mountain Goat (since Shane is not with you). Amazing rock spires. THANK YOU FOR TAKING US ON THESE WONDERFUL HIKES, . . . Mike

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks much, Mike! I've been phasing more State Parks into my itinerary.

[@vs123]

Standing on top hill mountain looks at view very beautiful

[@AmericasParks]

So true!

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

Wow! We did a drive through (probably the same day you were hiking) and thought it was beautiful, but I don’t remember seeing anything like this! I do remember the lake! Ha ha - the bison were driving the dog insane and we had gone to Rushmore the same day so no hiking time. We saw burros and prairie dogs though!

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Heather, hope to get those sites up on tomorrow's video of Custer. As I said, it would have been so special to run into you guys!

[@anthonyrschmitz5182]

The wife and I dod the Black Elk peak hike several years ago. It was so good. Last week we took the kids and did the sylvan lake looop and went about a mile up trail #9. The Harney Peak Trail.

[@AmericasParks]

Glad to hear about the time you are investing with your family Anthony! You'll cherish those memories!

[@homesteadhiker]

Great hikes and great video.

[@AmericasParks]

Thank you very much!

[@markherrick3747]

Another nice video, thanks for taking the time to share it with all of us. I do miss the family trips but understand the kids are all grown up now and probably doing their own thing. :)

[@AmericasParks]

That's right, Mark. I miss it so much myself. Still, thankful for the good memories we've shared at the parks. Enjoy your weekend!

[@adventuringoutdoorswitheric]

Oh wow I really loved this video! That is something I would totally want to try to do is bang out all four hikes in one day here! Beautiful State Park and some pretty amazing landscape. Looks like you had such beautiful weather to film and explore this day. Really great footage and I'm going to put this place on my list. Really nice job on this video Randy! Thanks for sharing your adventure with all of us.

[@AmericasParks]

Good call, Eric!

[@coastskyadventures2752]

This state park looks beautiful. What a gem. I have to write this down to visit if i am in South Dakota. But you driving in the dark at night in the park on a dirt road, I was getting worried about your safety.

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate the concern! Thankfully, don't believe that road was too bad. More disappointed about needing to turn around when I was literally at the campsite!

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

Moved to the black hills almost 2 years ago.... Its been the most amazing time of my life (and im old lol). I ride ADV motorcycles, hike, Fly Fish, and camp. I moved to literally heaven for all my hobbies. Now if I could only make some friends! How do you do that at 45?

[@andyvawser4943]

We only were able to drive through Custer SP on our way back home from South Dakota last year. But it was still an incredible drive! Especially the tunnel near the Needles! Ever since then we keep saying we need to go back and your video convinces us even more. Can't wait for part 2 of your visit.

[@AmericasParks]

Such a great place! Looking to get the best drives uploaded tomorrow.

[@eriksadventurelab]

I'm planning a trip out to South Dakota this upcoming summer and this is great info for trails to see. Can't wait to go!

[@AmericasParks]

Happy to hear that, Erik! You'll love it out there!

[@potatothorn]

Those rocks sure tower over the forest, love it! awesome hikes and that lodge looks spectacular as well thanks for taking us with you

[@AmericasParks]

This is truly one of the best SP's! Enjoy your weekend, Thorn!

[@RobertLWard]

On the radar for next year, ( summer). The scenery you have presented here is amazing!

[@AmericasParks]

Good call, Robert! One of the best SP's and easy to hit on any trip to the Black Hills.

[@karricompton]

We loved it when we went last year. It was just beautiful.

[@AmericasParks]

Happy to hear you've enjoyed this special place! Hope to get the "drives" video up tomorrow.

[@MarkH163]

Stunning video Randy! Those towering spires are quite impressive jetting out of the landscape! Always appreciate your video production work, well done!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much, Mark! Have a great weekend!

[@kaziahmed5509]

Beautiful state park and amazing clips as well.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much, Kazi!

[@dawnmarsh4161]

That’s a lot for one day! You go!!

[@AmericasParks]

Not bad for the old man! :) Best drives (a lot easier that way) at Custer are coming tomorrow.

[@daniellebollman447]

Can't wait to try these hikes! Thanks for sharing!

[@AmericasParks]

Hope it comes together for you, Danielle. Enjoy your weekend!

[@sarabrown-janowiak1892]

Absolutely LOVE SD!! It doesn't get it's due, but it really is breathtaking- especially the Black Hills and Custer State Park. Would love to go back to Black Hills National Forest (would love to see a video of that from you, too). 🪨🌲🌳

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Sara, hopefully plan to get the Black Hills NF up in a few weeks. Great top! Badlands is next!

[@wombat3455]

Fascinating and very nice scenery. Had no idea this place even existed! (from here in UK) 🙌🙌🙌

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, great State Park that flies under the radar. Greetings back from the US!

[@jacobpatterson9440]

I visited Custer about a year ago a week before my university started. I drove there from Michigan & it was a great park!

[@AmericasParks]

Happy to hear that, Jacob!

[@plc1721]

Always appreciate your videos. This park has been on my list for a while, but it just got bumped up a few slots. Thanks!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks and good call! Hope to get one more Custer video up tomorrow. One of, if not the best SP!

[@birdman5223]

Wonderful scenery MrRandy🌝

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks much, Mark! Have a blessed weekend!

[@reneeh2050]

I love Custer State Park and Sunday Gulch is my favorite trail. We spent 10 days hiking in the Black Hills last summer and still didn’t get to hike all we wanted to - Thunderstorms the day we wanted to do Black Elk Peak.

[@AmericasParks]

It sure is a special place, Renee. Hope to get the "best drives" video uploaded tomorrow. Enjoy your weekend!

[@matthiasjurcik3871]

Absolut incredible, amazing NP. So calm there, feel the Nature in every step. ;-)

[@AmericasParks]

Absolutely! Always nice in the fall when the crowds move on and the leaves are turning color.

[@stevedietrich8936]

This is really nice Randy. Great job on the drone shots. You could do Black Elk Peak pretty easily. It's been a while since I have done it but we started at Sylvan Lake and as I recall it was only a few hours to get up and back down.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Steve! Yes, I later realized you can take a shorter hike to the peak (other than the longer continuation of the trial I initially took). Take care!

[@jonathantitus2629]

I love that you have included this state park amongst the many National Parks and Monuments because I have long considered it THE best state park in the country. There are some great ones around the country, but none has the drives, wildlife, scenery, and hikes of Custer. Thanks for sharing--seems apropos I watched it on Earth Day. A day I celebrate God's creation.

[@AmericasParks]

Amen to that last sentence! Yes, good taste - voted the best SP in the country. One more video coming out tomorrow.

[@BillSprague]

Look at the up side. You didn’t have a bison encounter in the dark 6 mile dirk road. 😉 Sylvan Lake never disappoints. Thanks for great memories!

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah, excellent point, Bill! :) What a great SP! One more on Custer coming tomorrow.

[@UltimaOmega]

Sunday Gulch is a interesting trail. You cross the creak multiple times. If I recall, once you go down you eventually have to go back up the same elevation since both ends of the trail start at the same elevation. Black Elk is a great climb. I've done trail 9 up and back in a little over 4 hours including 30 minutes at the peak.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the great insights, Travis!

[@marycallanwieth2152]

I’m still planning a hike on the Centennial trail that goes through wind cave, and Custer state park, the black elk forest, then north to bear butte. The hike unfortunately has been delayed until next year at this point.

[@AmericasParks]

I'm sorry... but when it comes together, it sure will be one epic hike!

[@scottplatt3410]

Loved our trip to Custer State Park way back in 2011. We did the hike to the tallest point East of the Rockies. Great hike. But, it was called Harney Peak back then. You referred to it as Black Elk Peak. Did they change the name? Love your vidoes. Thanks for your efforts!

[@allanhigby139]

Yes they changed it to Black Elk peak.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the feedback, Allan!

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate that, Scott! As Allen mentioned, they did change the name. Congratulation on your accomplishment!

[@marksauck3399]

Always wanted to hike around the Black Hills in the Autumn to see the colors. Is it very cold there in October? One nice thing about hiking all these trails, you don’t need bear spray with you. There aren’t any bears out there that you’ll run into on the trail.

[@TravelswithVandSteve]

Can I ask if you have to have any papers or permissions to fly your drone? We have a DJI Mini and because it's light, there are less regulations for it here in the UK. We'd love to take it but I see different advice online about using it. Thanks! Really enjoy your videos, the America's National Parks are close to my heart.

[@AmericasParks]

Hello and thanks for the kind words! I have a part 107 drone license, but flying the drone also depends on the rules at the specific locations. There is everything from drones prohibited (such as all national parks), to permission by application/fess to free responsible flying. You really need to check with each specific location - most have their regulations on the Internet. Have a blessed weekend!

[@M2Abi]

Custer State Park was the first place I ever went camping (Girl Scout trip). I've hiked Sunday Gulch and Black Elk Peak, though back in the day when I hiked it, it was called Harney Peak.

[@AmericasParks]

You ladies picked a great location! And the counselors worked you hard... way to make it to the top of BE Peak!

[@parkspursuit7515]

Great video. Love the Black Hills area. I really need to get back up that way, maybe I'll try later this season. Since I've started making videos, the only time I've gotten there I really only kind of 'drove through' for half a day as I was on my way from one place to another and Custer just happened to be on the way.

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah, imho, one of the top 4 destinations!

[@parkspursuit7515]

@@AmericasParks absolutely. The terrain is incredibly varied too, there's craggy mountainous rock areas, serene lakes, sprawling prairie fields of bison.

[@christopherhaak9824]

I'll be there in May to hike the Centennial trail, but you don't do that one in a day. Would strongly recommend the hike up to Black Elk Peak (Harney Peak). From Sylvan lake is is about 7 miles RT and 1000 ft of gain, but not very difficult. There is also another fun hike that we like to do that starts are the Grace Coolidge walk in fishing area and goes all the way up to the lake and you can swim and then hike back. Six miles RT and you cross a stream multiple times. Pretty easy hike also. You could easily spend a hole week in Custer SP and close by and not see everything. Custer SP is one of the best state parks in the country.

[@AmericasParks]

Excellent comment, Christopher! Thanks for adding to the discussion... sharing your experience with the park is appreciated.

[@michaelowen326]

Thank You

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for watching!

[@AdventuresinPopUps]

Just found your channel, thanks for all the great content! We are headed out that way in a few weeks camping with 2 large families. 😄 Do you know if there's swimming at Sylvan Lake, or good swimming holes around there?

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much! I did see people swimming at Sylvan. I also know you can rent small boats and SUP boards there too. Have a great trip... you'll love Custer!

[@AdventuresinPopUps]

@@AmericasParks thanks! We went 10 years ago but had 2 small children and were not camping. This time will be camping with 2 families/ 10 kids! 😄 Then Yellowstone if they'll let us and more!

[@darren6110]

Ever visited devils tower in WY Randy? Might be a good video...I'm planning on rving out that way hitting Rushmore and Custer en route.

[@AmericasParks]

Beautiful area! Yes, went there with my daughter in 2017. One day park. Observed an amazing lighting storm (from the car). if interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKDJdWqBYp6NasU

[@darren6110]

@@AmericasParks thanks for the link! I didnt see it when I checked through your videos...I thought I'd seen all of them! :)

[@igluver15]

Excellent video. You really do it right! Question?....have you ever lost a drone on one of your adventures? Just curious. Thanks! You are the best!

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate your kind words! Haven't lost a drone, but did get my first one stuck in a tree. When it finally fell (after I hooked it with a long rope toss) it was destroyed on impact. Common stories for new drone pilots!

[@lukegrachek]

How hard was it to get the permit for the drone

[@AmericasParks]

State (not national) park, so no permit was needed. Check back because things could always change and not all state parks nationwide permit drones as well.

[@jerryphillips7330]

I hope that burger was a Bison Burger. They are very good and are served at the Game Lodge in Custer St Pk.

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah, missed out on that one, Jerry! Still hit the spot!

[@THEADVENTURECHANNEL11]

Preacher Randy! Very interested in the drone. Is it a good value? I looked it over and it looks great. Considering doing the FAA test.

[@AmericasParks]

Yes, happy I purchased the drone. Illegal in many places, but I seem to always find a legal spot to fly in the area. The FAA test was a killer. Be sure to study. Still glad I took it.

[@glenforward1553]

How was the difficulty of these hikes compared to Angels Landing? Harder, easier or the same?

[@AmericasParks]

Overall, easier with less elevation change. Yet longer total distance. No exposed cliffs on the Custer hikes.

[@AmericasParks]

All that is from what I can best recall.

[@silvertenzin]

Any wild animals like puma or bear on hike trails?

[@AmericasParks]

Believe there are Bobcats, but they're very elusive. No bears.

[@AlanMETALMAN]

What a stunning park and 4 great hikes but man, what a nightmare start with that turnaround, I would be raging. At least you got a good start to the day and brilliant when you almost have the trail exclusively to yourself, even though he hit a dead-end again! The views when you got to the summit were insane, so well worth all the hassle you had but maybe all 4 trails in one day, would be one trail too much for me, but super cool footage, cheers Alan

[@AmericasParks]

Much appreciated, Alan! After watching so many of your videos I believe you could out hike me on the trails! :) Hope you are enjoying your weekend!

[@nathanporter4697]

What time of year did you do these hikes?

[@AmericasParks]

Was there on September 12, 2021. Take care!

[@mkwy8782]

Custer has to be a top 5 state park-nationally-it may be the best. And with Mt. Rushmore, Wind Cave and the Badlands nearby.

[@AmericasParks]

Right on! One of my top 4 locations to visit. Believe it's been voted the best SP in America. Hope to get the "drives" video uploaded tomorrow, if interested. Take care!

[@dougB4454]

There’s a mountain goat. Rraaaaaannndy.

[@jesusworksbro4Life]

Jesus loves you greatly and South Dakota is beautiful

[@AmericasParks]

Amen! Never get tired of that reminder!

[@ryanjewik8116]

Crip mac would hate it here

[@AmericasParks]

Had to look that one up! Good observation!

[@louisbink]

Did you beat the Presbyterians to dinner? :).

[@AmericasParks]

haha, that day, I just about beat everybody! Have a blessed weekend!

[@markrobinowitz8473]

Beautiful place but it could use a better name.

[@AmericasParks]

One of the best SP's imho, Mark. Have a super weekend!

[@jesshughes776]

I ONCE THOUGHT OD MOVING TO FARGO NORTH DAKOTA. DIDN'T HAPPEN. I TAKE MY WIFE OUT ON FIRST DAY OF SPRING. 70 DEGREES AND 1ST STOP IS THE ER TO GET HER TREATED FOR FROSTBITE,.😁

[@AmericasParks]

Yikes, she sure is sensitive to "cooler" temperatures.

[@jacqulynjohnson6237]

The tomb is empty for He is risen!! ✝️🪨💐 We have done Black Elk Peak twice! Isn’t it awesome!!

[@AmericasParks]

Amen, Jacqulyn!!! Happy to her you made it to the top of the peak. Great accomplishment!