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# Black Elk Peak

(previously known as HARNEY PEAK) ...in the Black Hills of South Dakota

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://harneypeakinfo.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Harney Peak](https://harneypeakinfo.com/uncategorized) - Harney Peak Fire Lookout Tower.

## Pages

- [Black Elk Peak](https://harneypeakinfo.com/) - The highest point in South Dakota known as Harney Peak for over 150 years, was renamed Black Elk Peak in 2016. The U.S. Board on Geographic Names officially changed the name from Harney Peak to Black Elk Peak on August 11, 2016. Nicholas Black Elk This change was in honor of Nicholas Black Elk and
- [Black Elk Peak: A History](https://harneypeakinfo.com/black-elk-peak-a-history) - The unique and untold stories of Black Elk Peak that are intrinsically linked to the highest point in the Black Hills, S published by The History Press.
- [Best Things to Do in the Black Hills](https://harneypeakinfo.com/plan-your-visit/best-things-to-do-in-the-black-hills) - Black Elk Peak, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and Custer State Park are the best things to do in the Black Hills of western South Dakota.
- [In The Moment](https://harneypeakinfo.com/black-elk-peak-a-history/in-the-moment) - Author of Black Elk Peak, Bradley Saum, was interviewed by Lori Walsh for In The Moment on South Dakota Public Broadcasting. Listen to the broadcast here.
- [Harney Peak Fire Tower](https://harneypeakinfo.com/harney-peak-fire-tower) - The Black Elk Peak, formerly Harney Peak, Fire Tower was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1935 to 1938. Stones gathered from nearby French Creek were used to construct the tower. All of the building materials were hauled by man and mule along the three mile trail to the summit, now known as Black
- [About the Author - Bradley Saum](https://harneypeakinfo.com/black-elk-peak/about-the-author-bradley-saum) - Bradley Saum has developed an appreciation for the natural, cultural and historical gems around the country having served as a park ranger with the National Park Service, South Dakota State Parks and Ohio State Parks. A graduate of the University of Dayton, Bradley has diverse work experiences ranging from wildland firefighting to federal
- [Black Hills Weather](https://harneypeakinfo.com/plan-your-visit/black-hills-weather) - Current Black Hills weather information, including the Harney Peak area. Weather and average temperature ranges for the Black Hills of South Dakota. Black Hills weather can change rapidly, especially in the higher elevations like Harney Peak and afternoon thunderstorms can form quickly. Be prepared with the latest weather forecasts for Black Hills weather. The Hike
- [Harney Peak Trail](https://harneypeakinfo.com/harney-peak-hiking/harney-peak-trail) - Now BLACK ELK PEAK The most popular Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak) hiking trail is the southern approach through the Black Elk Wilderness to the summit. Hiking from the northern approach is used less frequently and is a more challenging hike. Southern Approach Hiking Trail Harney Peak Trail Number 9 from Sylvan Lake is
- [Photo Gallery](https://harneypeakinfo.com/harney-peak-photo-gallery) - Black Hills Photo Gallery Photos from Harney Peak, and around the Black Hills of western South Dakota. Spearfish Canyon, Black Hills, South Dakota:
- [About Geocaching](https://harneypeakinfo.com/harney-peak-geocaching/about-geocaching) - What is Geocaching? Geocaching is an outdoor sport where participants navigate to a specific location using GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates entered into a handheld device. Geocaching has many variations. Traditional geocaching typically has a small container hidden at the destination. Standard practice is to sign the logbook found in the container. Frequently there are
- [Geocaching](https://harneypeakinfo.com/harney-peak-geocaching) - Geocaching Harney Peak Geocaching Harney Peak is a great way to explore the summit. A photograph standing in the Harney Peak Fire Lookout Tower documents your find of the Harney Peak geocache. Hiking Harney Peak, SD is the only way to the cache, since there are no roads leading to the summit. The Photo Gallery provides a
- [Custer State Park Wildlife Loop](https://harneypeakinfo.com/custer-state-park-wildlife/custer-state-park-wildlife-loop) - The Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road is an 18-mile semi-circle route from the State Game Lodge to the Blue Bell Lodge. The paved road meanders through the grasslands of the prairie and into the hills sprinkled with Ponderosa pine. Allow at least 45 minutes to drive the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road. Late
- [Custer State Park Buffalo](https://harneypeakinfo.com/custer-state-park-wildlife/custer-state-park-buffalo) - Custer State Park buffalo are a herd of about 1,300 that can grow to 6 feet tall and weigh over 2,000 pounds. The North American bison are more commonly known as buffalo. The Wildlife Loop Road is typically a great place to see Custer State Park buffalo, along with other wildlife such as deer, coyote
- [South Dakota Coyote](https://harneypeakinfo.com/custer-state-park-wildlife/south-dakota-coyote) - South Dakota coyote can be found in Custer State Park and throughout the Black Hills. Primarily nocturnal, coyote are most active from sunset to sunrise. The coyote is South Dakota’s state mammal. Listen to this: Coyote howling along the border of Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park. Follow @HarneyPeakSD Most famous perhaps for
- [South Dakota Antelope](https://harneypeakinfo.com/custer-state-park-wildlife/south-dakota-antelope) - The South Dakota antelope is the more common name for the pronghorn that roam the open grassland. The buck’s horns are up to 15 inches long and have the distinctive prong on the front which gives the species it name. Mainly reddish brown, the white underneath and on their necks provides distinctive markings. The hair
- [South Dakota Deer](https://harneypeakinfo.com/custer-state-park-wildlife/south-dakota-deer) - South Dakota deer consist of both white-tailed and mule deer. They are found throughout Custer State Park and the entire Black Hills region of South Dakota. Mule deer are named for their large ears and have black-tipped tails are carried down when the deer runs. White-tailed deer live mainly in the forested areas and have
- [Custer State Park Wildlife](https://harneypeakinfo.com/custer-state-park-wildlife) - Custer State Park wildlife roam the 71,000 acres of land protected by the State of South Dakota in the Black Hills. The area that now provides provides habitat for the Custer State Park wildlife was originally established as a Game Preserve in 1913. A network of roads, both paved and gravel, make wildlife viewing very
- [Lovers Leap Trail](https://harneypeakinfo.com/black-hills-hiking/lovers-leap-trail) - The Lovers Leap Trail Custer State Park provides scenic views of the surrounding Black Hills, but is a difficult 3-mile loop trail. The trailhead is located behind the old schoolhouse, which is across from the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center on Highway 16A. From the trailhead, there is a steep ascent to the ridge behind the
- [Coolidge Fishing Area Trail](https://harneypeakinfo.com/black-hills-hiking/coolidge-fishing-area-trail) - Grace Coolidge Walk-In Fishing Area is a 3-mile (one way) hike along Grace Coolidge Creek in Custer State Park. The Coolidge Fishing Area Trail frequently crosses the creek, making wet feet a possibility. There are about 16 creek crossings that are aided with fallen trees or carefully positioned rocks when the water level is low. The
- [Black Hills Hiking](https://harneypeakinfo.com/black-hills-hiking) - Black Hills Hiking offers a wide diversity of opportunities. There are more than 75 trails with over 450 miles of hiking throughout the Black Hills. Black Hills hiking includes the open prairie, shaded forests and steep inclines. Harney Peak is typically hiked from the Sylvan Lake trailhead and climaxes at the 7,242 summit, the highest
- [Black Hills Parks](https://harneypeakinfo.com/harney-peak-black-hills-area/black-hills-parks) - The Black Hills Parks & Monuments in western South Dakota provide a great destination vacation and offer a wide variety of activities. National and State Parks, Forests, Monuments and Memorials in the shadows of Harney Peak in the Black Hills: Black Hills Parks Black Hills National Forest - Covering 1.25 million acres of western South Dakota,
- [Cities & Towns](https://harneypeakinfo.com/harney-peak-black-hills-area/cities-towns) - Black Hills cities & towns in the shadows of Harney Peak: Custer, SD – “The Oldest City in the Black Hills.” Just 7 miles from the trail head to Harney Peak, Custer, SD provides a central location for Black Hills vacations. Cabins, hotels, and shopping are available in Custer, SD. Custer Area Chamber of Commerce and
- [Crazy Horse Memorial](https://harneypeakinfo.com/harney-peak-black-hills-area/crazy-horse-memorial) - Crazy Horse Memorial is a massive mountain carving under construction in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The memorial was commissioned by Henry Standing Bear, a Lakota elder, to be sculpted by Korczak Ziolkowski. When completed the Crazy Horse mountain carving will be 641 feet long by 563 feet high. Crazy Horse’s completed head is
- [Mt Rushmore](https://harneypeakinfo.com/harney-peak-black-hills-area/mt-rushmore) - Mt Rushmore National Memorial is located in the Black Hills of western South Dakota. The granite protruding from the surrounding Ponderosa pine forest was named in honor of New York lawyer Charles E. Rushmore in 1885. It was named long before its destiny to be the backdrop for a great mountain carving was known. Bill
- [Badlands National Park](https://harneypeakinfo.com/harney-peak-black-hills-area/badlands-national-park) - The rugged beauty of the Badlands National Park lie in the plains landscape just to the east of the Black Hills in South Dakota. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient mammals such as the rhino, horse, and saber-toothed cat once roamed here. The park’s 244,000 acres protect an
- [Black Hills Area](https://harneypeakinfo.com/harney-peak-black-hills-area) - Harney Peak is centrally located in the Black Hills National Forest in western South Dakota. The Black Hills are a popular destination with a wide variety of places to see. In addition to hiking Harney Peak, popular things to do in the area range from high mountain carvings to underground caves. Harney Peak granite is
- [Harney Peak Directions](https://harneypeakinfo.com/plan-your-visit/harney-peak-directions) - Harney Peak is located in the central part of the Black Hills, about 39 miles from Rapid City. Harney Peak is surrounded by the Black Elk Wilderness Area, so there are no roadways leading directly to the summit of Harney Peak. The most commonly hiked trail to Harney Peak begins near Sylvan Lake, located in
- [Harney Peak Map](https://harneypeakinfo.com/plan-your-visit/harney-peak-map) - The Harney Peak map locates the highest point in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Harney Peak is located within a wilderness area, and there are no roads leading to the summit. The only way to reach the summit is hiking, or on horseback. Use the Harney Peak map to drive to the trailhead at
- [Plan Your Visit](https://harneypeakinfo.com/plan-your-visit) - Harney Peak is located in the Black Hills National Forest in western South Dakota. Surrounded by the Black Elk Wilderness Area, there are no roads leading directly to Harney Peak. Accessible only on foot or horseback, Harney Peak is about 3.3 miles from the nearest road. The most common trailhead to Harney Peak is located
- [Highpoint](https://harneypeakinfo.com/harney-peak-hiking/highpoint) - Harney Peak is the highest elevation in South Dakota at 7,242 feet. Other state high points: Clingmans Dome is the highest point Tennessee. Clingmans Dome and Harney Peak have many similarities, including historical significance among Native Americans, providing a commanding view of the surrounding area, being able to see into multiple states, trees at the
- [Harney Peak Hiking](https://harneypeakinfo.com/harney-peak-hiking) - Harney Peak is accessible from several trails traversing Black Elk Wilderness in the Black Hills National Forest. The most popular Harney Peak hiking trail begins near Sylvan Lake, in Custer State Park. Trail Number 9 to Harney Peak starts in the upper parking area at Sylvan Lake. Hiking Harney Peak originates in Custer State Park
- [Harney Peak Historic Photos](https://harneypeakinfo.com/harney-peak-fire-tower/historic-photos) - The Harney Peak historic photos provide a glimpse of the early days of the Harney Peak Fire Lookout Tower that was positioned upon the highest peak in the Black Hills to watch for forest fires. The summit of Harney Peak was used from 1911 until 1967 as a fire lookout. There was no fire lookout
- [In Your Words](https://harneypeakinfo.com/harney-peak-in-your-words) - Hiking to the summit of Harney Peak is a unique accomplishment...please share your experience. Was this your first Harney Peak hike? Did you make it to the Fire Tower? Did you see a sunrise? See the back of Mount Rushmore? A glimpse of a mountain goat on the granite? Get caught in an afternoon thunderstorm? A fun
- [Links](https://harneypeakinfo.com/links) - The latest Black Hills Links for vacations, camping, lodging, attractions, and parks, as well as other helpful links. Interested in exchanging links? Contact: Webmaster Email Fire Lookout Towers Fire Lookouts - A central listing of fire lookout towers. Black Hills Vacations ALLTrips: Black Hills South Dakota - Black Hills South Dakota Vacations ALLTrips: Sylvan Lake - Considered the
- [Bark Beetle](https://harneypeakinfo.com/harney-peak-news/bark-beetle) - The combination of drought, warmer winters and aging forests have resulted in an outbreak of bark beetles in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The mountain pine beetle bores under the bark to lay eggs and disrupts the flow of nutrients, which ultimately kills the trees. Black Hills National Forest Urges Visitors to be
- [News](https://harneypeakinfo.com/harney-peak-news) - Black Hills News...Harney Peak in the Black Hills National Forest of South Dakota. Black Hills News

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://harneypeakinfo.com/category/uncategorized)

## Tags

- [Harney Peak](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/harney-peak)
- [Harney Peak SD](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/harney-peak-sd)
- [Black Hills](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/black-hills)
- [Harney Peak Fire Tower](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/harney-peak-fire-tower)
- [Harney Peak Fire Lookout Tower](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/harney-peak-fire-lookout-tower)
- [Harney Peak Weather](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/harney-peak-weather)
- [Harney Peak Map](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/harney-peak-map)
- [Hiking Harney Peak](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/hiking-harney-peak)
- [Harney Peak hike](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/harney-peak-hike)
- [Harney Peak Trail](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/harney-peak-trail)
- [Harney Peak hiking](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/harney-peak-hiking)
- [Mt. Rushmore](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/mt-rushmore)
- [Harney Peak granite](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/harney-peak-granite)
- [Mount Rushmore](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/mount-rushmore)
- [Harney Peak Images](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/harney-peak-images)
- [Harney Peak Photos](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/harney-peak-photos)
- [Photo Gallery](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/photo-gallery)
- [Black Hills SD](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/black-hills-sd)
- [Black Hills weather](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/black-hills-weather)
- [harney peak directions](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/harney-peak-directions)
- [plan your visit](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/plan-your-visit)
- [Custer State Park](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/custer-state-park)
- [Wildlife Loop Road](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/wildlife-loop-road)
- [Wildlife Loop](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/wildlife-loop)
- [South Dakota deer](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/south-dakota-deer)
- [White-tailed Deer](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/white-tailed-deer)
- [Mule Deer](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/mule-deer)
- [Deer](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/deer)
- [Custer State Park Wildlife](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/custer-state-park-wildlife)
- [wildlife](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/wildlife)
- [Pronghorn Antelope](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/pronghorn-antelope)
- [South Dakota Antelope](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/south-dakota-antelope)
- [Antelope](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/antelope)
- [buffalo](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/buffalo)
- [bison](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/bison)
- [custer state park buffalo](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/custer-state-park-buffalo)
- [lovers leap trail custer state park](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/lovers-leap-trail-custer-state-park)
- [lovers leap trail](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/lovers-leap-trail)
- [hiking](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/hiking)
- [Crazy Horse Memorial](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/crazy-horse-memorial)
- [Crazy Horse](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/crazy-horse)
- [Harney Peak Revealed](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/harney-peak-revealed)
- [Badlands](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/badlands)
- [Badlands National Park](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/badlands-national-park)
- [Harney Peak Historic Photos](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/harney-peak-historic-photos)
- [Fire Tower](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/fire-tower)
- [Stone Fire Tower](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/stone-fire-tower)
- [South Dakota Wildlife](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/south-dakota-wildlife)
- [Coolidge Fishing Area Trail](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/coolidge-fishing-area-trail)
- [Custer State Park hiking](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/custer-state-park-hiking)
- [Black Hills Hiking](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/black-hills-hiking)
- [state high points](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/state-high-points)
- [coyote](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/coyote)
- [Harney Peak Location](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/harney-peak-location)
- [Sylvan Lake](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/sylvan-lake)
- [geocaching](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/geocaching)
- [Black Hills Parks](https://harneypeakinfo.com/tag/black-hills-parks)