The Wildlife and Scenic Beauty of the Black Hills

A bison bull walks through Custer State Park. Photo by the author.

Introduction to the Black Hills

The Black Hills is a small mountain range that rises out of the Great Plains of North America. It occupies a western section of South Dakota and extends into Wyoming.

Mule deer. Photo by the author.

Travelers to the Black Hills named them for their evergreen trees that appear black when viewed from a distance. Black Elk Peak (Harney Peak until 2016) is the range’s highest mountain at 7,244 feet (2,208 m). It is the highest point in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains.

Prairie and hills in Wind Cave National Park. Photo by the author.

Last week, I ventured to the Black Hills to camp, hike, and view and photograph wildlife. I have explored the region many times over five decades. But this visit focused on Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park in its southern reaches.

Sharp-tailed grouse. Photo by the author.