Saddle Up for Western Wednesday at Snowmass Rodeo
Twice-a-year family-friendly hike up the Crazy Horse Memorial with spectacular mountain views.
Event details
The Crazy Horse Volksmarch, a bi-annual event also known as the Crazy Horse Memorial Volksmarch, is an organized hike that draws thousands to the southern Black Hills of South Dakota. This family-friendly event, sponsored by the Black Hills Chapter of the American Volkssport Association (AVA) and hosted by Crazy Horse Memorial®, is the most popular organized hike in the United States, attracting a record 15,000 walkers in a single year.
The target audience is diverse, including families, outdoor enthusiasts, and athletes of all ages. The event is open to anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the Black Hills and the monumental Crazy Horse Mountain Carving. There are no specific performers or notable guests, but the event itself is a celebration of nature and physical achievement.
The Crazy Horse Volksmarch occurs twice a year: the Spring Volksmarch takes place on the first Saturday of June, while the Fall Volksmarch happens on the last Sunday of September. For the 2025 events, the Spring Volksmarch is scheduled for Saturday, June 7, and the Fall Volksmarch for Sunday, September 28. Registration for both events begins at 7:00 AM, with hikers able to start anytime between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Participants must be off the trail by 4:00 PM, with no late starts allowed.
The event takes place at the Crazy Horse Memorial, located at 12151 Avenue of the Chiefs in Crazy Horse, South Dakota. This venue is in the heart of the Black Hills, offering a stunning natural setting. To get there, one can fly into the Rapid City Regional Airport and then drive via US Highway 16 or 385. The memorial’s upper parking area serves as the starting point for the hike.
The Crazy Horse Volksmarch offers a unique and enriching experience for attendees. The hike is a 10K or 6.2-mile round-trip journey through woodlands and up to the Crazy Horse Mountain Carving. Hikers follow dirt trails and gravel work roads, culminating at the turn-around point on the Arm of Crazy Horse, directly in front of the nine-story-high face of the carving. This provides an up-close view of the world’s largest mountain carving in progress, a sight that is both awe-inspiring and humbling.
One of the standout features of the event is the opportunity to hike up to the mountain carving without the usual admission fee, provided participants donate three cans of food to KOTA Territory’s Care and Share Food Drive. The American Volkssport Association’s hike fee is $3 for each participant, regardless of age.
During the event, the Laughing Water Restaurant at Crazy Horse opens early for breakfast and remains open for lunch and dinner, offering a convenient place for hikers to rest and refuel. The snack shop is also open, and coffee is always free at the memorial.
The atmosphere is lively and communal, with hikers setting their own pace and enjoying the scenic views and challenging terrain. The event is a celebration of physical achievement, community spirit, and the natural beauty of the Black Hills. It is an experience that combines physical activity, scenic vistas, and a unique cultural landmark, making it a must-attend for anyone interested in hiking, history, or the great outdoors.