Family Nature Summits: Black Hills Summit: Full Schedule

If you would like to join a class that is frozen, please send us a message or email, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

The Summit Handbook and our pick-a-hike guide are helpful resources! Email [email protected] with additional questions or message us in Sched!

Session availability is subject to change due to weather, availability, and interest. Classes with fewer than 5 participants are subject to cancellation. You are only able to sign up for one class during a time period (including waitlists). We do our best to accommodate waitlists.

Add/Dropping Classes: All classes with an additional cost have a final add/drop date of July 13. After July 13th, you will be responsible for the cost of the class unless we can fill the spot. Classes with no additional cost can be added/dropped at any time.

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7:30am MDT

Hike - Black Elk Peak / Cathedral Spires - all day (strenuous)

Sunday August 2, 2026 7:30am - 3:45pm MDT

Hike Van 2

Hike Guide

7.5 mile, 1500 foot total climb "strenuous minus" loop hike; 38 min. drive each way.

The Summit's toughest hike, you'll reach the historic lookout tower on top of the highest peak from here to the Canary Islands off Africa, at 7,242 feet. The four-state view includes "awe-inspiring rock spires". This popular but rocky hike is half-forested, helpful if a thunderstorm pops up. Our early start will beat the crowds & most likely the thunderstorms.

Your leaders will provide historical context, from the name change from Harney Peak to the attempt by Custer to summit this peak on horseback (unsuccessful, which, from West Point to Little Bighorn, was one of his specialties!)

This hike duplicates much of the "Cathedral Spires-Sunday Gulch" hike; doing both is not recommended.

Faculty

Amy hahn

Hike Leader, Faculty

Nigel

Hike Leader, Faculty

Nigel Dabby lives in Martinez, CA, and has been hiking, biking, climbing, backpacking, and skiing for more decades than he cares to admit. His initial introduction to the mountains and the outdoors was in his mid-20s and it took place in the Himalayas, initially in the Darjeeling area in Indi... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 7:30am - 3:45pm MDT
Hike Van 2 Transportation Area

Hike, Difficulty- Strenuous

Family Nature Summits: Black Hills Summit

7:30am MDT

Amy hahn

Nigel

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