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A beautiful run to an abandoned fire tower atop the highest summit in South Dakota.


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3.3

Miles

5.4

KM

83%

Runnable

7,155' 2,181 m

High

6,170' 1,881 m

Low

204' 62 m

Up

1,189' 362 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

22%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

Runner Notes

Heavy use makes this trail relatively clear and perfect for running.

Description

From the parking lot next to Sylvan Lake aptly named the Sylvan Lake Day Use Area, look for Trail #9. It is the most traveled trail in the area, so it should be easy to spot. It is marked (blazed) with blue diamonds and leads away from the water.

Once on the trail, follow it to the summit, where you'll come upon the granite top of Harney Peak. Follow the trail up the stairs and metal walkways until you come to the fire tower. The view is stunning and the tower, built in the 1930s, adds an element of grandeur.

Contacts

Shared By:

Holton Huntington

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 22 votes

#209

Overall
  4.6 from 22 votes
5 Star
68%
4 Star
27%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#7

in South Dakota

#209

Overall
12 Views Last Month
6,256 Since May 26, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
37%
26%
37%
0%

Photos

Stump along Black Elk Loop
Jan 20, 2021 near Custer, SD
View from Black Elk Peak
Dec 28, 2020 near Custer, SD
Wildlife at the Harney Peak Fire Tower.
Apr 15, 2016 near Custer, SD
Black Elk Peak
Aug 27, 2025 near Custer, SD
View from the tower on Black Elk Peak.
Aug 27, 2025 near Custer, SD
View from Black Elk Tower
Jul 14, 2020 near Custer, SD

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Jan 6, 2019
Aaron Larkin
With teddy 6.8mi
Aug 13, 2015
sam wertheimer
Ran up trail #9 to Harney Peak. Returned via trail #4 towards Little Devils Tower and Cathedral Spires to Sylvan Lake. About same difficulty as up ...
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