The Crazy Horse Volksmarch is held every year in early June. The volksmarch is the only time that hikers can walk to the top of Crazy Horse mountain to view the massive carving. The monument was first started in 1948 by Korczak Ziolkowski and family to commemorate the honor, sacrifice, and history of not only Crazy Horse, but all of the Lakota Sioux people. Work on the carving has been slow, but progress is ongoing.
The Crazy Horse Volksmarch is sponsored by the Black Hills Volksmarch Association and is one of the more well-attended hiking events across the country. The event generally draws a crowd of up 15,000 participants over the two days it is open. With that many people in a relatively small area, participants should expect to wait in line to register and use the facilities.
Be Prepared for Rapidly Changing Weather
The weather in South Dakota’s Black Hills can change rapidly at any time of the year, but the month of June is particularly unsettled. Weather in early June can yield humidity, heat, rain, snow, lightening, hail, fog, and wind. There are times when all of those can occur in one day. Hikers should be prepared for anything and bring appropriate clothing. Layering of warm, yet breathable, lightweight clothing works well because layers can be added or shed at will. A wide brimmed hat and sunscreen are also essential for protection during the hike.
In the event of an approaching lightening storm, the trail to the top of the mountain is closed until the threat of lightening is gone. The hikers who are unlucky enough to be on or near the top of the mountain when lightening occurs are generally bussed back down to the Visitor’s Center for safety. The best advice for people who end up in that situation is don’t panic and cooperate with the event organizers for an orderly, safe, evacuation.
Trail to the Mountain Top
Crazy Horse Volksmarch is 10K (6.2 miles) in length. The trail initially winds through the Ponderosa pine forest and is of native soil tread. The initial grade of the trail is a steady, yet gradual, climb that is really not that noticeable for those who are in shape. However, the elevation is almost 6,000 feet so many people from lower elevations may notice that the air is thin and that they tend to get winded faster than usual.
Near the base of the carving the trail ties in with a gravel surfaced service road that the hikers use to get up to (and down from) the mountain top. From that point on, the hike is steadily uphill in moderate to fairly steep pitches. Hikers returning from the top of the mountain follow the service road all the way back to the Visitor’s Center.
Rewards of Getting to the Mountain Top
After completing the climb, hikers will find themselves standing on the arm of Crazy Horse and gazing at his massive head. It is purported that three of the presidential heads of Mt. Rushmore stacked on top of one another would be about the same size as the single head of the Crazy Horse carving. The true scale of the carving can be best appreciated from this vantage point.
The workmanship of the carving is impressive. The eyes of the stone carving are almost lifelike and eerily expressive, and the rock on the completed portion has been buffed amazingly smooth.
The view of the surrounding area from the mountain top is stunning. Spring in the Black Hills doesn’t arrive until mid-May, but by the weekend of the Volksmarch the deciduous trees have started to leaf out and the grass has turned brilliant green. This is Black Hills scenery at its best.
Sources:
- All Black Hills website accessed April 6, 2011.
- Crazy Horse Memorial website accessed April 6, 2011.
Helen McGranahan - Helen McGranahan has worked her entire career dedicated to wise and sustainable management of natural resources.
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