Black Hills National Forest

Recreational Activities - Wilderness

"A wilderness, in contrast with those areas where man and his works dominate the landscape, is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain...an area of undeveloped Federal land retaining its primeval character and influence...protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions..."

Wilderness Act of 1964 - Section 2(c)

The Black Hills National Forest currently manages the Black Elk Wilderness.

For those who want to get away from the rigors of modern society, we offer a Wilderness Area totaling over 13,000 acres. It is managed to ensure public enjoyment while protecting the unique natural character of these special places.
Motorized equipment and mechanized transport are prohibited, there are no developed facilities, and horses and hiking are the primary means of transportation in these Congressionally-mandated wilderness areas.

The Black Hills National Forest currently manages one wilderness area, the Black Elk Wilderness. First established as part of the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve in 1920, then a Wilderness area in 1980, by the Colorado Wilderness Act, the Black Elk Wilderness was the second wilderness area designated in South Dakota. Its acreage was further expanded in the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2002. At 13,426 acres, it is a fairly small wilderness area, accessible from the Black Hills National Forest, Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Custer State Park. The wilderness lies solely on National Forest Lands and is administered by the Hell Canyon Ranger District.

The Black Elk Wilderness is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System with its rugged terrain, magnificent scenery and well-maintained trail system, the Black Elk sees heavy visitation, especially on Harney Peak Trail #9 from Sylvan Lake. Climbing Harney Peak is a very popular activity, making opportunities for solitude very elusive. Most visitors spend the day sharing this unique landscape with mountain goats, turkey, deer, mountain lions and an abundant number of bird species.

The weather system is variable and can be harsh. Thunderstorms producing hail, high winds and heavy rains are common in summer afternoons. Temperature drops accompany these quick building storms. Be prepared for all sorts of weather changes.

The very qualities that make the Black Elk Wilderness a treasure are jeopardized by its popularity. Compliance with management standards is a constant challenge. Increasing demands on the area have caused physical, biological and social impacts on the resource. Many management actions to minimize the impacts of heavy use have been taken. These include, but are not limited to:

• Education and Information (inside and outside Wilderness)
• Clearing trails Re-vegetation and Restoration Regulations Wilderness Ranger Contacts Regulations are in place to protect and preserve these wild lands, it is YOUR responsibility to know and adhere to these rules while traveling and camping in wilderness.
• Please enjoy your wilderness areas and preserve the wilderness legacy for future generations.

Black Elk Wilderness Vicinity Map

Rules, Regulations and Practices | Permits

Safety | Leave No Trace

US Forest Service, Black Hills National Forest
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Last modified April 20, 2007