Sylvan Lake Shore Trail
Trail
1.0 mile
1.6 kilometer
loop
Easy/Intermediate
Elevation
Ascent:
33'
10 m
Descent: -30' -9 m
High: 6,165' 1,879 m
Low: 6,144' 1,873 m
Grade
Avg Grade: 1% (1°)
Max Grade: 3% (2°)
Dogs
Leashed
Weather
All Clear
Popular hikes nearby
Black Elk Peak Loop
7.9 mi 12.7 km • Loop • 1,357 ft Ascent 413.68 m Ascent
(33)
Custer, SD
Horsethief Lake Loop
11.1 mi 17.9 km • Loop • 1,672 ft Ascent 509.77 m Ascent
(1)
Custer, SD
Sanctuary/ Centennial/ Highland Creek Loop
11.2 mi 18.0 km • Loop • 839 ft Ascent 255.58 m Ascent
(2)
Hot Spr…, SD
Lookout Point Loop
4.9 mi 7.8 km • Loop • 429 ft Ascent 130.91 m Ascent
(6)
Hot Spr…, SD
Boland Ridge Trail
5.3 mi 8.6 km • Loop • 632 ft Ascent 192.52 m Ascent
(2)
Hot Spr…, SD
Far East / Founders Valley Loop
2.9 mi 4.7 km • Loop • 327 ft Ascent 99.58 m Ascent
(1)
Rapid City, SD
Navigate on-trail with our free app
“A simple trail with spectacular views around Sylvan Lake.”
— Nate Jones
Features
Birding · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife
Family Friendly
An easy trail with little elevation. Nice picnic area and small boat rentals.
Description
This trail is a beautiful hike around the shore of Sylvan Lake. Sylvan Lake is considered the "crown jewel" of Custer State Park. Although only a mile long, this trail is a must do hike. All around the lake there are breathtaking views.
For visitors interested in climbing, Sylvan Lake has some great rock formations for bouldering. Once you are finished with your hike, you can cool down with a swim in the beautiful water or rent a small boat and paddle around the lake. When you get hungry, don't forget to eat your meal in the picnic area.
For visitors interested in climbing, Sylvan Lake has some great rock formations for bouldering. Once you are finished with your hike, you can cool down with a swim in the beautiful water or rent a small boat and paddle around the lake. When you get hungry, don't forget to eat your meal in the picnic area.
Hiked this trail?
We need help with the following missing trail information:
ADA Accessible, Need to Know, Flora & Fauna
Contacts
Rate This Trail
Rate Quality
Rate Difficulty
Share This Trail
Check In
Check-Ins
Aug 22, 2017
Rob McEwan
Nice easy loop with great rock formations and vistas over small Sylvan lake.
Jun 22, 2017
Leah Pratt
Trail is well maintained and short, though there's a lot of detours you can choose to make climbing the rocks and cliff jumping! So beautiful
1.1mi
Aug 20, 2016
Aaron Sage
Picturesque lake and perfect waking path around. Plenty of spots for the boys to climb rocks and explore.
1mi
—
1h 00m
Jul 21, 2016
Chris McCloud
Combined hike time between Sylvan Lake, Sunday Gulch, Little Devils Tower, and Harney Peak South trails. Hike time 3:54, stop time 3:24
Hiking Project is part of the REI Co-op family,
where a life outdoors is a life well lived.
0 Comments