Sylvan Lake Shore Trail

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Trail

1.0 mile 1.6 kilometer loop
Singletrack
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

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Map Key

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Trail shared by Nate Jones

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Current trail conditions

Minor Issues 7 days ago See History

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“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.

Contacts

Land Manager: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks - Bear Butte State Park

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Check-Ins

Sep 23, 2018

Sep 15, 2018

K&A Best

Sep 9, 2018

Jessica Callahan

Jun 21, 2018

Aug 22, 2017

Rob McEwan

Nice easy loop with great rock formations and vistas over small Sylvan lake.

Aug 18, 2017

Jul 17, 2017

Jun 25, 2017

J T

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

May 27, 2017

Nice, easy loop around the lake 1mi

Oct 30, 2016

Jordan Schelling

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

Combined hike time between Sylvan Lake, Sunday Gulch, Little Devils Tower, and Harney Peak South trails. Hike time 3:54, stop time 3:24

Trail Ratings

4.9 from 7 votes

#2

in Black Elk Wilderness

#305

Overall

4.9 from 7 votes

5 Star		86%
4 Star		14%
3 Star		0%
2 Star		0%
1 Star		0%

Rankings

#2

in Black Elk Wilderness

#3

in South Dakota

#305

118 Views Last Month

2,556 Since Nov 11, 2015

Easy/Intermediate

Easy/Intermediate

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Photos

Some nice climbing on the rocks around Sylvan Lake.

Some nice climbing on the rocks around Sylvan L…

Panorama of Sylvan lake. One of the most beautiful lakes I have ever seen. If you are near Mount Rushmore take the time to drive up here and check it out. There is a nice trail that goes around the lake.

Panorama of Sylvan lake. One of the most beauti…

One of the most beautiful lakes I have ever seen. About a 45 minute drive from Mount Rushmore, Lake Sylvan.

One of the most beautiful lakes I have ever see…

Making our way around Sylvan Lake

Making our way around Sylvan Lake

Sylvan Lake is utter glass in mid-March.

Sylvan Lake is utter glass in mid-March.

Sylvan Lake is beautiful!

Sylvan Lake is beautiful!

Sylvan Lake is made beautiful on a sunny summer day.

Sylvan Lake is made beautiful on a sunny summer…

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