Custer State Park (Days 7-9)

When I visited Custer State Park in the winter, I hiked to the top of Black Elk Peak, and though portions of the Needles Highway were closed, I could still see the incredible rock formations in the distance. During the warmer months, this landscape is completely transformed by endless trails, a scenic stretch of road and plenty of lakes for swimming, fishing and relaxing.

I considered hiking the Black Elk Peak Trail (7.6 miles roundtrip, 1,550 feet of gain) again, but opted to try something new, and hit the Sunday Gulch Trail (3.9 miles roundtrip, 800 feet of gain) instead. A good portion of the hike is shaded, but the parts in the creek can be slippery, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear and use the handrails. I also hiked the Cathedral Spires Trail (2 miles roundtrip, 500 feet of gain) during my time in the park, which is an amazing spot in the early morning.

I’m a big fan of mixing up my travels with camping and nights in affordable hotels, and the nearby Rocket Motel in Custer had everything I needed, plus a darling retro vibe. I was lucky enough to visit the park during the week, so securing campsites at Sylvan and Legion Lakes was not a problem, though there are plenty of campgrounds and RV parks in the Custer area that always have vacancies in the summer. As far as food, Calamity Jane Winery & Mercantile & Coffee Shop is my favorite spot for breakfast, and the Custer Wolf is a great place to grab lunch post-hike. Black Hills Burger and Bun Co (now Black Hills Sauce & Dough) is always a great option, and they also have vegetarian options on their menu.

My Epic 9-Day Road Trip in South Dakota