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Sunday Gulch Trail

photo of Sunday Gulch in Custer State Park, South Dakota

If you only have time for one hike in Custer State Park, I would recommend Sunday Gulch Trail.  On this trail you will climb among huge granite boulders and have beautiful vistas of the park.




The trail begins behind the dam at Sylvan Lake.  It then descends  down Sunday Gulch.  It is a loop trail about 3 miles long.  However,  If you don’t have the time or energy to hike the loop, the most scenic part is the beginning of the trail.

The gulch doesn’t receive a lot of direct sunlight and can be icy all the way into June.  Plus, remember the hike is all uphill coming out of the gulch – so know your own ability.

As with any trail in the Black Hills, be alert for changing weather.  Bring plenty of water and snacks.  Watch your step and take breaks as needed.  Custer State Park has many amazing places to explore, and Sunday Gulch should be a the top of most visitors list.

About the author: Josh loves to take pictures and sharing them on his South Dakota and the Black Hills blogs. When he is not busy being a Pharmacist he enjoys traveling with his family.

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  • Bill Hanson March 17, 2013, 1:05 pm

    This trail is a final hike of a little known Boy Scout Trail named the “Crazy Horse Trail” it is the 5th trail hiked during the Black Hills Area Council B.S.A. Rushmore Pilgrimage.

  • Jay Brovold September 13, 2017, 3:14 pm

    Our favorite trail! But we go clockwise; that way you save the best for last, and you’re hiking/climbing into the scenery, not away from it.