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 point in South Dakota and the Black Hills.
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
- Black Elk Peak Pin ($4.99)
- Wind Cave Classic Pin ($4.99)
- Jewel Cave 200 Mile Lantern Pin ($4.99)
- CCC Pin ($4.99)
- Stories in Stone Pin Collection ($15.00)
