Crazy Horse Memorial®

The Crazy Horse Spring Volksmarch (an organized hike) is a 10K (6.2-mile) woodlands walk to the world’s largest Mountain Carving in progress in the southern Black Hills of South Dakota.

Volksmarch

The Crazy Horse Spring Volksmarch (an organized hike) is a 10K (6.2-mile) woodlands walk to the world’s largest Mountain Carving in progress in the southern Black Hills of South Dakota.

The Crazy Horse Volksmarch is the most popular organized hike in the United States (15,000 walkers in a record year). This family event is sponsored by the Black Hills Chapter of the American Volkssport Association (AVA) and hosted by Crazy Horse Memorial®.

Hikers follow dirt trails and gravel work roads up to the Crazy Horse Mountain Carving. The turn-around point is on the Arm of Crazy Horse directly in front of the nine-story-high face, which was completed June 3, 1998. Hikers get an up-close view of the mountain. Work continues on the rest of what will be the largest sculpture in the world.

The Laughing Water Restaurant at Crazy Horse opens for breakfast at 6 a.m. during the Volksmarch, and serves lunch and dinner. The snack shop also is open. Coffee is always free at Crazy Horse Memorial®.

39th Annual Spring Volksmarch - June 7, 2025 - Only Day in June - Saturday

The bi-annual Crazy Horse Volksmarch (an organized hike) is a 10K or 6.2-mile woodlands ramble to the world’s largest mountain carving in progress in the southern Black Hills of South Dakota. The Spring Volksmarch in 2025 will only be the first Saturday of June.

Crazy Horse Memorial Welcome Center

Before or after your hike, don’t miss the short introductory movie "What is Crazy Horse?" playing in the twin theaters in the Welcome Center. Also be sure to see THE INDIAN MUSEM OF NORTH AMERICA®, Sculptor’s Studio / Home Workshop and THE NATIVE AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL CENTER®.

Cost

Admission for hikers will be waived with 3 cans of food per hiker. The American Volkssport Association's hike fee is $4 (cash or check, no credit cards accepted) for each participant regardless of age. Regular admission applies to non-hikers or hikers without food.

Parking

FREE. Due to the popularity of the event, parking can be some distance from the starting point and not on paved or gravel surfaces. Shuttle buses operate between these outlying parking lots and the start-finish area.

Registration

No advance registration. Hikers must check in at starting point, which is at the Memorial’s upper parking area. Registration will begin at 7:00 am. Hikers must register before 1 p.m. and be off the trail by 4 p.m. No late starts.

Starting times

Anytime between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.

How long does it take?

The hike averages two to four hours to complete. Hikers should pace themselves due to the terrain and peak elevation (nearly 6,500 feet above sea level).

What is the trail like?

The route is a 5K or 10K (6.2 miles round trip) on hilly, rough terrain with some steep inclines. The rugged woodlands path is not suitable for infant strollers. From the valley at the Memorial’s visitor center, the trail rises about 500 feet up to the mountain. You will see views of Crazy Horse Memorial® and its 1,000-acre campus not otherwise available to the public.

What are some hiking tips?

Travel light! Water stations and port-a-potties are available along the trail. Roving trail monitors and medical professionals will be available for those needing assistance. Watch the weather, dress appropriately and anticipate taking layers of clothes. Sturdy footwear is recommended.

Are pets allowed?

Pets of all kinds are prohibited on the trail.

Is camping available?

There is no camping at Crazy Horse Memorial®. However, camping is available at Heritage Village, 1 mile south of the Memorial’s entrance. The campground overlooks the mountain carving.