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gem icon Sylvan Lake [Suggest Edits]

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Description

Sylvan lake is known as the "crown jewel" of Custer State Park. Sylvan Lake is a beautiful lake located at an elevation of 6,145 ft. This lake has something for everyone. There is a family-friendly 1-mile trail that goes around the perimeter of the lake.

Sylvan Lake also has picnic areas, small boat rentals, swimming, and rock climbing. With some of the most beautiful scenery in Custer State Park Sylvan lake is a must see for anyone visiting the park.

Short Walk: Sylvan lake is just a short walk from the parking lot. Visitors can easily transport supplies for a picnic to the lake.

Family Friendly: Sylvan Lake has plenty for the family. The trail around the perimeter of the like is only 1 mile. Also there are picnic areas and small boat rentals.

Gem Type: Lake

Shared by:
Nate Jones
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Check-Ins

Aug 15, 2024
Rock On
Jun 1, 2024
Lara Verbecken
Sep 14, 2023
Tyler Thieding
Sep 9, 2023
Brian L
Jun 8, 2022
Jason Williams
Jul 5, 2021
Marianna Rogers
Borrowed paddle boards and paddles a bit around the lake right before it poured and thundered!
Aug 3, 2020
Matt Roy
Jul 10, 2020
Jessica Callahan

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gem Favorite Spire 2 and the Khayyam Spire towering above the trail

The Cathedral Spires

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gem Favorite A large storm blows into the park over Harney Peak.

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Nearby Trails

7.9 mi 12.7 km Black Elk Peak Loop
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Custer, SD
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Custer, SD
All Clear
Update
Mostly Dry, Some Mud
76 days ago
61 
3.0 mi 4.9 km Sunday Gulch Trail
Difficult Difficult
Custer, SD
Difficult Difficult
Custer, SD
Unknown
Update
39 
0.9 mi 1.4 km Cathedral Spires Trail
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Custer, SD
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Custer, SD
Unknown
Update
25 
3.3 mi 5.4 km Harney Peak #9 (South)
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Custer, SD
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Custer, SD
Unknown
Update
21 
1.0 mi 1.6 km Sylvan Lake Shore Trail
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Custer, SD
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Custer, SD
Unknown
Update
20 
0.4 mi 0.6 km Little Devils Tower Trail
Difficult Difficult
Custer, SD
Difficult Difficult
Custer, SD
Unknown
Update
3.0 mi 4.9 km Lover's Leap Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Custer, SD
Intermediate Intermediate
Custer, SD
Unknown
Update
17 
4.4 mi 7.1 km Harney Peak #9 (North)
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Custer, SD
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Custer, SD
Unknown
Update
6.1 mi 9.8 km Norbeck #3
Intermediate Intermediate
Custer, SD
Intermediate Intermediate
Custer, SD
Unknown
Update
1.8 mi 2.9 km Willow Creek Rushmore Trail #5
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Custer, SD
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Custer, SD
Unknown
Update
Shared by Nate Jones on Nov 11, 2015. All Page Views: 1,353. Last Month: 4.
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