Your guide to the top 16 Mountains of South Dakota for epic trails and hikes. Start your adventure now!
Grab your gear, adventurers! We’re taking you on a whirlwind tour of South Dakota’s mightiest mountains. From the celebrated Black Elk Peak to the lesser-known crags like Old Baldy, we’ve got the inside scoop on each.
You’ll learn the best trails, the easiest access points, and the nearby towns for a hearty post-hike meal. Expect encounters with local wildlife and vistas that’ll make your camera work overtime.
Whether you’re in for a leisurely hike or a challenging climb, our guide has a mountain for every type of explorer. Get ready to hit the heights and make some memories on South Dakota’s legendary peaks.
Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak)
Black Elk Peak is the highest point in South Dakota, standing at 7,242 feet above sea level. Located in Custer State Park, the popular 7-mile round-trip trail starts at the Sylvan Lake Trailhead.
You can reach Custer State Park by traveling through the nearby town of Custer. The peak offers breathtaking panoramic views and is considered sacred by the Lakota Sioux people.
Hiking trails
The popular 7-mile round-trip Black Elk Peak Trail #9 starts at the Sylvan Lake Trailhead in Custer State Park. This moderately strenuous hike rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views from the highest point in South Dakota, standing at 7,242 feet above sea level.
How to reach
Access the trailhead by traveling through the nearby town of Custer and entering Custer State Park.
Cities nearby
The town of Custer offers lodging, dining, and other attractions such as Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park.
Wildlife and unique details
Keep an eye out for mountain goats, elk, and white-tailed deer. The peak is considered sacred by the Lakota Sioux people and features an impressive stone fire tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
Bear Butte
Bear Butte is a geological marvel with spiritual significance for several Native American tribes. It rises 4,426 feet above sea level and is located near Sturgis.
Hiking the 1.85-mile Summit Trail offers stunning views of the surrounding plains. Sturgis, famous for its annual motorcycle rally, is the nearest city to Bear Butte.
Hiking trails
The 1.85-mile Summit Trail offers a moderately challenging hike to the top of Bear Butte, a geological marvel that rises 4,426 feet above sea level.
How to reach
Bear Butte State Park is located just off Highway 79, about 6 miles northeast of Sturgis.
Cities nearby
Sturgis, famous for its annual motorcycle rally, is the nearest city to Bear Butte and offers lodging, dining, and other attractions.
Wildlife and unique details
Watch for bison, prairie dogs, and various bird species in the surrounding grasslands. Bear Butte is a sacred site for several Native American tribes, and you may encounter colorful prayer flags and prayer offerings tied to trees along the trail.
Mount Coolidge
Mount Coolidge, located in Custer State Park, is home to the historic Civilian Conservation Corps Fire Tower. The summit stands at 6,023 feet, and you can drive up the winding 1.7-mile gravel road to reach the top.
The nearby city of Custer offers lodging and dining options for visitors.
Hiking trails
No official hiking trails lead to the summit of Mount Coolidge, but you can drive up the winding 1.7-mile gravel road to reach the top and explore the area on foot.
How to reach
Access Mount Coolidge by driving through the nearby town of Custer and entering Custer State Park.
Cities nearby
The nearby city of Custer offers lodging, dining, and additional attractions such as Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park.
Wildlife and unique details
As you explore the area around Mount Coolidge, you may spot bison, pronghorn antelope, and a variety of bird species. The historic fire tower at the summit provides incredible views of the Black Hills and Badlands.
Mount Roosevelt
Mount Roosevelt, also known as Friendship Tower, stands at 5,690 feet above sea level. Located near Deadwood, the 0.6-mile round-trip Mount Roosevelt Trail offers a leisurely hike to the stone tower built in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt.
Deadwood, a historic gold rush town, is the nearest city and offers numerous attractions and accommodations.
Hiking trails
The 0.6-mile round-trip Mount Roosevelt Trail is a leisurely hike that leads to the stone tower built in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt.
How to reach
Mount Roosevelt is located about 3 miles northwest of Deadwood, accessible via Mount Roosevelt Road.
Cities nearby:
Deadwood, a historic gold rush town, is the nearest city and offers numerous attractions, accommodations, and dining options.
Wildlife and unique details
Keep an eye out for deer, wild turkeys, and other wildlife while hiking the Mount Roosevelt Trail. The Friendship Tower at the summit was dedicated in 1919 as a tribute to the friendship between Theodore Roosevelt and Seth Bullock, the first sheriff of Deadwood.
Terry Peak
Terry Peak, standing at 7,064 feet, is South Dakota’s premier skiing destination. The mountain is located near Lead and offers various ski runs, snowboarding areas, and snowshoe trails during winter months.
Hiking trails are accessible during summer, and the nearby city of Lead offers lodging and dining options.
Hiking trails
During the summer months, hikers can explore the various trails around Terry Peak, offering beautiful views of the Black Hills and surrounding areas.
How to reach
Terry Peak is located about 5 miles southwest of Lead, with access via Nevada Gulch Road.
Cities nearby
The nearby city of Lead offers lodging, dining, and other attractions such as the Sanford Underground Research Facility and the Homestake Opera House.
Wildlife and unique details
As you explore Terry Peak, you may encounter deer, elk, and various bird species. In winter, the mountain transforms into a winter wonderland, offering skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports.
Crows Nest Peak
Crows Nest Peak, at 6,413 feet, is situated in the Black Hills National Forest. The 3.8-mile round-trip trail starts at the Little Devils Tower Trailhead near Sylvan Lake.
Rapid City, the nearest major city, offers accommodations, dining, and attractions like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial.
Hiking trails
The 3.8-mile round-trip trail to Crows Nest Peak starts at the Little Devils Tower Trailhead near Sylvan Lake.
How to reach
Access the trailhead by traveling through the town of Custer and entering Custer State Park, then continue to Sylvan Lake.
Cities nearby
Rapid City, the nearest major city, offers accommodations, dining, and attractions like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial.
Wildlife and unique details
Keep an eye out for mountain goats, white-tailed deer, and a variety of bird species as you hike the Crows Nest Peak Trail. The trail offers views of the impressive granite formations of the Cathedral Spires and the Black Elk Wilderness.
Old Baldy Mountain
Old Baldy Mountain, standing at 6,096 feet, offers a scenic 5.8-mile loop trail in the Black Hills National Forest.
The nearby city of Spearfish provides lodging, dining, and attractions like the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway.
Hiking trails
The Old Baldy Mountain Loop Trail is a 5.8-mile hike through the Black Hills National Forest, offering beautiful views and a moderately challenging experience.
How to reach
The trailhead is located off Forest Service Road 222, approximately 12 miles southwest of Spearfish.
Cities nearby
The nearby city of Spearfish provides lodging, dining, and attractions like the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway and D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery.
Wildlife and unique details
As you hike the Old Baldy Mountain Loop Trail, watch for white-tailed deer, elk, and various bird species. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding Black Hills and the opportunity to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
Odakota Mountain
Odakota Mountain, with an elevation of 7,197 feet, is South Dakota’s second-highest peak. The 8-mile round-trip hike starts near the ghost town of Spokane.
The nearby city of Rapid City offers lodging, dining, and attractions.
Hiking trails
The Odakota Mountain Trail is an 8-mile round-trip hike that offers a moderately challenging experience. The trail meanders through the beautiful Black Hills National Forest, providing hikers with stunning views and a serene atmosphere.
How to reach
To access the trailhead, take US Highway 385 to Forest Service Road 710, located approximately 15 miles south of Hill City. Follow Forest Service Road 710 for about 4 miles to the trailhead, which is near the ghost town of Spokane.
Cities nearby
Rapid City, the nearest major city, provides lodging, dining, and attractions like Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and the Reptile Gardens. Other nearby cities include Hill City and Keystone, which also offer accommodations, dining options, and local attractions.
Wildlife and unique details
As you hike the Odakota Mountain Trail, watch for white-tailed deer, elk, and various bird species. The trail offers an opportunity to explore the diverse ecosystems of the Black Hills National Forest and enjoy the scenic views. The ghost town of Spokane adds a touch of history and intrigue to the hiking experience.
Sheep Mountain
Sheep Mountain, at an elevation of 6,234 feet, is located in the Black Hills National Forest.
This peak offers a moderately difficult hike through the forest, providing exceptional views of the surrounding Black Hills.
Hiking trails
The 5.5-mile round-trip Sheep Mountain Trail takes hikers through the Black Hills National Forest, offering a moderately challenging experience with beautiful views.
How to reach
The trailhead is located off Tinton Road (Forest Service Road 134), approximately 10 miles south of Spearfish.
Cities nearby
The nearby city of Spearfish offers accommodations, dining, and attractions like the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway and D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery.
Wildlife and unique details
As you hike the Sheep Mountain Trail, watch for white-tailed deer, elk, and various bird species. The trail offers an opportunity to explore the diverse ecosystems of the Black Hills National Forest and enjoy the scenic views.
Flag Mountain
Flag Mountain, at 6,119 feet, offers a moderately challenging 4-mile round-trip hike through the Black Hills National Forest.
The trailhead is located along Forest Service Road 358.1B, near Deerfield Lake. Hill City, the nearest city, provides accommodations, dining, and attractions like the 1880 Train and the Black Hills Central Railroad.
Hiking trails
The Flag Mountain Trail is a 4-mile round-trip hike that provides a moderately challenging experience and scenic views.
How to reach
The trailhead is located along Forest Service Road 358.1B, near Deerfield Lake.
Cities nearby
Hill City, the nearest city, provides accommodations, dining, and attractions like the 1880 Train and the Black Hills Central Railroad.
Wildlife and unique details
Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, elk, and various bird species as you hike the Flag Mountain Trail. The trail offers an opportunity to explore the diverse ecosystems of the Black Hills National Forest and enjoy the scenic views.
Cement Ridge
Cement Ridge, standing at 6,678 feet, offers panoramic views of the surrounding Black Hills and Bear Lodge Mountains.
The Cement Ridge Lookout, a historic fire tower, can be reached by a short hike from the parking area near the summit. Spearfish, the closest city, offers lodging, dining, and other attractions.
Hiking trails
The short hike to the Cement Ridge Lookout provides an easy, family-friendly experience with stunning panoramic views.
How to reach
Cement Ridge is located near the Wyoming border, accessible via Forest Service Road 850.
Cities nearby
Spearfish, the closest city, offers lodging, dining, and other attractions.
Wildlife and unique details
Watch for white-tailed deer, elk, and various bird species as you explore the Cement Ridge area. The historic Cement Ridge Lookout offers incredible views of the Black Hills, Bear Lodge Mountains, and the surrounding plains.
Green Mountain
Green Mountain, with an elevation of 6,634 feet, is located in the Black Hills National Forest. The 4.2-mile round-trip Green Mountain Trail offers moderate difficulty and exceptional views.
The closest city, Hot Springs, offers accommodations, dining, and attractions like the Mammoth Site and Evans Plunge Mineral Springs.
Hiking trails
The 4.5-mile round-trip Green Mountain Trail provides a moderate hike through the Black Hills National Forest, offering picturesque views and a chance to explore the area’s flora and fauna.
How to reach
The trailhead is located along Forest Service Road 299, approximately 7 miles southeast of Hill City.
Cities nearby
The nearby city of Hill City provides lodging, dining, and attractions like the 1880 Train and the Black Hills Central Railroad.
Wildlife and unique details
As you hike the Green Mountain Trail, watch for white-tailed deer, elk, and various bird species. The trail offers a chance to explore the diverse ecosystems of the Black Hills National Forest and enjoy the scenic views.
Crooks Tower
Crooks Tower, standing at 7,137 feet, is located in the Black Hills National Forest. The hike to the summit can be accessed from the Crooks Tower Road, and the trail is approximately 1.5 miles round-trip.
The nearest city is Deadwood, which provides lodging, dining, and historical attractions.
Hiking trails
The 1-mile loop Rankin Ridge Nature Trail is an easy hike that offers panoramic views of the Badlands National Park.
How to reach
Rankin Ridge is located within Badlands National Park, accessible via the Rankin Ridge Road.
Cities nearby
Wall, the nearest city, provides lodging, dining, and attractions like Wall Drug and the Wounded Knee Museum.
Wildlife and unique details
Keep an eye out for bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs as you hike the Rankin Ridge Nature Trail. The trail offers sweeping views of the unique geological formations of the Badlands and opportunities for wildlife watching.
Rankin Ridge
Rankin Ridge, at 5,013 feet, is the highest point in the Badlands National Park. The Rankin Ridge Nature Trail offers an easy, family-friendly hike with panoramic views of the rugged Badlands landscape.
Hiking trails
The 1-mile loop Rankin Ridge Nature Trail is an easy hike that offers panoramic views of the Badlands National Park.
How to reach
Rankin Ridge is located within Badlands National Park, accessible via the Rankin Ridge Road.
Cities nearby
Wall, the nearest city, provides lodging, dining, and attractions like Wall Drug and the Wounded Knee Museum.
Wildlife and unique details
Keep an eye out for bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs as you hike the Rankin Ridge Nature Trail. The trail offers sweeping views of the unique geological formations of the Badlands and opportunities for wildlife watching.
Little Devils Tower
Little Devils Tower, at 6,960 feet, offers a moderately challenging hike with exceptional views of the Black Elk Wilderness and the Cathedral Spires. This peak is a popular destination for hikers seeking stunning vistas and unique granite formations.
Hiking trails
The 3.6-mile round-trip Little Devils Tower Trail is a moderately challenging hike that offers breathtaking views and impressive granite formations.
How to reach
Access the trailhead by traveling through the town of Custer and entering Custer State Park, then continue to Sylvan Lake.
Cities nearby
Rapid City, the nearest major city, offers accommodations, dining, and attractions like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial.
Wildlife and unique details
Keep an eye out for mountain goats, white-tailed deer, and various bird species as
Medicine Mountain
A 6,872 feet, is home to the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark, an ancient Native American ceremonial site. The 1.5-mile round-trip trail starts near the Medicine Mountain Campground.
The closest city is Newcastle, Wyoming, which offers lodging, dining, and attractions.
Hiking trails
The 3.6-mile round-trip Little Devils Tower Trail is a moderately challenging hike that offers breathtaking views and impressive granite formations.
How to reach
Access the trailhead by traveling through the town of Custer and entering Custer State Park, then continue to Sylvan Lake.
Cities nearby
Rapid City, the nearest major city, offers accommodations, dining, and attractions like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial.
Wildlife and unique details
Keep an eye out for mountain goats, white-tailed deer, and various bird species as
Conclusion
South Dakota’s mountains offer a diverse range of hiking experiences, from leisurely strolls to challenging treks, all with breathtaking views and unique features.
Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a casual outdoor enthusiast, these mountains are waiting to be explored. Plan your next adventure, and conquer the majestic mountains of South Dakota.
Whether you’re exploring the sacred peaks of the Black Hills or the rugged Badlands landscape, South Dakota’s mountains provide unforgettable adventures that will leave you longing for more.
So, pack your hiking boots, grab your gear, and get ready to conquer the majestic mountains of South Dakota!
