Capturing the Beauty of Custer State Park: A Photographer’s Paradise

Nestled in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Custer State Park spans over 71,000 acres of breathtaking landscapes and offers diverse wildlife. Renowned for its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity, it’s known as one of the best state parks in the U.S.

Whether you’re capturing majestic landscapes or documenting the park’s vibrant wildlife, Custer State Park offers endless opportunities for stunning photography, and this article serves as your guide.

📍 Custer State Park is just a scenic 30-minute drive from Mount Rushmore and about an hour and a half from Badlands National Park, so you can easily visit several noteworthy places in the same trip.

Breathtaking Landscapes

Custer State Park is blessed with a beautiful landscape that’s perfect for photography. Here are some of the highlights.

Sylvan Lake

One of the park’s crown jewels, Sylvan Lake is a picturesque spot surrounded by granite rock formations. Its calm waters reflect the sky and surrounding scenery, making it an ideal location for sunrise and sunset shots.

Cathedral Spires

The Cathedral Spires are towering rock formations located at certain points in the park. These spires are a must-visit for landscape photographers looking to capture the park’s rugged beauty.

Prairies and Hillsides

The rolling prairies and hillsides of Custer State Park provide a serene backdrop for photography. The landscapes, dotted with wildflowers and grasses, are perfect for wide-angle shots that capture the park’s expansive beauty.

Wildlife Photography

Custer State Park is home to an amazing amount of wildlife that can make you feel like you’re driving through a safari at times. Photographers will find plenty of opportunities to capture animals in their natural habitat, including:

American Bison: The park’s bison herd is one of the largest in the world. Photograph these majestic creatures grazing in the prairies or crossing the roads (be careful!).

Pronghorn Antelope: Known for their speed and graceful movements, pronghorns are usually easy to find at Custer State Park.

Whitetail and Mule Deer: These deer can often be seen in the early morning or late afternoon, grazing in meadows or near water sources.

Elk: Elk sightings are common, especially during the rutting season when males display their impressive antlers.

Burros: Friendly and often curious, the park’s wild burros provide unique photo opportunities.

Coyotes: Often spotted in the early morning or late evening, coyotes can add an element of wildness to your photos.

Big Horn Sheep: While many visitors aren’t lucky enough to spot big horn sheep at Custer, they do live in the park, and you may see some if you’re fortunate.

Prairie Dogs: These small creatures are fun to photograph as they pop in and out of their burrows.

Bird Photography

The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with various species like bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and western tanagers offering plenty of photographic opportunities. Bring a telephoto lens to capture birds in detail.

Best Times and Locations for Spotting Wildlife

Early mornings and late afternoons are usually the best times for wildlife photography, as animals are most active during these periods. However, certain animals like the bison and pronghorn tend to be visible throughout the day. Key locations include the Wildlife Loop Road, French Creek, and the areas around Sylvan Lake.

Staying Safe While Photographing Wildlife

Maintain a safe distance from all wildlife, use a telephoto lens for close-up shots, and never approach or feed the animals. Remember that the animals are wild, even if they may walk very close to vehicles.

Scenic Drives

It’s possible to see plenty of Custer State Park from the road. Here are some of the best drives that you won’t want to miss.

Wildlife Loop Road

This 18-mile loop offers some of the best chances to see the park’s wildlife. Keep your camera ready as you drive through open grasslands and rolling hills where bison, deer, and antelope roam freely.

Iron Mountain Road

Known for its unique “pigtail” bridges and stunning views of Mount Rushmore, Iron Mountain Road is a photographer’s dream. Capture the combination of man-made and natural beauty along this scenic drive.

Needles Highway

Winding through narrow tunnels and past towering granite spires, Needles Highway provides dramatic and picturesque views at every turn. The winding road and rock formations make for compelling compositions.

Popular Hiking Trails

Although you can see a lot of the park from a car, there are still many more views available if you’re willing to hit the trails. Here are some of the best options.

Cathedral Spires Trail

This trail takes you up close to the iconic spires, offering unique perspectives that are perfect for photography. The moderate hike provides plenty of opportunities to capture the rugged landscape.

Black Elk Peak Trail

The highest point in South Dakota, Black Elk Peak, offers panoramic views that stretch for miles. The challenging hike is worth it for the stunning vistas you’ll capture at the summit.

Sunday Gulch Trail

A diverse trail that takes you through forests, across streams, and up rocky inclines, Sunday Gulch Trail offers a variety of landscapes to photograph.

Little Devils Tower Spur Trail

For photographers looking to capture unique rock formations and panoramic views, this trail is a must-visit. The hike is relatively short but offers plenty of visual rewards.

Seasonal Highlights

Custer State Park’s beauty changes with the seasons, each offering its unique charm for photographers.

Spring

Wildflowers bloom across the park, adding vibrant colors to the landscape. It’s a great time for macro photography and capturing the renewal of life.

Summer

Lush greenery and warm temperatures make summer an ideal time for landscape and wildlife photography. Be prepared for busy trails and heavy traffic on the roads.

Fall

The park’s foliage turns stunning shades of red, orange, and yellow. Fall is perfect for capturing the changing leaves and the park’s tranquil atmosphere.

Winter

Snow transforms the park into a winter wonderland. Capture the serene beauty of snow-covered landscapes and the contrast of wildlife against the white backdrop.

Final Thoughts

Capturing the beauty of Custer State Park is a rewarding experience for nature photographers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its diverse landscapes and rich wildlife, the park offers endless opportunities for stunning photography. Whether you’re exploring scenic drives, hiking trails, or photographing wildlife, Custer State Park is a true photographer’s paradise.