PHOTOS: Hundreds hike Crazy Horse Memorial during spring Volksmarch
The 75th anniversary weekend at Crazy Horse Memorial brought hundreds of hikers out, all eager for their chance to admire the carving and Black Hills from the very top.Â
The joy of seeing Crazy Horse Memorial up close after the long hike.
Two women imitate the carving’s pose.Â
The arm of Crazy Horse Memorial was packed with visitors for most of the day Saturday. Hundreds turned up for their chance to see the massive carving up close.
Boxes of donated canned goods lined the road behind the entrance to Crazy Horse Memorial. As part of KOTA Territory Care and Share, each visitor could receive free admission to the memorial on Saturday by donating three cans of food.Â
Hundreds of cars were backed up out of Crazy Horse Memorial’s gates and down Highway 16 near Custer Saturday for the 2023 spring Volksmarch.
A member of the Marshals Posse ties up her horse. The Marshals Posse is a riding group that helps organize the parking for the Volksmarch every year.
A young boy peers out the window of the shuttle bus on the way to the starting line for the 2023 spring Volksmarch at Crazy Horse Memorial.Â
Members of the Black Hills Volkssport Association hand out registration cards ahead of the 2023 spring Volksmarch at Crazy Horse on Saturday, June 3.
The starting point for the nearly six-mile hike to the top of Crazy Horse. Volunteers man four checkpoints along the way.
Signs mark the trail to the top of Crazy Horse.
Hikers get spectacular views of Crazy Horse Memorial along the trail.
Wildflowers bloomed along the trail to the top of Crazy Horse Memorial.
The first part of the nearly six-mile hike winds through trees and over rocks, a stark contrast to the end of the trail, which is the gravel road to the top.Â
A couple hold hands while hiking the spring Volksmarch at Crazy Horse Memorial.
Hikers come from all different age groups and fitness levels. Some start early, so it isn’t uncommon to see many on the top during the hike up.
Hikers tackle rocky inclines in the forest before moving up the road towards the top of Crazy Horse Memorial.Â
A young boy is treated to a view of the birch trees while ascending the trail to the top of Crazy Horse Memorial on Saturday, June 3.Â
Hikers represent all ages, like this young girl riding in a carrier.Â
Children play on the large rocks that dot the road heading to the top of Crazy Horse Memorial.
Nearing the top of the gravel road, Crazy Horse‘s face comes clearly into view.
Visitors stand on Crazy Horse’s arm, staring up at his massive face.
Hundreds of hikers follow the gravel road up to Crazy Horse.
The detail of Crazy Horse’s sculpted eye.
The lush green of a recently rained-on Black Hills comes into full view atop Crazy Horse Memorial. Hikers can be seen dotting the trails winding through the forest.
Hundreds of people gather at the top to admire the sculpting and the view of the Black Hills.Â
Even following the gravel road back down provides spectacular views of Crazy Horse Memorial not usually open to the average visitor.Â
Darsha Dodge
City Editor, Staff Photographer
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