Black Hills
South Dakota, SD, 57745
If the Black Hills were in Colorado, they'd be swarming with visitors and overpriced breweries. However, as this gorgeous spot is a bit more off the beaten path—the biggest city is Rapid City, South Dakota—it flies under the radar by comparison. The region spans roughly 1.2 million acres (0.5 million hectares) of forested hills and mountains and is full of gold rush history, Native American culture, hot springs, and incredible scenery and wildlife.
The basics
The pine-clad Black Hills are a mountainous outlier in the mostly flat Great Plains. This low-lying range—protected by the Black Hills National Forest—is located primarily in western South Dakota, although a small portion of it extends into Wyoming. Highlights include the 17-mile (27-kilometer) deep Spearfish Canyon and the presidential faces carved into the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The area is also famous for herds of bison found in Custer State Park and Wild West towns such as Deadwood (home to the graves of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane).
Other places to explore include Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Crazy Horse Memorial, and the Needles Highway. The region is also home to the first national monument in the country, Devils Tower National Monument and is often visited in tandem with Badlands National Park. A variety of Black Hills tours are available for those who want to see the highlights without having to drive themselves around.
Things to know before you go
Most notable sites, including Mt. Rushmore and Custer State Park, charge for admission or parking.
Cave tours (and many other types of tours) tend to sell out, so it's a good idea to book in advance.
Early to mid-August brings 100,000 motorcycles (and more spectators) to the area for the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. If crowds aren't your thing, avoid this time.
How to get there
If you're not on a cross-country road trip, you can get to the Black Hills by flying into Rapid City. You can also drive from Denver to Rapid City, but give yourself around 6 hours for the journey. From Rapid City, it's easy to join a Black Hills and Badlands tour or map out an itinerary and explore on your own.
When to get there
The best time to visit the Black Hills is from spring through fall, while summer (June–August) brings in the most crowds. Come any time between late May and early October and you’ll get reliably warm temperatures, and most tours operate during these months. Fall is particularly good for avoiding crowds.
A sacred past—and present
Many Indigenous tribes, such as the Lakota, view the Black Hills region as sacred. If you’re wandering through spots like Devils Tower or Black Elk Peak, you may see prayer offerings—including ribbons and symbolic objects—attached to the trees. Public-facing events such as the Black Hills Powwow—held every October in Rapid City—are a great way to experience Indigenous cultures first-hand.
What is the best month to visit the Black Hills?
September is an ideal time to visit Black Hills. The crisp autumn air blankets the hills in vibrant colors as the summer crowds disperse, creating a breathtaking scene. September also offers mild temperatures and fewer tourists.
How do you spend a day in the Black Hills?
A day spent in the Black Hills is nothing short of spectacular. Head toward the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and stop in the historic town of Keystone for a look around on the way. If you have time, take Iron Mountain Road to Custer State Park.
What is the closest town to the Black Hills?
The closest town to the breathtaking Black Hills is charming and quaint Keystone. With a vibrant main street and plenty of history (and restaurants), this town is the perfect place to stop and recharge before heading into the wild expanse of the Black Hills.
What types of tours can you do of the Black Hills?
There are plenty of day tours that take in the famous sights of the Black Hills. From group bus tours to private guided tours, you can get around to Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park—along with other monuments—all in a day from Rapid City or elsewhere.
What is the best time of day to visit the Black Hills?
If you want to see the dark shadows of the hills and bright light, consider visiting the Black Hills in the early morning. The sun's rays will display the gorgeous colors of the terrain—and there are usually far fewer crowds than you'll find in the afternoon.
How long is a tour of the Black Hills?
It depends on what you want to see and experience. A tour of the Black Hills can range anywhere from a charming afternoon drive from Rapid City to an epic weeklong adventure, taking in other nearby sights.
Ways to explore
The pine-clad Black Hills are a mountainous outlier in the mostly flat Great Plains. Highlights include the 19-mile (30-kilometer) Spearfish Canyon, Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and more. The area is also famous for the herds of bison found in Custer State Park, not to mention Wild West towns such as Deadwood, home to the graves of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. While absolutely fabulous for a road trip, a variety of Black Hills tours are available for those who want to see the highlights without having to drive themselves around.
Accessibility
Most major attractions, such as Mount Rushmore, offer accessible viewing areas and facilities, while hiking trails and backcountry areas are far less accessible.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Hiking boots, daypack, water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, first-aid kit, maps or GPS, camera, binoculars, layers
What to wear
Comfortable layered clothes for walking and hiking, sturdy shoes, hat and sunglasses
Not allowed
Drones require permits in many areas; pets are restricted on certain trails and in caves; collecting rocks, plants, and artifacts is prohibited in national parks and forests.
Amenities
A full range of amenities include visitor centers at major sites, restrooms, picnic areas, campgrounds, lodges, restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores in towns such as Keystone, Hill City, and Custer.
Address
The Black Hills region spans southwestern South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, encompassing miles and miles of forested mountains, granite peaks, neat towns, iconic monuments, and more. It’s easiest to explore in a car or via guided tour.
Driving
Most folks will get here via I-90, which runs through Rapid City, the region’s largest hub. From there, it’s off on your own adventure.
Public transportation
Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) serves as the main gateway, with rental cars available. Otherwise, book tours from Rapid City to the area’s major sites.
Best times to visit
Explore early in the morning for wildlife viewing and photography, or head out in the late afternoon to avoid midday crowds at popular monuments.
Best days to visit
Mid-week visits offer better availability for lodging and dining in peak season, plus typically smaller crowds at popular spots like Mount Rushmore.
Best months to visit
May–June and September–October offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices than July–August, plus fall brings fabulous foliage.
Special events
Check out the Wild West Songwriters Festival in September in Deadwood—national songwriters fill the city’s music venues, and shows are free.
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