The Black Elk Wilderness in South Dakota is a rugged and remote area within the Black Hills National Forest, offering stunning natural beauty and opportunities for hiking and backpacking.
The Black Elk Wilderness is located in the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota. It covers an area of approximately 13,426 acres and is named after Black Elk, a famous Lakota Sioux medicine man. The wilderness area is known for its rugged terrain, dense forests, and diverse wildlife.
The Black Elk Wilderness is characterized by its steep cliffs, rocky outcrops, and deep canyons. The area is home to several peaks, including Black Elk Peak (formerly known as Harney Peak), which is the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains. Hiking trails wind through the wilderness, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The wilderness area is also home to several lakes and streams, providing habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. Ponderosa pine forests dominate the landscape, with stands of aspen and birch trees scattered throughout. Wildflowers bloom in the spring and summer, adding color to the scenery.
The Black Elk Wilderness is an important habitat for a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep. Birdwatchers can spot species such as golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and black-capped chickadees in the area. The wilderness is also home to several rare plant species, including the Black Hills spruce and the Black Hills ponderosa pine.
Preserving the Black Elk Wilderness is essential for maintaining the biodiversity of the region and protecting the fragile ecosystems that exist within its boundaries. The area provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
Formerly known as Harney Peak, Black Elk Peak is the highest point in South Dakota, standing at an elevation of 7,242 feet. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Black Hills and is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Sylvan Lake is a picturesque spot located at the base of Black Elk Peak. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, kayaking, and picnicking in the crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering granite rock formations.
The Cathedral Spires are a series of towering granite rock formations that attract rock climbers from around the world. The spires offer challenging routes for climbers of all skill levels, as well as stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
Little Devils Tower is a popular hiking destination in the Black Elk Wilderness. The trail offers sweeping views of the surrounding forests and rock formations, culminating in a dramatic overlook at the summit.
This 15-mile loop trail offers hikers the opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes of the Black Elk Wilderness, including dense forests, open meadows, and rugged rock formations. The trail is well-marked and offers several backcountry camping options along the route.
Description: Aerial of Black Elk Wilderness
Image by Black Hills National Forest – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: View looking towards the Black Elk Wilderness in the Black Hills, South Dakota, USA. Horsethief Lake can be seen in the foreground.
Image by Beth Steinhauer, Black Hills National Forest – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Photos by Greg Shine, BLM These photos were taken in April 2016, along the wilderness area's Black Lava Trail, Basalt Trail, Tumulus Trail & Nighthawk Trail. The United States Congress designated the Oregon Badlands Wilderness in 2009 and it now has 29,180 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Oregon and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Oregon Badlands Wilderness holds a number of remarkable and exciting landforms and geologic features. Most of the area includes the rugged Badlands volcano, which has features of inflated lava. Windblown volcanic ash and eroded lava make up the sandy, light-colored soil that covers the low and flat places in these fields of lava. Dry River, active during each of several ice ages, marks the southeast boundary between two volcanic areas – Badlands volcano and the Horse Ridge volcanoes. Earth movements along the Brothers Fault Zone have faulted and sliced up the old Horse Ridge volcanoes, but not Badlands volcano. The Badlands formed in an unusual way. The flow that supplied lava to the Badlands apparently developed a hole in the roof of its main lava tube. This hole became the source of lava that built a shield volcano that we call the Badlands (technically, a rootless shield volcano). An irregularly-shaped pit crater at the top of the shield marks the site where lava flowed in all directions to create the Badlands. A variety of wildlife species inhabit the area including yellow-bellied marmots, bobcat, mule deer, elk, and antelope. The southern portion of the Badlands Wilderness includes crucial winter range for mule deer. Avian species include prairie falcons and golden eagles.
Image by BLM Oregon & Washington – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Photos by Greg Shine, BLM These photos were taken in April 2016, along the wilderness area's Black Lava Trail, Basalt Trail, Tumulus Trail & Nighthawk Trail. The United States Congress designated the Oregon Badlands Wilderness in 2009 and it now has 29,180 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Oregon and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Oregon Badlands Wilderness holds a number of remarkable and exciting landforms and geologic features. Most of the area includes the rugged Badlands volcano, which has features of inflated lava. Windblown volcanic ash and eroded lava make up the sandy, light-colored soil that covers the low and flat places in these fields of lava. Dry River, active during each of several ice ages, marks the southeast boundary between two volcanic areas – Badlands volcano and the Horse Ridge volcanoes. Earth movements along the Brothers Fault Zone have faulted and sliced up the old Horse Ridge volcanoes, but not Badlands volcano. The Badlands formed in an unusual way. The flow that supplied lava to the Badlands apparently developed a hole in the roof of its main lava tube. This hole became the source of lava that built a shield volcano that we call the Badlands (technically, a rootless shield volcano). An irregularly-shaped pit crater at the top of the shield marks the site where lava flowed in all directions to create the Badlands. A variety of wildlife species inhabit the area including yellow-bellied marmots, bobcat, mule deer, elk, and antelope. The southern portion of the Badlands Wilderness includes crucial winter range for mule deer. Avian species include prairie falcons and golden eagles.
Image by BLM Oregon & Washington – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Photos by Greg Shine, BLM These photos were taken in April 2016, along the wilderness area's Black Lava Trail, Basalt Trail, Tumulus Trail & Nighthawk Trail. The United States Congress designated the Oregon Badlands Wilderness in 2009 and it now has 29,180 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Oregon and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Oregon Badlands Wilderness holds a number of remarkable and exciting landforms and geologic features. Most of the area includes the rugged Badlands volcano, which has features of inflated lava. Windblown volcanic ash and eroded lava make up the sandy, light-colored soil that covers the low and flat places in these fields of lava. Dry River, active during each of several ice ages, marks the southeast boundary between two volcanic areas – Badlands volcano and the Horse Ridge volcanoes. Earth movements along the Brothers Fault Zone have faulted and sliced up the old Horse Ridge volcanoes, but not Badlands volcano. The Badlands formed in an unusual way. The flow that supplied lava to the Badlands apparently developed a hole in the roof of its main lava tube. This hole became the source of lava that built a shield volcano that we call the Badlands (technically, a rootless shield volcano). An irregularly-shaped pit crater at the top of the shield marks the site where lava flowed in all directions to create the Badlands. A variety of wildlife species inhabit the area including yellow-bellied marmots, bobcat, mule deer, elk, and antelope. The southern portion of the Badlands Wilderness includes crucial winter range for mule deer. Avian species include prairie falcons and golden eagles.
Image by Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington from Portland, America – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Photos by Greg Shine, BLM These photos were taken in April 2016, along the wilderness area's Black Lava Trail, Basalt Trail, Tumulus Trail & Nighthawk Trail. The United States Congress designated the Oregon Badlands Wilderness in 2009 and it now has 29,180 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Oregon and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Oregon Badlands Wilderness holds a number of remarkable and exciting landforms and geologic features. Most of the area includes the rugged Badlands volcano, which has features of inflated lava. Windblown volcanic ash and eroded lava make up the sandy, light-colored soil that covers the low and flat places in these fields of lava. Dry River, active during each of several ice ages, marks the southeast boundary between two volcanic areas – Badlands volcano and the Horse Ridge volcanoes. Earth movements along the Brothers Fault Zone have faulted and sliced up the old Horse Ridge volcanoes, but not Badlands volcano. The Badlands formed in an unusual way. The flow that supplied lava to the Badlands apparently developed a hole in the roof of its main lava tube. This hole became the source of lava that built a shield volcano that we call the Badlands (technically, a rootless shield volcano). An irregularly-shaped pit crater at the top of the shield marks the site where lava flowed in all directions to create the Badlands. A variety of wildlife species inhabit the area including yellow-bellied marmots, bobcat, mule deer, elk, and antelope. The southern portion of the Badlands Wilderness includes crucial winter range for mule deer. Avian species include prairie falcons and golden eagles.
Image by BLM Oregon & Washington – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Photos by Greg Shine, BLM These photos were taken in April 2016, along the wilderness area's Black Lava Trail, Basalt Trail, Tumulus Trail & Nighthawk Trail. The United States Congress designated the Oregon Badlands Wilderness in 2009 and it now has 29,180 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Oregon and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Oregon Badlands Wilderness holds a number of remarkable and exciting landforms and geologic features. Most of the area includes the rugged Badlands volcano, which has features of inflated lava. Windblown volcanic ash and eroded lava make up the sandy, light-colored soil that covers the low and flat places in these fields of lava. Dry River, active during each of several ice ages, marks the southeast boundary between two volcanic areas – Badlands volcano and the Horse Ridge volcanoes. Earth movements along the Brothers Fault Zone have faulted and sliced up the old Horse Ridge volcanoes, but not Badlands volcano. The Badlands formed in an unusual way. The flow that supplied lava to the Badlands apparently developed a hole in the roof of its main lava tube. This hole became the source of lava that built a shield volcano that we call the Badlands (technically, a rootless shield volcano). An irregularly-shaped pit crater at the top of the shield marks the site where lava flowed in all directions to create the Badlands. A variety of wildlife species inhabit the area including yellow-bellied marmots, bobcat, mule deer, elk, and antelope. The southern portion of the Badlands Wilderness includes crucial winter range for mule deer. Avian species include prairie falcons and golden eagles.
Image by Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington from Portland, America – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Photos by Greg Shine, BLM These photos were taken in April 2016, along the wilderness area's Black Lava Trail, Basalt Trail, Tumulus Trail & Nighthawk Trail. The United States Congress designated the Oregon Badlands Wilderness in 2009 and it now has 29,180 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Oregon and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Oregon Badlands Wilderness holds a number of remarkable and exciting landforms and geologic features. Most of the area includes the rugged Badlands volcano, which has features of inflated lava. Windblown volcanic ash and eroded lava make up the sandy, light-colored soil that covers the low and flat places in these fields of lava. Dry River, active during each of several ice ages, marks the southeast boundary between two volcanic areas – Badlands volcano and the Horse Ridge volcanoes. Earth movements along the Brothers Fault Zone have faulted and sliced up the old Horse Ridge volcanoes, but not Badlands volcano. The Badlands formed in an unusual way. The flow that supplied lava to the Badlands apparently developed a hole in the roof of its main lava tube. This hole became the source of lava that built a shield volcano that we call the Badlands (technically, a rootless shield volcano). An irregularly-shaped pit crater at the top of the shield marks the site where lava flowed in all directions to create the Badlands. A variety of wildlife species inhabit the area including yellow-bellied marmots, bobcat, mule deer, elk, and antelope. The southern portion of the Badlands Wilderness includes crucial winter range for mule deer. Avian species include prairie falcons and golden eagles.
Image by BLM Oregon & Washington – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Photos by Greg Shine, BLM These photos were taken in April 2016, along the wilderness area's Black Lava Trail, Basalt Trail, Tumulus Trail & Nighthawk Trail. The United States Congress designated the Oregon Badlands Wilderness in 2009 and it now has 29,180 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Oregon and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Oregon Badlands Wilderness holds a number of remarkable and exciting landforms and geologic features. Most of the area includes the rugged Badlands volcano, which has features of inflated lava. Windblown volcanic ash and eroded lava make up the sandy, light-colored soil that covers the low and flat places in these fields of lava. Dry River, active during each of several ice ages, marks the southeast boundary between two volcanic areas – Badlands volcano and the Horse Ridge volcanoes. Earth movements along the Brothers Fault Zone have faulted and sliced up the old Horse Ridge volcanoes, but not Badlands volcano. The Badlands formed in an unusual way. The flow that supplied lava to the Badlands apparently developed a hole in the roof of its main lava tube. This hole became the source of lava that built a shield volcano that we call the Badlands (technically, a rootless shield volcano). An irregularly-shaped pit crater at the top of the shield marks the site where lava flowed in all directions to create the Badlands. A variety of wildlife species inhabit the area including yellow-bellied marmots, bobcat, mule deer, elk, and antelope. The southern portion of the Badlands Wilderness includes crucial winter range for mule deer. Avian species include prairie falcons and golden eagles.
Image by BLM Oregon & Washington – Public domain – Wikimedia