Black Hills National Forest

Viewpoints in Black Hills National Forest

Peaks and Viewpoints

Explore the diverse topography of the Black Hills National Forest, ranging from the 7,242-foot summit of Black Elk Peak to the granite spires of the Needles Highway. This collection features the iconic presidential faces of Mount Rushmore and the ongoing mountain carving of the Crazy Horse Memorial. Many viewpoints, such as those along Spearfish Canyon and the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, offer direct access to dramatic limestone palisades, narrow granite tunnels, and the unique geological formations of South Dakota.

Peaks and Viewpoints — Map

A

Needles Eye Tunnel

A narrow, one-lane tunnel carved through solid granite along the Needles Highway (SD 87), measuring just 8 feet 4 inches wide and 12 feet high.

B

Needles Eye

A distinct granite formation resembling the eye of a needle, located immediately adjacent to the narrow tunnel on the scenic Needles Highway.

Dean Franklin / CC BY 2.0

C

Mount Rushmore

The Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a national memorial centered on a colossal sculpture carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore…

DaveBo206 / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Crazy Horse Memorial

The Crazy Horse Memorial is a mountain monument under construction on privately held land in the Black Hills, in Custer County, South…

Vocaro / CC-BY-SA-3.0

E

Black Elk Peak

Black Elk Peak, formerly known as Harney Peak, is the highest natural point in the U.S. state of South Dakota and the Midwestern United…

F

Viewpoint

Roadside overlook located along the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, offering views of the canyon's limestone walls and Spearfish Creek.

G

Boulder Hill

A summit in the central Black Hills offering panoramic views of the surrounding ponderosa pine forest and distant rock formations.

H

Air Force Vista

A roadside vista point providing wide-ranging views of the eastern Black Hills and the transition into the Great Plains.

I

Viewpoint

Scenic pull-off on US-14A within Spearfish Canyon, positioned to view the high vertical cliffs.

J

Viewpoint

Overlook located along the northern section of the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway.

K

Viewpoint

Viewpoint within the limestone-walled Spearfish Canyon near the northern entrance of the forest.

L

Pull out

Roadside stop on US-14A offering perspectives of the canyon floor and the creek.

M

VIewpoint

A scenic overlook on the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, highlighting the area's unique geology.

N

Viewpoint

Northernmost viewpoint in Spearfish Canyon, featuring views of the dense forest and rock faces.

O

Viewpoint

Viewpoint providing views of the high limestone cliffs characteristic of the northern Black Hills.

P

Black Hills & Roughlock Nature Viewpoint

Overlook near the Roughlock Falls area, featuring views of the canyon floor and lush riparian vegetation.

Q

Heaven

High-elevation viewpoint near Custer State Park providing expansive vistas of the central Black Hills landscape.

R

Horseshoe Bend

A sharp curve and cliff area in the southern Black Hills overlooking the Cheyenne River and rugged canyon terrain.

S

Climbing Tower

A rock formation and observation point near Deerfield Lake providing 360-degree views of the surrounding national forest.

T

Red Butte

A prominent red sandstone formation located in the western Black Hills near the Wyoming border.

Other Lists

Black Hills National Forest: Absolute Must-Sees Water Features Heritage Sites and Monuments Campsites and Caravan Sites