Black Elk Wilderness pin

$7.00

In stock

Shipping calculated in cart/checkout:  Shipping rates for first items start at $7, calculated based on weight of total order.

Represents the only designated wilderness in the entire Black Hills National Forest. This enameled metal pin from L.W. Bristol Classics depicts the 13,426-acre Black Elk Wilderness, home to Black Elk Peak (7,242 ft), the highest summit east of the Rockies.

  • 3/4″ x 1 1/4″ die-cut enameled metal pin on a 5 1/4″ x 2 1/2″ display card
  • Colorful enamel front with brushed metal reverse
  • Weighs 0.3 oz, fits on hats, jackets, packs, or lanyards
  • Approved by the Black Hills National Forest
  • Made in the USA
  • Your purchase funds trail maintenance, education, and conservation on Black Hills public lands

In stock

60-day returns · Ships from South Dakota via USPS

Black Elk Wilderness pin

$7.00

In stock

Shipping calculated in cart/checkout:  Shipping rates for first items start at $7, calculated based on weight of total order.

Represents the only designated wilderness in the entire Black Hills National Forest. This enameled metal pin from L.W. Bristol Classics depicts the 13,426-acre Black Elk Wilderness, home to Black Elk Peak (7,242 ft), the highest summit east of the Rockies.

  • 3/4″ x 1 1/4″ die-cut enameled metal pin on a 5 1/4″ x 2 1/2″ display card
  • Colorful enamel front with brushed metal reverse
  • Weighs 0.3 oz, fits on hats, jackets, packs, or lanyards
  • Approved by the Black Hills National Forest
  • Made in the USA
  • Your purchase funds trail maintenance, education, and conservation on Black Hills public lands

In stock

60-day returns · Ships from South Dakota via USPS

Honest Shipping

Real USPS rates, no markup. The money we save funds trail crews and internships.

Join BHPFA for $30 a year -> get your code by email in seconds. -> Use it at checkout today. Show your card at hundreds of nonprofit park stores nationwide for 10% off.

Ranger Approved

Every item is selected or approved by rangers and staff. Your purchase keeps them on the front lines.

Honest Shipping

Real USPS rates, no markup. The money we save funds trail crews and internships.

Join BHPFA for $30 a year -> get your code by email in seconds. -> Use it at checkout today. Show your card at hundreds of nonprofit park stores nationwide for 10% off.

Ranger Approved

Every item is selected or approved by rangers and staff. Your purchase keeps them on the front lines.

Description

What is the Black Elk Wilderness pin?

This enameled metal pin from L.W. Bristol Classics depicts the Black Elk Wilderness, a 13,426-acre wilderness area in the granite core of the Black Hills. It’s the only federally designated wilderness in the entire Black Hills National Forest.

Congress established the Black Elk Wilderness in 1980 through the Colorado Wilderness Act. The area is named for Black Elk (Hehaka Sapa), an Oglala Lakota holy man whose spiritual visions were recorded in the 1932 book Black Elk Speaks. The wilderness contains Black Elk Peak, which at 7,242 feet is the highest point in South Dakota and the highest summit east of the Rocky Mountains.

Specifications

  • Material: Enameled metal
  • Pin size: 3/4″ x 1 1/4″
  • Package size: 5 1/4″ x 2 1/2″ display card
  • Weight: 0.3 oz
  • Finish: Colorful enamel front, brushed metal reverse
  • Manufacturer: L.W. Bristol Classics (Bristol, TN)
  • Made in: USA

Who is this for?

Hikers and peak baggers. If you’ve done the Trail #9 hike from Sylvan Lake to Black Elk Peak, this pin is a lightweight way to remember it. At 3/4″ x 1 1/4″, it fits on a hat, jacket, or daypack without adding bulk.

Wilderness area collectors. The National Wilderness Preservation System includes over 800 designated areas across the country. If you collect pins from the ones you’ve visited, this covers the only wilderness in the Black Hills.

Gift buyers. And 0.3 ounces, this is an easy add-on to a larger order or a small gift for someone who loves the Black Hills. Pairs well with the Black Elk Peak Pin for a wilderness-and-summit set.

About Black Elk Wilderness

The Black Elk Wilderness sits in the granite core of the Black Hills, surrounded by the 35,000-acre Norbeck Wildlife Preserve. The most popular access point is Sylvan Lake, where Trail #9 begins the 3.5-mile hike to Black Elk Peak. The trail gains about 1,100 feet and takes most hikers 4 to 5 hours round trip. During peak season, the trail sees around 500 visitors per day.

The wilderness also contains about 8 miles of the South Dakota Centennial Trail, which runs 111 miles through the Black Hills from Bear Butte to Wind Cave National Park.

The peak was known as Harney Peak until August 2016, when the U.S. Board on Geographic Names officially renamed it Black Elk Peak.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Black Elk Wilderness pin made of?
Enameled metal with a colorful design on the front and a brushed finish on the back. Made in the USA by L.W. Bristol Classics.

How big is the pin?
The pin is 3/4″ x 1 1/4″. It comes on a 5 1/4″ x 2 1/2″ display card.

Is this the same as the Black Elk Peak Pin?
No. BHPFA sells both a Black Elk Wilderness pin and a separate Black Elk Peak Pin. The Peak pin features the USGS survey marker and elevation. The Wilderness pin represents the broader 13,426-acre wilderness area.

Where is the Black Elk Wilderness?
In the granite core of the Black Hills in western South Dakota, within the Black Hills National Forest. It’s the only designated wilderness area in the forest. The most common access point is Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park.

Can I hike to Black Elk Peak?
Yes. The most popular route is Trail #9 from Sylvan Lake: 3.5 miles one way, about 1,100 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers finish the round trip in 4 to 5 hours. No technical climbing required.

Does buying this support national parks and forests?
Yes. BHPFA is the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service in the Black Hills region. Your purchase funds trail maintenance, education programs, conservation work, and visitor services at Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, Scotts Bluff, and the Black Hills National Forest.

Who makes this pin?
L.W. Bristol Classics, a pin manufacturer based in Bristol, Tennessee. They make collectible pins, hiking medallions, and commemorative items for parks and historic sites across the country.

Related pins from BHPFA

Every Purchase Makes a Difference

When you shop with Black Hills Parks & Forests Association, you are directly funding:

  • Education programs — nature workshops, Junior Ranger activities, and homeschool adventures for kids across the Black Hills
  • Trail maintenance — keeping hiking trails safe and accessible at Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, and the Black Hills National Forest
  • Visitor services — park store operations, interpretive programs, and the staff who help millions of visitors each year
  • Conservation — supporting the long-term health of public lands in the Black Hills and Nebraska

BHPFA is the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service in the Black Hills region. We have supported these public lands since 1946.

Learn more about our mission →

Additional information

Weight 1 oz
Brand

L.W. Bristol Classics

Dimensions

3/4" x 1 1/4" (pin), 5 1/4" x 2 1/2" (package)

Weight

0.3 oz

Material

Enameled Metal

Country of Origin

USA

Note on International Orders
Some countries charge import duties, VAT, or handling fees on delivery. These are set by your local government and are not included in our checkout total. Customers are responsible for paying any such charges before receiving their package.