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Cathedral Spires Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 862 Google reviews · Running trail in Custer, South Dakota · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Cathedral Spires Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Cathedral Spires Trailhead
“An absolutely beautiful and challenging Trail ( the most popular spot).”
“first half of trail is tree covered but last half is not.”
AMAZING TRAIL. Short hike but has a big incline and is rocky but very doable for most people. Get to go into the big tall rocks and walk in between them. Took us about 1-2 hours because we stopped and ate wild raspberries and climbed some of the features. Very very pretty. I would definitely make the stop.
An absolutely beautiful and challenging Trail ( the most popular spot). It links up with Trail number 4 that takes you to Black Elk Peak ( although I would recommend taking Trail number 4 to Black elk Peak for energy management) If you can't find a parking spot you can park on the shoulder of the Road ( be careful of…
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stunning Hike with Breathtaking Views! The Cathedral Spires Trail in Custer State Park is an absolute must for anyone who loves a rewarding hike with jaw-dropping scenery. The trail is short but challenging, with a mix of rocky terrain and steep sections, but the payoff is more than worth it.
A moderately strenuous but beautiful hike to see the Spires. It took us about an hour and 45 minutes since we stopped midway for lunch. We visited during the off-season in the last week of October, so it wasn’t crowded at all.
Trail conditions & character
“05/15/2026 - My friends and I hiked the Cathedral Spires Trail during the golden hour right before sunset, and the views were absolutely spectacular.”
“The trail is a bit more than moderate with some steep parts, so be prepared to take big steps and scramble up small rocks.”
“Logistics: There is plenty of parking space right at the trailhead, but keep in mind there are no restrooms available at the parking lot.”
“The trail is short but challenging, with a mix of rocky terrain and steep sections, but the payoff is more than worth it.”
“first half of trail is tree covered but last half is not.”
Plan your run at Cathedral Spires Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitegfp.sd.gov
- Phone+1 605-223-7660
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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