A visit to Mount Rushmore National Memorial isn’t complete without a hike through nearby Custer State National Park. Amazing granite formations can be seen when hiking little devils tower spur trail. This short 3 mile trail (round-trip) is steep in sections but the views are spectacular.
On a recent road trip through South Dakota, my mom and I stayed a few nights in Keystone. Having heard that the hiking in the area is beautiful, we set out on this hike which promised great views. We were not disappointed.
The trailhead is located in Custer State Park on highway 87, approximately 1 mile east of Sylvan Lake. There will be a parking lot on your left. From here, follow the trail at the east end of the parking lot.
Although many trip reports for this hike rate it as difficult, I found it to be easy. As an avid hiking in the Canadian Rockies, this trail is definitely one of the easier ones I’ve done.
There is a short section where the use of hands is mandatory as you climb up between a crack in the rocks, this will put you above the trees and from that point on you are walking on the rock formation to reach the top where you can view Harney Peak, the parks highest peak.
The fall colors made this a beautiful hike. If you hike this during the summer, I would highly recommend you take lots of water as there is almost no shade on the entire hike.
Have you done this hike? What other hike do you recommend in the area?
Jill is the founder, writer, photographer and travel agent at Chasing Adventure Travel. An adventure travel blog that has morphed into a travel agency, specializing in Active and Adventurous Travels.
Jill has traveled worldwide and spent almost 2 years traveling continuously with her husband. She has traveled to resorts, crossed an ocean on a cruise ship, motorcycled multiple times around Europe and experienced self-guided long term travel.
~ Dreamer, doer and energetic go-getter. Curiosity has inspired adventurous world travel. Imagination is everything ~
*Chasing Adventure Travel is in affiliation with Nexion Canada.
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