Sunday Gulch Trail
An adventurous 4.5-mile loop in Custer State Park, featuring a thrilling rock scramble and enchanting 'fairy dust' forest.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Sunday Gulch Trail
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An adventurous 4.5-mile loop in Custer State Park, featuring a thrilling rock scramble and enchanting 'fairy dust' forest.
"An amazing hike in Custer State Park! The sparkly rocks earned it the nickname fairy dust forest."
Go Counter-Clockwise! ⬆️
Descend the rock scramble first for an easier climb up later. Great for kids' morale!
Sturdy Footwear is a Must 👟
Slippery rocks, especially when wet. Good hiking boots are essential for safety.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Rock Scramble
Beginning of the trail (counter-clockwise)
Navigate a thrilling descent down large boulders with the help of handrails. A true adventure!
Sylvan Lake Views
Near Sylvan Lake
Enjoy picturesque scenery surrounding Sylvan Lake, a perfect spot for photos and a peaceful break.
Fairy Dust Forest
Trail sections
Marvel at the sparkly rocks that give parts of the trail a magical, 'fairy dust' appearance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tackle the Trail Smart
Timing is Key for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Go Counter-Clockwise! ⬆️
Descend the rock scramble first for an easier climb up later. Great for kids' morale! 
Sturdy Footwear is a Must 👟
Slippery rocks, especially when wet. Good hiking boots are essential for safety.
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell service is unreliable. AllTrails maps are a lifesaver for navigation.
Dog-Friendly Adventure 🐾
Leashed dogs are welcome on this trail, making it a great option for furry friends.
Tips
from all over the internet
Go Counter-Clockwise! ⬆️
Descend the rock scramble first for an easier climb up later. Great for kids' morale!
Sturdy Footwear is a Must 👟
Slippery rocks, especially when wet. Good hiking boots are essential for safety.
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell service is unreliable. AllTrails maps are a lifesaver for navigation.
Dog-Friendly Adventure 🐾
Leashed dogs are welcome on this trail, making it a great option for furry friends.
Watch for Wildlife 🐿️
Keep an eye out for squirrels, chipmunks, and various birds along the path.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique and adventurous nature of Sunday Gulch Trail, particularly the thrilling rock scramble and the 'fairy dust forest' sections. Many appreciate the shaded paths and the opportunity to see wildlife. While challenging, most find the hike rewarding and would do it again, though some note the climb can be long.
"This is a challenging hike. You need good hiking shoes or boots. The first part of the hike can be crazy at times because you are holding on to the rails and climbing backwards down the rocks. The second half has switchbacks between the large rock faces. You have to be committed to seeing the trail through because there are no places to do a short cut other than to turn around and climb the crazy rock trail you came in on. But I would do it again, amazing!"
Cindy Puzio
"We accidentally stumbled upon this trail while hiking the sylvan lake trail. It was actually a great experience. We started with the railings and it was very fun. The rest of the trail was very nice, but the climb was quite long. I still highly recommend it."
M _
"Amazing hike in Custer state park! We did the route counter clockwise hiking down the big boulders at the beginning instead of the end. The sparkly rocks in the trail earned it the nickname fairy dust forest with our girls. The views are incredible and topping off a long hike with ice cream at the store afterwards was the perfect end."
Michelle Barnum Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located across from the Sylvan Lake parking lot in Custer State Park. You can take the trail around Sylvan Lake to reach it.
Yes, the trail is within Custer State Park, which features the scenic Needles Highway. The park has a $20 entrance fee for 7-day access.
While technically possible, it's not recommended. The waterfall can freeze, making the trail extremely slippery and dangerous.
Custer State Park is about a 90-minute drive from Rapid City, South Dakota. It's a popular destination for road trips.
The Needles Highway is a must-drive for its towering spires and tunnels, but be aware of tight clearances for larger vehicles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you need to pay the entrance fee for Custer State Park, which is $20 for a 7-day pass. This grants access to all park areas, including the trail.
Custer State Park is generally open year-round, but specific facilities and services may have seasonal hours. The trails are accessible during daylight hours.
Park passes can typically be purchased at park entrances or visitor centers. It's advisable to check the official Custer State Park website for the most current information on purchasing options.
No, the Sunday Gulch Trail is included with your Custer State Park entrance fee. There are no additional charges to access the trail.
Cash or credit cards are usually accepted at park entrance stations. Having a credit card handy is recommended for convenience.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The 4.5-mile loop typically takes 2 to 3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how much you stop to enjoy the scenery.
Yes, but it's considered challenging. Families with younger children (ages 5-7) have completed it, especially when going counter-clockwise.
The trail features a mix of rocky scrambles, wooded paths, and moderate climbs. Expect large boulders and some steep sections.
Restrooms are typically available near the Sylvan Lake area, which is the starting and ending point for the loop.
You might spot squirrels, chipmunks, woodpeckers, and even snakes. It's a great trail for observing local fauna.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique rock scramble, the serene Sylvan Lake, and the 'fairy dust forest' with its sparkly rocks. The varied terrain offers diverse shots.
Early mornings or late afternoons provide softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the trail's beauty.
Yes, especially during warmer months when the water is flowing. The rock scramble section often follows the stream.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a zoom lens can capture wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.
The rock scramble itself offers dramatic perspectives. Several outlooks along the wooded sections also provide scenic photo ops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Ensure kids wear sturdy shoes with good grip, and be ready to assist them on the rockier sections. 🐾 Dog Owners
The varied terrain, from rocky scrambles to wooded paths, offers an engaging experience for dogs. Remember to bring plenty of water for both yourself and your pet, especially during warmer months. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The sections with the 'fairy dust forest' are unique and offer opportunities for creative shots, highlighting the sparkly rocks. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Sunday Gulch Trail
After the rock scramble, the trail transitions into a more traditional wooded path with moderate climbs. This part of the hike is generally more shaded and offers a chance to spot local wildlife like squirrels and chipmunks.
Key considerations for this trail include wearing appropriate footwear, as good hiking boots are essential due to the rocky and potentially slippery terrain.
The trail is also dog-friendly, provided your canine companion is on a leash. Best Times to Visit and Crowd Management
For the most pleasant experience, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. These times offer softer lighting for photography and, crucially, fewer crowds. Custer State Park, and by extension Sunday Gulch Trail, can get busy, especially during peak summer season and on weekends.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit