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Sunday Gulch Trail

Difficult Difficult
 4.5 (39)
  1. Areas
  2. SD
  3. …Western S. Dakota
  4. …Black Hills National Forest
  5. Black Elk Wilderness
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“A trail leading to great water falls and following along the scenic river. ”

steve berens
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Map Key

3.0

Miles

4.9

KM

Loop

6,300' 1,920 m

High

5,598' 1,706 m

Low

719' 219 m

Up

719' 219 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

39%

Max Grade (21°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

Description

This trail is best accessed by taking the Sylvan Lake Shore Trail for a ways before reaching an intersection with this trail. You start out following the creek down, traveling steep rocks. The route is ell maintained and there are hand rails if needed.

You cross the creek several times and it's recommended that you stop and take a look at the rock formations on the way. This are is pretty unique, and this lovely trail is a great way to get up close and personal with some incredible rocks. Once you get the low point of the trail, it almost feels like you're in a tropical rain forest. The vegetation is think and green, a stark contrast from the open prairie that you started in.

Soon after leaving the lush creek bed, you start heading back up the other side of the loop. Your return journey will continue through more interesting cliffs and rocks. Though you'll be heading uphill on the way out, there is nothing very difficult. Keep your time or physical limitations in mind, as this was not a short trail either.

Shared By:

steve berens with improvements by Susan Alton
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 39 votes

#1

in Black Elk Wilderness

#91

Overall
  4.5 from 39 votes
5 Star
59%
4 Star
31%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
3%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Black Elk Wilderness

#2

in South Dakota

#91

Overall
8 Views Last Month
2,751 Since Jul 26, 2016
Difficult Difficult
0%
0%
12%
21%
53%
15%
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Photos

Sunday Gulch? More like FUNday Gulch! Portions of this trail are no joke at all.
Jul 5, 2019 near Custer, SD
Black Hills from leg near entrance/exit of Sunday Gulch Trail.
Oct 7, 2020 near Custer, SD
Entrance/exit
Oct 7, 2020 near Custer, SD
Lush loveliness in Sunday Gulch
Jul 5, 2019 near Custer, SD
Making our way around Sylvan Lake
Nov 11, 2015 near Custer, SD
Welcome to Sunday Gulch. Right below this, the river is flowing down the stairs.
Jul 5, 2019 near Custer, SD

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 9, 2023
Brian L
3mi
Aug 1, 2022
Frances Coffey
Jul 23, 2022
Joe Crimando
Jul 8, 2022
Chris Sanny
9h 30m
Jun 23, 2022
Angela Beitelspacher
Sep 19, 2021
Ryan Rossell
Aug 15, 2021
Brett Wolfley
Jul 3, 2021
Arielle Burnett
One of the most difficult and treacherous trails I've completed. Especially since it was raining a little. It made for slippery rocks. So much fun! 3.8mi — 2h 30m

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