PathQuest

Black Elk Peak

Location: Pennington County, SD, US

Elevation: 7,241 feet

2 recorded summits

Current Conditions

Weather: Mainly clear

Temperature: 50°F

Wind: 10 mph

Humidity: 35%

7-Day Summit Window

Best day: 2026-05-24 (score: 95/100)

  • 2026-05-20: Excellent (87/100) - Overcast, calm winds
  • 2026-05-21: Excellent (79/100) - Overcast, calm winds
  • 2026-05-22: Marginal (59/100) - Precipitation likely, breezy
  • 2026-05-23: Excellent (79/100) - Partly cloudy, calm winds
  • 2026-05-24: Excellent (95/100) - Clear skies, calm winds
  • 2026-05-25: Excellent (95/100) - Clear skies, calm winds
  • 2026-05-26: Good (79/100) - Overcast, breezy

Air Quality

AQI: 38 (Good)

Nearby Fires (0 within 50km)

  • Murphy: 275 acres, 24 km E
  • 79: 5,408.209 acres, 41 km SE
  • Guide: 50 acres, 86 km SE

Trail Alerts (7)

  • Beaver Creek Road (FS 391) Closed Starting May 4th for Improvement Project: Beaver Creek Road, also known as Forest Service Road 391, will close May 4 while a new cattle guard is installed on the Wind Cave National Park boundary. The closure could last up to 180 days while crews install a wider and stronger cattle guard that meets South Dakota Department of Transportation and Custer County specifications. Additionally, the approach road inside the park will be widened to improve vehicle safety.
  • Temporary Emergency Fire Restrictions: Due to dry conditions and high fire danger, open fires are prohibited in Wind Cave National Park until further notice. Gas stoves used in or on fire resistant containers are permitted only in the Elk Mountain Campground and the Picnic Area. No smoking is allowed except in vehicles or on paved or concrete areas next to the visitor center. Fires of any kind on trails or in backcountry areas are prohibited. This includes smoking, gas stoves and open fires.
  • Centennial Trailhead Parking: Reminder: Overnight parking without a camping permit is prohibited. Permits are not issued specifically for parking. Shuttles are available in the Black Hills for through hikers on the Centennial Trail.
  • Wind Cave moves to cashless fee collection: Payments for cave tours, campground fees, as well as Interagency Passes at Wind Cave National Park, will be by credit/ debit cards or digital payments only. Cash and check payments will no longer be accepted.
  • Visitor Center Restrooms: The visitor center restrooms are currently being remodeled. Restrooms are available in a trailer just behind the restroom remodel.
  • Appropriate Footwear Required for Cave Tours: Visitors are required to wear completely enclosed shoes if participating in a cave tour, like tennis shoes, sneakers or hiking boots. Any type of sandals or shoes with any openings are NOT acceptable.
  • EV Charging Stations Unavailable: Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging stations are currently unavailable in the parking facility due to an ongoing construction project.

Public Lands

Part of 1 Challenge

Recent Summits

  • 8/18/2019
  • 8/18/2019