Pageant Hill trailhead inside Big Rock Park in Custer, South Dakota.

Big Rock Park: Pageant Hill

A hilltop spot inside Custer's Big Rock Park, with an 18-hole disc golf course, hiking trails to the Big Rock lookout, summit views, and winter sledding.

About

Pageant Hill in Big Rock Park is one of Custer's most popular outdoor destinations, offering a scenic network of hiking trails for visitors of all abilities. The popular Pageant Hill Trail begins near the park entrance and climbs through towering Ponderosa pines and granite outcroppings before connecting with additional trails that explore the hill's scenic overlooks and ridgeline. Highlights include Sunrise Point, the iconic lighted Custer sign overlooking town, and the Big Rock Observation Deck at the 5,680-foot summit. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of the southern Black Hills, with vistas stretching to Black Elk Peak, Little Devils Tower, Sylvan Peak, Mount Coolidge, Buckhorn Mountain, and Calamity Peak. Big Rock Park also features an 18-hole disc golf course that shares portions of the trail network, making it a favorite destination for hiking, sightseeing, and outdoor recreation. Free to visit, open year-round, dogs are welcome on a leash. Minutes from downtown Custer and perfect for an afternoon picnic, a short hike, or quick game of disc golf!

Photos

Pageant Hill trail in Big Rock park lined with ponderosa pines. Custer, SD.
Pageant Hill trail in Custer, South Dakota. Pines, blue skies, clouds.
Pines with blue skies and clouds in the distance. View from Pageant Hill trail in Custer, SD.
Skyline Trail, adjoining with Pageant Hill Trail in Big Rock Park in Custer.

Reviews

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We love this park! There's so much to do here: hiking, disc golf, picnics, etc. At the highest point is a lookout platform at the top of a staircase. Beautiful views and winding trails throughout the…