7 Best Hikes in Custer State Park
There are a lot of hiking trails in Custer State Park, and they’re definitely not all the same. You can spend an afternoon climbing over granite boulders, follow a creek through the trees, tackle a longer canyon trail, or just enjoy an easy walk without feeling like you need to recover for the next three days. That’s one of the things I like about hiking in Custer State Park. You can choose a trail based on how much time you have, how hard you feel like working, and whether you’re in the mood for a little adventure or just want to get outside.
Here are seven trails worth checking out. Some are popular for good reason, while others don’t get nearly as much attention.
Distance: Approximately 2.3 miles out and back
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best for: Granite formations, photography, and a shorter hike with some climbing
Cathedral Spires is one of those trails where the scenery gets more interesting the farther you go. Starting along Needles Highway, the trail winds through the pines before climbing into an area filled with massive granite formations. There are some steeper, rocky sections along the way, but the real payoff comes when you reach the base of the spires. And they’re a lot bigger when you’re standing underneath them than they look from the road. This is a great option if you want a hike that doesn’t take all day but still feels like you’ve done something. You’ll get some climbing in, but you won’t have to commit to a six- or seven-mile hike.
Good to know: Parking at the trailhead is limited, especially during the busy summer months. The trail also connects with other routes, so pay attention to the signs rather than assuming every trail junction leads back to your vehicle.
Distance: Approximately 3 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best for: Rock scrambling, big views, and hikers who like a little challenge
Little Devils Tower starts out feeling like a fairly normal Black Hills hike. You’re walking through the trees, gaining some elevation, and enjoying the scenery. Then you get closer to the summit, and things change. The final section requires scrambling over large granite rocks. There are places where you’ll be using your hands as much as your feet, and you’ll need to pay attention to where you’re going. If you’re comfortable scrambling, it’s a fun change from a typical hiking trail. If heights or exposed rocks make you nervous, you might not enjoy this section quite as much. The views from the top make the extra effort worthwhile, with granite formations and forest stretching out around you. It’s a shorter hike than Black Elk Peak, but that doesn’t necessarily make it easier.
Good to know: Don’t attempt the summit scramble when the rocks are wet or icy. Good traction makes a big difference.
Distance: Approximately 3 miles one-way / 6 miles out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Creekside hiking, shade, families, and combining multiple adventures
If you like hiking along water, Grace Coolidge is a good one to try. The trail follows Grace Coolidge Creek between Center Lake and the Grace Coolidge Walk-In Area. You’ll spend much of the hike surrounded by trees, with the creek running alongside the trail. There are quite a few creek crossings, but boards and bridges help you across, so you shouldn’t have to get your feet wet. I recommend starting at Center Lake. I usually hike the entire trail out and back, which makes it about six miles, but you can easily shorten it by turning around whenever you’re ready. And starting at Center Lake gives you a couple of options when you’re finished. If it’s a warm day, you can jump in the lake for a swim. Or, if you’ve still got some energy left, there are two additional loop hikes called the Lost Trails that also start at the lake. One thing to remember is that this is also a walk-in fishing area. You’ll likely encounter people fishing along the creek, so be respectful, give them room, and avoid disturbing the water where they’re casting.
Good to know: This is a great trail for a warm day, with plenty of shade and water nearby. Watch for poison ivy along the trail, and remember that you don’t have to do the entire six miles to enjoy it.
Distance: Approximately 4-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Best for: A good workout, forest hiking, and scenic overlooks
Lover’s Leap is a good choice when you want something a little more challenging without spending most of the day on the trail. Starting near the State Game Lodge area, the trail climbs through the forest toward a rocky overlook. And yes, there’s some climbing involved. You’ll notice it. Once you reach the higher sections, you’ll get views of the surrounding hills and some of the park’s recognizable landmarks. What makes Lover’s Leap a little different from the trails around Sylvan Lake is the variety. You get wooded sections, rocky terrain, overlooks, and creekside scenery as you work your way around the loop.
Good to know: Expect a decent climb, particularly near the beginning. This isn’t one I’d classify as an easy walk just because it’s only four miles.
Distance: Approximately 4-mile loop
Difficulty: Strenuous
Best for: Rock scrambling, creek scenery, and families with adventurous kids
Sunday Gulch is one of my kids’ favorite hikes in Custer State Park, and I can see why. The trail starts behind Sylvan Lake and takes you down into a rocky canyon filled with boulders, trees, and a creek. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the rocks and play in the water, which makes it a lot more entertaining for kids than simply walking down a trail. One of the most memorable sections has large granite boulders with metal handrails to help you navigate the steep terrain. I recommend hiking Sunday Gulch clockwise. That way, you save the rocky handrail section for the end and get to climb up through the boulders rather than working your way down them. Personally, I think it’s more fun that way. And climbing up the rocks feels a little more manageable than trying to navigate down them, especially if they’re damp. The rest of the loop takes you through forested areas alongside the creek before eventually bringing you back toward Sylvan Lake. Just remember, it’s still a fairly strenuous hike. There are steep sections, uneven terrain, and plenty of places where you’ll need to watch your footing.
Good to know: Sunday Gulch is seasonally closed because of dangerous ice conditions. Check the trail status before heading out, and use extra caution around wet rocks and the handrail section.
Distance: Approximately 2.4 miles one-way
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Families, strollers, casual walks, and an easier day outside
Not every hike needs to involve climbing a mountain. Sometimes you just want to get outside, stretch your legs, and enjoy a walk without having to think too hard about where you’re putting your feet. That’s where Creekside Trail comes in. This paved trail follows Grace Coolidge Creek through the State Game Lodge area. Along the way, you’ll cross bridges, pass through wooded sections, and enjoy some open areas. It’s a good option for families with younger kids, people pushing strollers, or anyone looking for a more accessible trail. You can access the trail from multiple points, so you don’t have to walk the entire route.
Good to know: Creekside is a shared-use paved trail, so you may encounter bicycles and other trail users. It’s a good choice for an easy outing, but pay attention at road crossings.
Distance: Approximately 4.9 miles one-way
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Longer hikes, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and getting away from the busier trails
Barnes Canyon is a little different from the granite-heavy trails around Sylvan Lake. Instead of scrambling over boulders or climbing toward a summit, you’re following a route through the canyon along Dry Creek, which doesn’t always have water flowing. The trail follows an area once used by homesteaders, loggers, and miners. You’ll pass through forested sections and more open terrain, with opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. It’s also open to mountain biking, so don’t be surprised if you encounter cyclists. One thing to remember is that this isn’t a short loop. It’s nearly five miles one-way, which means you’ll need to arrange transportation, turn around early, or be prepared for a much longer outing. And because you’re in Custer State Park, keep an eye out for bison. They’re impressive animals, but they’re also a very good reason to change your hiking plans if they’re blocking the trail.
Good to know: Bring water, have a map downloaded, and don’t assume you’ll have cell service throughout the canyon. Give wildlife plenty of space.
Which Custer State Park Trail Should You Hike?
That depends on what you’re in the mood for.
- For granite formations and photos: Cathedral Spires
- For scrambling and big views: Little Devils Tower
- For a creekside hike with the option to swim or explore more trails: Grace Coolidge
- For a workout with a good overlook: Lover’s Leap
- For a rocky canyon adventure the kids will love: Sunday Gulch
- For an easy walk with the family: Creekside
- For a longer, quieter hike or mountain bike ride: Barnes Canyon
If you’re visiting Custer State Park for the first time, Cathedral Spires and Little Devils Tower are good choices for experiencing the granite formations that make this part of the Black Hills so recognizable.
But don’t overlook the other trails. Sometimes the best hike is the one that fits your day, not necessarily the one everyone else is doing.
A Few Things to Know Before You Go
Custer State Park requires a park entrance license, and while the park is open year-round, some roads and trails may be closed seasonally. If you’re hiking in late fall or winter, pay particular attention to icy rocks, creek crossings, and shorter daylight hours. The conditions around Sylvan Lake can be very different from those at lower elevations in the park. Download your maps ahead of time, carry water, and make sure someone knows where you’re headed if you’re tackling a longer trail. And remember, the bison have the right of way. Every time.
Find Your Next Black Hills Trail
These seven hikes offer a pretty good variety of what you’ll find in Custer State Park. Some will give your legs a workout, some might get your shoes wet, and others are just a nice way to spend an hour or two outside.
You don’t have to choose the hardest trail to have a good day.