Custer County High Point Trip Report

Date: October 26, 2001
Author: Michael Schwartz

From the junction of US 16 and SD 87, go south on 87, passing through a short tunnel at 4 1/2 miles, and reaching a gate on the right, open this date to "firewood area." I parked inside the gate, but there is room to park outside as well. This is at a crest, and if you drive another mile or so further south, a steep entrance fee must be paid to the folks at Custer State Park.

From the firewood area, hike up the track road that switchbacks up the face of the mountain and ends at some kind of utility box, depositing you at the base of the southeast ridge. Climb the ridge to the northwest, pass over one false summit, and then continue northwest, usually below the ridge crest. A white blazed "trail" helps out in spots. Finally reach a small, rocky summit with a cairn or fire ring, and enjoy the great view of Harney Peak across the valley. Very pretty hike.

Time up: 35 minutes, down 27 minutes; 800 feet of gain. This mountain is unnamed on the topo, but named Sylvan Peak on the Black Hill National Forest map, which is worth buying if doing extensive Black Hills hiking.