Black Elk Wilderness

The Black Elk Wilderness lies in the center of the Black Hills National Forest in western South Dakota. It encompasses the Harney Range and Black Elk Peak, an area long held sacred by Native Americans, and is named after Black Elk, an Oglala Lakota holy man. The Wilderness is surrounded by the 35,000-acre Norbeck Wildlife Preserve, managed for the benefit of wildlife and breeding birds. Deer, elk, turkey, mountain lions, and many bird species make their home among the rugged granite spires. The trail system provides over 50 miles of primitive, non-motorized recreation experience within the Black Elk Wilderness and surrounding Norbeck Wildlife Preserve.