Custer State Park Scenic and Hiking Experience

Experience the best of Custer State Park in one day, from driving the mesmerizing Needles Highway to hiking to the summit of Black Elk Peak and exploring iconic Cathedral Spires.

Last updated: Apr 2024

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$20 per vehicle for a 7-day pass.
More than 500 Miles from you
National Star: Exceptional experiences within the country that are must-dos for adventurers
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Description

Start your adventure at the Custer State Park Visitor Center, where you can pick up maps and tips. First, traverse the Wildlife Loop Road early in the morning to spot bison, pronghorn, and other wildlife. Transition to the Needles Highway, renowned for its breathtaking granite spires and the narrow Needles Eye Tunnel. Enjoy stops at various pull-offs for photos and short explorations of the rock formations. For hiking enthusiasts, tackle the trails at Sylvan Lake or the more challenging Black Elk Peak, offering expansive views of the Black Hills. Conclude your journey with a serene drive through Iron Mountain Road, designed to provide majestic views of Mount Rushmore through its tunnels.

What's included

Entrance to Custer State Park
Map and information guide
Access to all scenic drives and hiking trails

Perfect for

For solo

For two

For groups

For families with kids

For parents and grownups

Outdoorsy

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Itinerary

8:00 AM: Visit the Visitor Center.
8:30 AM: Drive Wildlife Loop Road.
10:00 AM: Explore Needles Highway and Needles Eye Tunnel.
12:00 PM: Picnic lunch at Sylvan Lake.
1:00 PM: Hike around Sylvan Lake or ascend Black Elk Peak.
4:00 PM: Drive through Iron Mountain Road.
6:00 PM: Return to your accommodation or continue exploring nearby attractions.

Location

Custer State Park, South Dakota

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Packing List

Comfortable hiking shoes
Weather-appropriate clothing
Water and snacks
Binoculars for wildlife viewing
Camera

4.8 ● Google reviews

Beautiful State Park with lots of wildlife to see. There are frequent pull-offs to watch the animals. The wildlife loop is great but also explore some of the well-maintained dirt roads to see more remote areas. We brought binoculars and our 7 yr old had a blast spotting animals and enjoying the views.

Beautiful hidden gem. We arrived on Memorial Day and it was hardly busy at all maybe due to the weather. It was foggy and rainy while we were there but it only added to the beautiful scenery. We stayed at the Sylvan Lake Campground which was very quiet and secluded. We had a tent only site not too far from the mini parking lot at the edge of the campground loop. Would love to come back on a hot summer day for a whole different experience.

This is a fabulous state park! Beautiful views, plenty of hiking trails of all levels. Great place to see hundreds of bison on the wildlife loop road. Impressive vistas of the needles pinnacles. Close to Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse monuments. We stayed in the town of Custer which was very convenient.

Beautiful park with great trails, stunning views, and well maintained visitor centers. Very impressed with how well things are labeled and how clear the signage is. Clean bathrooms in many areas. Tons of places to camp. Wildlife to see - elk, bison, burros, and prairie dogs.

Fantastic ride through the park. Highly recommend it. Drive the wildlife loop road. We were lucky to see a lot of buffalos and their calfs. Amazing but keep your distance. Don’t be an inconsiderate You Tube statistic. Your $20 fee is good for 7 days. Very scenic drive. Some wild donkeys around, begging for food on the road.

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