Custer County Highpoint Trip Report
Sylvan Pk
Date: May 13, 2006
Authors: John and Kathy Mitchler
Located in the center of the Black Hills of southwestern South Dakota,
this pine-covered hill is crowned with a series of granite outcrops,
the westernmost of which provides an outstanding view north to Harney Peak.
A dirt road and ribbon-forest trail rise 880 feet from the gated trailhead
off a busy state highway just west of picturesque Sylvan Lake.
Approaching from the south off US 16, go north on SD 89 for 5.8 miles or go
north on SD 87 (Needles Highway) for 13.7 miles, to the intersection of SD 87/89.
From this intersection, proceed north on SD 87 for 0.8 mile and turn left (west)
at a metal gate.
Approaching from the north off US 16, go south on SD 87 for about 5.5 miles to a tunnel.
Proceed another 0.4 mile and turn right (west) at a metal gate.
The trip reports by Mike Schwartz and by Dave Covill are good. The road beyond
the gate has an easy grade and ascends to a buried water tank. There is a
second metal gate across this road, shortly after the first. Go right, around
the buried tank, following the ridge, steeply at first. There are a series of
granite needles and outcrops which are passed on the left (south) side.
The final, highest hill has an obvious abrupt descent to the west.
During our visit there was orange flagging around trees to mark the trail.
Our only error was to not take Dave's report and thus we forgot to look south
for the Crazy Horse monument. I guess we were transfixed by Harney Peak to the
north and watching our puppy dogs almost sliding off the granite summit rocks.