10K Crazy Horse Volksmarch | Black Hills & Badlands - South Dakota

10K Crazy Horse Volksmarch

  • 10K Crazy Horse Volksmarch

The Crazy Horse Volksmarch held the first full weekend in June, and as of recently, the last weekend in Septemeber, is considered one of the most popular organized hikes in the United States with over 10,000 annually making the trek. There’s a start, and a finish line 10 kilometers away (6.2 miles) but when you arrive at either one isn’t the point of this volksmarch (but do arrive early, no hikers are allowed to start after 1 p.m.)

The journey through the Black Hills woodlands beneath the shadow of this gigantic masterpiece shouldn’t have a pace. The point of this one is to make it when you’re ready because at the top is the true experience. Awaiting at the end is the massive 87-foot face of Crazy Horse carved from the Black Hills granite to greet volksmarchers. These are the only times of the year when people have the chance to walk up the world’s largest mountain carving (in progress) and see up-close, and in-detail, the outstanding craftsmanship that’s gone into turning a piece of mountain into a giant sculpture. You also get to share his view of the surrounding lands which are considered sacred to the Lakota leader’s people.

Its a family event that offers a once-a-year chance to hike to the top of the colossal mountain top carving. Everyone – from Boy Scouts, to church groups, to grandparents, to families with toddlers and even babies in backpacks – can experience the wonder of walking up and down the outstretched arm-in-progress on one of the world’s largest sculptures.

These are the only times the public may hike to the mountain carving. Cost for hikers is $3 and the regular entrance fee is waved for those participating.