Spread your ashes on Harney Peak in South Dakota

The summit of Harney peak is over 7000 ft and the highest point east of the Rockies. It is located within the Black Elk Wilderness area, in southern Pennington County, within Black Hills National Forest. Harney Peak is the site of the Sioux Native American Black Elk's "Great Vision" which he received when nine years old and the site to which he returned as an old man, accompanied by writer John Neihardt, who popularized the medicine man in his book Black Elk Speaks. George Custer and his party are supposed to be the first Americans to explore it's summit.

History
Native Americans have a long history in the Black Hills. After conquering the Cheyenne in 1776, the Lakota took over the territory of the Black Hills, which became central to their culture. When European Americans discovered gold there in 1874, as a result of George Armstrong Custer's Black Hills Expedition, erstwhile miners swept into the area in a gold rush; the US government re-assigned the Lakota, against their wishes, to other reservations in western South Dakota.

Trails to explore
The shortest and most popular trail starts in George Custer State Park. It is 6 miles long and takes you to the Black Elk Wilderness area. Sylvan lake is the starting point. You can also start out at Mount Rushmore and hike on over to the Harney Peak. The area’s pervasive pine trees are dense and deep, giving the hills their namesake “black” appearance from far off. There are multiple trails there and you can select one going up another one coming back.

Memorial Service
There are several lodges in the area that could be used for a memorial service. The one at Sylvan Lake would be ideal for your memorial service after which your ashes can be carried up to the Harney Peak for spreading. Legion Lake Lodge, Blue Bell Lodge, and State Game Lodge are other options. The Black Hills have a rich history of Indian lore and mining that can contribute to the theme of your memorial service.