While vacationing in the Wyoming/South Dakota area, I decided to hike up Black Elk Peak (the highest point in South Dakota). It is in Custer State Park, so there is a $25 fee for automobiles but it is good for 7 days in case you want to see and do other things in the state park.The trail was not that difficult and easy to follow. I'd rate it a Class 1. There are several ways to get to the top of Black Elk Peak, but I chose this one because you start and finish through the Cathedral Spires section which has amazing geological rock formations. I walked around, did some exploring and a little scrambling to get a fuller appreciation of these spires. On the way back, I also went up Little Devils Tower which was a climb at the end. I'd rate that part a difficult Class 2 but only for a short distance.Nice to bag the tallest peak in South Dakota.
