Black Elk Peak Hiking Loop
The Black Elk Peak Loop is a 8 to 9 mile loop that starts at either Sylvan Lake or the Little Devil’s Tower Trailhead. The loop uses Trail #4, a little Trail #3 and Trail #9. When hiking the loop you have a couple of options along the way - you can just hike the whole loop, hike the spur to Little Devil’s Tower, hike the spur to the Cathedral Spires, hike the spur to Black Elk Peak, or do one or a couple of side spurs. When we hiked the loop we were staying at Sylvan Lake Campground and started our hike there. For our adventure we chose to hike to Little Devil’s Tower and Black Elk Peak. Our journey then ended up at the campground for tracking purposes. My thoughts on this trail is it is hard. You need good hiking shoes/boots, a hiking stick, snacks or a lunch, more water than you think you need, a jacket, sunscreen, and possibly a first aid kit. This trail is not to be taken lightly. Also keep an eye on the weather at all times which can change in an instant.
We were staying at the campground with friends so we began our hike here.
We took the road for a bit then hopped on the trail leading from Sylvan Lake to Little Devil’s Tower (Trail #4).
I recommend starting here at the Little Devil’s Tower Trail in you want to do the loop.
Here we go.
Lot of uphill and little shade.
Here is the spur to Little Devil’s Tower on the left- I highly recommend you check it out if you can.
The trail to the right goes to Black Elk Peak and the spur for the Cathedral Spires Trail.
On the way up to Little Devil’s Tower.
Black Elk Peak in the distance.
Beautiful views.
Back to the beginning of the spur - now we are going to head to Black Elk Peak.
Our destination.
Nice place for a bench.
Cathedral Spires Spur - we decided to skip this, but it can be added for more adventures.
Looks close, but is still very far away.
Very pretty section in the trees with moss on the ground.
Getting closer.
This is where you turn right and head up to Black Elk Peak. Turning left takes you to Sylvan Lake.
One last turn to get to the top.
Can see people on top of Little Devil’s Tower.
Steps and more steps.
Black Elk Peak Fire Tower.
Now the climb back down to the original path.
Mostly downhill from here.
Lots of rocky sections.
Can see the side of Little Devil’s Tower.
Looking ahead.
Looking back.
The beginning of the trail.
Made it to Sylvan Lake.
Once you hit Sylvan Lake you have a couple of options - You can either walk the road back (not recommended on busy days), take the trail back to the Sylvan Lake Campground (if you are staying there like we were), or take the short trail from Sylvan Lake to the Little Devil’s Tower Trailhead (marked as Trail #4) just east of the bathrooms. The hike is pretty easy, has some cool rock formations, goes near an interesting cave, and has some pretty views. This trail is about 1/2 mile to the beginning of Little Devil’s Tower.
Cool rocks.
Tunnel/cave we found along the way.
Friendly fellow we saw along the trail.