I traveled to South Dakota with the Chicks With Kicks Hiking SC for a memorable hiking adventure, and one of the highlights was the Crazy Horse Memorial Hike. On June 4, 2022, we left very early and arrived at Crazy Horse Memorial just before opening. After a quick breakfast at the on-site restaurant, we registered for the hike organized by America’s Walking Club.

The trail to the top was approximately 6.2 miles round trip with about 500 feet of elevation gain. Although most of the route was manageable, there were a few steep sections that added a little challenge. The organizers provided water and snacks approximately every mile, which was especially appreciated during the climb. One of the most memorable parts of the hike was getting surprisingly close to the enormous mountain carving. Seeing Crazy Horse’s face and the incredible scale of the sculpture up close gave me a completely different appreciation for the monumental project. Once we reached the top, we were rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Black Hills. It was an incredible experience.

The Story Behind Crazy Horse Memorial

Crazy Horse was a respected Lakota warrior of the Oglala band. He is believed to have been born around 1840, approximately 40 miles northeast of where the memorial stands today. He fought against U.S. forces during the Black Hills Wars in an effort to protect the Lakota way of life. Crazy Horse was killed in 1877 at Fort Robinson in Nebraska.

The idea for the memorial began with Chief Henry Standing Bear, a Brulé Lakota leader and Crazy Horse’s cousin. After learning about an effort to create a memorial to Crazy Horse in Nebraska, Standing Bear established an association and invited sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski to create the monument in the sacred Black Hills of South Dakota instead.

Ziolkowski arrived in South Dakota in 1947 and dedicated the rest of his life to the enormous undertaking. He married Ruth Ross in 1950, and together they raised 10 children. The family documented detailed plans for the carving in three books. After Korczak’s death in 1982, Ruth continued his work and helped guide the project forward. Her commitment to completing his vision was remarkable.

Today, the Crazy Horse Memorial remains the world’s largest mountain carving in progress. What began as a vision shared by Henry Standing Bear and Korczak Ziolkowski has grown into a lasting tribute to Native American people, culture, history, and heritage. Second- and third-generation members of the Ziolkowski family continue to serve on the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation Board, whose mission is to protect and preserve the culture, traditions, and living heritage of North American Indians.

The memorial campus offers much more than the mountain carving. The Indian Museum of North America® showcases Native American artifacts and cultural exhibits, while the Native American Educational and Cultural Center® provides hands-on activities and opportunities to learn more about Indigenous cultures. Together, these attractions make Crazy Horse Memorial not simply a monument to photograph, but a place where visitors can learn about Native American history and heritage.

If You Go

• Location: Crazy Horse, South Dakota, in the Black Hills.
• Crazy Horse Memorial Hike: The Volksmarch route to the top is approximately 6.2 miles round trip with about 500 feet of elevation gain.
• Difficulty: Moderate, with several steeper sections.
• What to bring: Water, comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, and layers. Bring a camera—the views are spectacular.
• Food: There is a restaurant on the memorial grounds, which made it convenient for us to grab breakfast before our hike.
• Volksmarch: The route to the mountain carving may be available during scheduled Volksmarch events. Check the memorial’s current schedule before planning your hike.
• Allow time: Don’t rush through the memorial. Give yourself time to visit the Indian Museum of North America® and Native American Educational and Cultural Center®.
• Photography: The hike provides unusual close-up perspectives of the carving, while the summit offers expansive views of the Black Hills.
• Tip: Check current trail access, event dates, admission information, and weather conditions before your visit.

References Crazy Horse History, VolksMarch Crazy Horse Memorial, Pictorial Timeline, Crazy Horse Memorial on Facebook

South Dakota Hiking and Attraction Map

You might enjoy these posts nearby:

• Rankin Ridge Interpretive Trail, SD
• Crazy Horse Monument, SD
• Spearfish Canyon and waterfalls, SD
• Custer State Park’s Wildlife Loop
• Badlands National Park, SD
• Cathedral Spires Trail and Needles Highway, SD
• Mount Rushmore, SD