Here’s one of our favorite trails in the Black Hills. It’s fairly strenuous but well worth the effort.
The Sunday Gulch Trail is rated as strenuous, but it’s a great hike if you’re looking for a bit of adventure. The loop trail is 2.8 miles long and will take you a few hours to complete.
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You’ll find the trailhead at Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park. Because it’s more strenuous than the other trails at the lake, Sunday Gulch tends to be a lot less crowded.
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You’ll start by descending down into the gulch. In this section, water rushes right over the boulders that you climb, and they can get pretty slippery. Luckily, the handrails are there to steady you as you ascend.
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Your feet will definitely get wet on this hike. Wear some water shoes with good tread, or hiking shoes that you can get wet.
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Once you’re in the gulch, you’ll traverse more obstacles, like this log bridge.
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The scenery down here is spectacular. You’ll find several little waterfalls, depending on the time of year.
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A series of staircases takes you back out of the gulch.
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During summer months, you’ll find fields of wildflowers tucked in amongst the stands of ponderosa pine, aspens, and spruce.
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Hike this trail early on a weekday if you can, and you’ll likely find yourself along on the trail.
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And the view? Jaw-dropping.
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Have you hiked Sunday Gulch Trail before? We’d love to hear about your hike!
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Greg C./Tripadvisor
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Teancum12/Tripadvisor
Jennifer S/Tripadvisor
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If you’re looking for an easier trail, check out this boardwalk hike at Badlands National Park.
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