Sylvan Lake
A picturesque lake nestled among dramatic granite spires, offering hiking, swimming, and iconic filming locations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds
Sylvan Lake
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque lake nestled among dramatic granite spires, offering hiking, swimming, and iconic filming locations.
"Breathtakingly beautiful lake with something for everyone, from hiking to swimming."
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking is plentiful but fills up fast. Arrive early, especially on weekends, or consider visiting during the week.
🥾 Trail Ready
Wear sturdy hiking shoes for the rocky terrain and water crossings on the Sylvan Lake loop.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sylvan Lake Loop Trail
Around Sylvan Lake
A scenic 3-mile loop with water crossings and boulder climbs, offering stunning lake and rock views.
Cathedral Spires Trail
Near Sylvan Lake
Hike among dramatic granite spires, offering a challenging yet rewarding adventure with incredible vistas.
Rock Formations
Sylvan Lake shoreline
Climb and explore the unique, large rock outcroppings that surround the lake, offering panoramic views and photo ops.
National Treasure Filming Site
Sylvan Lake
Visit the iconic rocks where scenes from 'National Treasure: Book of Secrets' were filmed.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking is plentiful but fills up fast. Arrive early, especially on weekends, or consider visiting during the week.
🥾 Trail Ready
Wear sturdy hiking shoes for the rocky terrain and water crossings on the Sylvan Lake loop.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Climb the rocks for incredible views and unique photo opportunities. The lake offers stunning scenery from every angle.
🍔 Local Bites
Grab a bison burger from the store by the lake for a delicious picnic experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking is plentiful but fills up fast. Arrive early, especially on weekends, or consider visiting during the week.
🥾 Trail Ready
Wear sturdy hiking shoes for the rocky terrain and water crossings on the Sylvan Lake loop.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Climb the rocks for incredible views and unique photo opportunities. The lake offers stunning scenery from every angle.
🍔 Local Bites
Grab a bison burger from the store by the lake for a delicious picnic experience.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for furry friends to enjoy the scenery.
🛶 Water Activities
Rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards to explore the lake from the water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Sylvan Lake for its breathtaking beauty, diverse hiking trails, and array of outdoor activities. The unique rock formations and the 'National Treasure' filming site add to its allure. While parking can be challenging during peak times and some trails may have closures, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it a must-see in South Dakota.
"This place is great. There are multiple amazing hikes, everyone is super friendly. We hiked black elk peak + cathedral spires, very gorgeous. We finished our visit by cooling off in the lake and some slightly illegal cliff jumping? Everyone seemed to be jumping off this rock so we followed them. Long story short, there is something to do for everyone here"
Blake Musfeldt
"This park was really cool exploring. We got some great shot while there. The store right at the lake had some great bison burger that we had down by the lake recommend stopping here before riding through the park"
Tyler Largent
"Breathtakingly beautiful lake that has an easy walking trail around it that provides views from every angle. Parking is pretty easy. The path was closed at the boulders when we went, so we could not complete the full circle around the lake. Many places for great photo opportunities, especially if you climb up the rocks a little."
Melissa Previte
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sylvan Lake is located within Custer State Park in South Dakota. It's accessible via the scenic Needles Highway. If coming from the north, take US-16A, and if coming from the south, take SD-87. Parking is available at the lake, but it can fill up quickly during peak season.
There are two popular Sylvan Lakes! The one in Custer State Park is in South Dakota, known for its dramatic rock formations and hiking. The other Sylvan Lake is a resort town in Alberta, Canada, popular for its beaches and summer activities. This guide focuses on the South Dakota location.
Driving your own vehicle is the most common and convenient way to access Sylvan Lake and explore Custer State Park. The Needles Highway offers a stunning drive to the lake.
Custer State Park does not typically offer shuttle services directly to Sylvan Lake. It's best to drive your own vehicle or consider a guided tour that includes stops at the lake.
Sylvan Lake is approximately a 30-40 minute drive from Mount Rushmore National Memorial, making it a feasible addition to a day trip exploring the Black Hills.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Sylvan Lake is located within Custer State Park, which requires a park entrance fee. You can purchase a daily or annual pass at one of the park's entrance stations.
Sylvan Lake and its surrounding trails are generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, facilities like the lodge and rental shops have seasonal operating hours.
While some rentals might be available on a first-come, first-served basis, it's a good idea to check with local outfitters or the Sylvan Lake Lodge for advance booking options, especially during peak season.
No, the hiking trails around Sylvan Lake are included with your Custer State Park entrance fee.
During peak season, parking lots can fill up. It's advisable to arrive early. Some trails may occasionally close due to weather or maintenance. Always check park conditions before your visit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Sylvan Lake Loop Trail (3 miles) is a must-do, offering varied terrain. For a more challenging hike with dramatic scenery, the Cathedral Spires Trail is highly recommended.
Yes, swimming is a popular activity at Sylvan Lake, especially during the summer months. The water can be cool, but it's refreshing on a warm day.
Yes, the easy walking trail around the lake is great for families. Younger children will enjoy playing on the rocks and splashing in the shallow areas of the lake.
While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, you might spot deer, various bird species, and smaller mammals in the Custer State Park area surrounding Sylvan Lake.
The main trail around Sylvan Lake is not fully wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain, water crossings, and rocky sections. However, some paved areas near the lodge offer limited accessibility.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Sylvan Lake Lodge offers dining options, including a restaurant and a store that sells snacks and casual meals like bison burgers. +1
Absolutely! There are designated picnic areas with tables, and many visitors enjoy bringing their own food to eat by the lake.
The lodge typically offers American cuisine, with options like burgers, sandwiches, and salads. They are known for their bison burgers.
The closest significant grocery stores are in the towns of Custer or Hill City, which are a short drive from Sylvan Lake. It's best to stock up before you arrive.
Alcohol consumption is generally permitted in designated areas within Custer State Park, but it's always wise to check current park regulations. Please drink responsibly.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire area is photogenic! Climb the large rocks for panoramic shots of the lake and surrounding granite spires. The shoreline offers beautiful reflections, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunsets can be particularly spectacular over the lake.
Drone usage is typically restricted in National Parks and State Parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Check the official Custer State Park regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions and long exposures.
Yes, you can take photos of the rocks where 'National Treasure: Book of Secrets' was filmed. It's a popular spot for fans to recreate movie scenes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy at one of the designated picnic areas. The store near the lake also offers kid-friendly snacks and meals, like their popular bison burgers.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
Beyond hiking, the area is perfect for photography, with stunning landscapes and unique geological features. Kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are also popular activities for those who want to experience the lake up close.
📸 Photographers
Don't miss the chance to capture the iconic spots used in 'National Treasure: Book of Secrets' for a cinematic twist to your portfolio.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails Around Sylvan Lake
For those seeking a more strenuous adventure, the Cathedral Spires Trail is a must. This hike takes you through a landscape dotted with towering granite spires, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the park. It's a more demanding trek, but the unique geological formations and expansive vistas make it incredibly rewarding.
It's worth noting that trail conditions can change. Sometimes, sections of the loop trail, particularly behind the boulders, may be closed due to weather or maintenance. Always check with park rangers or visitor centers for the latest trail status before setting out.
Activities on and around Sylvan Lake
For those who prefer to be on the water, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are excellent ways to explore the lake's serene beauty. Rentals are often available near the Sylvan Lake Lodge, allowing visitors to glide across the water and take in the surrounding scenery from a unique perspective.
Beyond the water, the rock formations surrounding Sylvan Lake are an attraction in themselves. Visitors love to climb and explore these massive granite outcroppings, which offer fantastic viewpoints and are a testament to the area's geological history. This is also where you can find the famous rocks used in the filming of 'National Treasure: Book of Secrets.'
The 'National Treasure' Connection
Visitors can easily find and explore these specific rock formations, imagining themselves as part of the treasure hunt. It adds an extra layer of excitement to the already stunning natural beauty of the area, allowing you to step into a piece of cinematic history while surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
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