Licensed from Columbia University Press
The peak was named in the late 1850s by Lieutenant Gouverneur K. Warren in honor of General William S. Harney, who was commander of the military in the Black Hills area in the late 1850s.
Harney Peak is the site of Black Elk's "Great Vision" he received when nine years old and the site to which he returned, accompanied by John G. Neihardt, as an old man.
The top can be reached by following the trails either from Sylvan Lake or Horse Thief Lake. The hike from Sylvan Lake to the summit and back is about 6 miles (10 km). Harney Peak is located within the Black Elk Wilderness area. No permit is required for use of the trail, although the National Forest Service asks (at a self-service kiosk) that hikers register to obtain a free permit upon entering the Black Elk Wilderness area, en route to the summit.
The entire area around Harney Peak is one of the most popular hiking locations in the Black Hills. The trails which course through the Black Elk Wilderness and nearby Custer State Park are walked on at all seasons of the year. There has been great interest in expanding this wilderness area in recent years.
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Last updated on Thursday July 17, 2008 at 15:12:43 PDT (GMT -0700)
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