In this post, I review the Grizzly Bear Creek Trail which is located in the Black Elk Wilderness near Custer State Park!
I’ve mentioned before how much I enjoy hiking in the Harney Range and the Black Elk Wilderness area of the Black Hills. Well, the Grizzly Bear Creek Trail is one of my favorite routes in that locale.
Because this trail is located in the wilderness area, it isn’t maintained as much as the surrounding national forest. There isn’t a lot of logging here and ranchers aren’t able to use this land to graze their herds, so you don’t have to worry about the “leavings” of cows. There also aren’t any people living nearby. Therefore, it’s really just left to Mother Nature. It’s natural, beautiful, and rugged.
What will you see on the Grizzly Bear Creek Trail?
This path is interesting because it doesn’t really “go” anywhere, per se. It’s really just a connector trail that meanders through the lower-lying areas of the Black Elk Wilderness.
This trail isn’t one of the more popular ones in the Black Hills so it’s rarely busy, no matter the time of year. It also tends to be VERY pretty, as it traverses canyons and valleys. A bubbling creek also accompanies you along much of the route’s length, which makes a pleasant accompaniment to your hike. It usually has water in it which can be rare in this part of the country (many local waterways dry up at certain times of the year).
The constant presence of water means this is a more verdant part of the Hills in regards to foliage and it’s a beautiful and colorful area to visit during the fall. This is also one of the easier trails found locally, with just simple, rolling hills to challenge you. In addition to the lovely foliage, you will also be treated to views of the towering spires and imposing rock walls created by the granite the Black Hills is known for.
Puppers and I enjoying the trail!The aspen trees were lovely!
Where is the Grizzly Bear Creek Trail?
The Grizzly Bear Creek Trail does have a trailhead of its own. You will find it off of Forest Road 345 after it branches off of State Route 87 (also called the Needles Highway) in the northern portion of Custer State Park. As it is a connector trail you can also access it from a number of other routes in the Black Elk Wilderness, including the Black Elk Peak Trail (formerly the Harney Trail), the Centennial, the Horsethief Lake, and the Norbeck Trails.
How long is the Grizzly Bear Creek Trail?
The trail is about 13 miles in total length. If you just want to hike portions of the route, you can do out-and-back treks, or you can connect this path with several other trails in the local area to make a variety of loops. These can be shorter, day hikes or longer, multi-day backpacking trips. All of them make for a great way to see the rugged beauty of the higher elevations of the central Black Hills.
When is the best time of year to hike the Grizzly Bear Creek Trail?
While the Grizzly Bear Creek trail can be enjoyed at any time of the year, the warmer months are a better time to access it. It would be beautiful in the winter, though it would be difficult to get to the trailhead as neither the forest road nor the Needles Highway is maintained during the snowy season. As this is one of the highest elevation areas in the Black Hills, you should also expect to encounter, potentially, feet of snow throughout much of the winter.
This trail is Puppers approved!
Because you are so close to the creek for much of the trail’s route, there are also a number of water crossings along its length. You should be prepared for this and have either waterproof shoes or footwear you don’t mind getting wet.
Some of the crossings have rocks you can hop across, though the availability of these will depend on the depth of the water, which can vary greatly throughout the year. These stones can also become mossy and slippery so you should use them with caution.
A bridge across the creek!
If you’re looking for a less-traveled but beautiful hike in the Black Hills, check out the Grizzly Bear Creek Trail!
Have you ever hiked this trail? What did you think? Tell me about it in the comments!
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In this post, I review the Cement Ridge Lookout Tower in extreme, eastern Wyoming.
The Cement Ridge Lookout Tower is located in extreme eastern Wyoming, almost on the border with neighboring South Dakota. It is a National Forest Service fire lookout that is still in active use today. This is a prime place for 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside and is especially picturesque during the fall.
Puppers and I enjoying the lookout!
From the lookout point, you can see portions of four states, South Dakota, Wyoming, North Dakota, and Montana. Expect the weather to be different here than in much of the rest of the Black Hills as this is one of the higher elevations you will find in the Hills. It is frequently windy here and is usually cooler than the surrounding region due to its altitude. It can also be cloudy/foggy, even when the surrounding areas are not.
Mr. Trekler and I once attempted to take Momma and Poppa Trekker here to view leaf colors. It was a lovely day and we were raving about the view the entire way. When we reached the tower, however, it was sacked in with fog. 😕
The view from the lookout tower! This is looking north towards Montana/North Dakota.
How do you get to the Cement Ridge Lookout Tower?
There are a number of different routes you can take to the lookout tower. Some of them require driving on high-clearance, 4WD roads so I won’t be discussing those here. The easiest way to reach the tower is via Forest Route 222 (also called Roughlock Falls Road) that traverses Little Spearfish Canyon. (You can reach the “little” canyon via the main Spearfish Canyon and Route 14A.) In recent years, the Forest Service has actually put up signs directing you to the lookout, so it is much easier to locate than it used to be.
You will take Roughlock Falls Road west, towards Wyoming, past the turnoff for Roughlock Falls. Continue until this road meets a T-intersection with Tinton Road. You will then take a right onto Tinton Road and, a short time later, make a left onto Schoolhouse Gulch Road. Take that route to the intersection with Cement Ridge Road and then follow the signs.
Drivers should be aware that after leaving the main road through Spearfish Canyon, ALL of these roads are dirt. They are graded, however, and are in quite good condition. As long as you don’t mind your car getting dirty, any sedan should be able to handle them in good weather.
It should also be noted that in the winter, most of these dirt roads become impassable to all vehicles other than snowmobiles as they are usually not maintained.
Another pretty fall picture from the Black Hills!
If you’d like to skip the busyness of Spearfish Canyon, you can access Tinton road from the north from Spearfish (take I-90 to Exit 8 for McGuigan Road. Then take that route to the south until you reach the T-intersection with Tinton Road.) You can also access it from the south. Take US 85 west out of Lead (towards Wyoming) for about 18 miles. Tinton Road will be on your right.
This is a fun place to visit almost any time of the year, which also offers amazing views. Why not check it out?
Have you been to the Cement Ridge Lookout Tower? What did you think? Tell me about it in the comments!
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In this post, I discuss the need to respect wildlife and give them their space.
Public Service Announcement! I apologize in advance, this post is going to be a bit of a rant. 😇
Every year tourists come to our beautiful corner of South Dakota. They visit some of our amazing locations like Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park. Many of these visitors aren’t used to some of the exotic wildlife we have here.
Many of them have only seen domesticated animals in their pens, or have only seen wild animals if it’s been behind the safety of cages or other dividers in places like zoos. Out West, we have national and state parks where there’s nothing between you and the MASSIVE, POWERFUL, and VERY WILD animals except a little bit of oxygen. So let’s talk about giving wildlife room to roam!
Every year you hear of people getting attacked by deer, elk, or bear (especially in places like Yellowstone National Park.) Oftentimes they’ll get charged or gored by buffalo which especially, seem to be problematic and tempting for visitors. They look like domesticated cows…note to self, THEY AREN’T! They are strong, they have INCREDIBLY HARD AND POWERFUL heads, and oh yeah, they have SHARP HORNS!…even the females.
It’s pretty well known that Mommas of any species can get quite aggressive when defending their babies. (I’m not a human Momma but Puppers is my baby and I will go into full Momma Grizzly mode if someone or something tries to hurt her. 😝 ) Oftentimes, mother animals are the ones that can pose the greatest risk to us, or our dogs. Even neighborhood deer have been known to act aggressively when they think their young are in danger.
We all need to remember that when we go out in the wild, we are invading the animals’ homes. Let’s be courteous guests and treat this natural beauty with the respect it deserves! If an animal reacts to you in any way, YOU ARE TOO CLOSE! It doesn’t matter if you think you’re giving them plenty of space or if you “aren’t even doing anything”. If the animal reacts to you that’s his way of telling you that you need to back off, and that should be the end of the story.
So the next time you’re visiting one of these amazing locations or interacting with wild animals in any setting, take it from a local (and heed the advice of the MANY signs that are posted ALL OVER these types of parks)…#dontpetthefluffycows! 🙄 We are supposed to be the superior species in regards to mental prowess, after all, so let’s act like it, please! 😝
Do you have any suggestions for enjoying the beauty of wild animals while also giving them space? Let me know what they are in the comments!
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In this post, I outline some great day hikes in the northern portion of the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming!
The Bighorn Mountains in northeastern Wyoming are a great place to hike and camp. There you can find great campgrounds, historical sites, picturesque waterfalls, and even dinosaur footprints!
Porcupine Campground, Bighorn Mountains
The Porcupine Campground is located off of Route 14A, in the northern portion of the national forest. (It is not far from the ancient Medicine Wheel that we visited several years ago.) We drove in from the east, from the Sheridan and the Ranchester area.
This is a MUCH easier drive than coming in from the west, near Lovell. That way is far steeper with much sharper turns. When we drove the road from that direction several years ago we both agreed we wouldn’t want to have to do it pulling a 5th wheel. We talked to someone in the campground who had accomplished this feat, and he confirmed it was quite difficult.
Climbing the mountains from the west you do get some nice views of the Bighorn Basin, but it was a lovely drive through a canyon coming in from the east, as well.
Porcupine Campground is very nice for a national forest campground. (Far nicer than one we visited in South Dakota in the Black Hills National Forest.) The sites were large and flat, and also well-spaced apart, some even appeared to be wheelchair-accessible. They also gave you lantern hooks! (I’m easily impressed, what can I say? 😉)
There was a goodly amount of shade at the campground and some of the sites offered fantastic views from the hillside. The mosquitoes weren’t quite as bad as what we’ve experienced elsewhere, though they still gave us a few good bites.
Sunset from the campsite!
Waterfalls in the Bighorns!
Read on for two AMAZING waterfalls that are easy to reach in the Bighorns!
Porcupine Falls in the Bighorn Mountains
For our first hike, we visited Porcupine Falls. It isn’t on all of the maps but it is easy to find. It’s located off of Route 14, the same road as Bucking Mule Falls (which IS on most maps) and there is a sign at the turnoff. The road to the trailhead is short but it does get rather rough. (We saw people in RVs and regular sedans who made it through though.) In good conditions, most vehicles shouldn’t have too much trouble as long as you are watchful and take it slow.
The trail is short, less than a mile in each direction, but it is STEEP! We were prepared for this but I strongly recommend GOOD walking shoes with strong tread if you’re attempting this hike. In dry conditions, it was a little slippy heading down. If it was muddy or snowy/icy this trail could be downright treacherous! It’s a downhill hike the whole way to the falls, so you know what that means for your return trip! 😮 Another thing that makes the trek back so difficult is the altitude as you’ll find yourself above 5000 feet in elevation when attempting this hike.
It becomes extra fun when you meet an unleashed, less-than-friendly dog along the trail with no owner in sight, who insists on getting in your pup’s face and growling. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Please be responsible for your pets and respectful of everyone else on the trail. No one else knows your dog, or if the growls he emits are casual, or a prelude to something more aggressive–this is especially concerning when you have a pup who thinks EVERYBODY just wants to play with her! 🙄
Porcupine Falls!Doesn’t that pool look inviting?A view down the canyon, past the waterfall and pool!
The view is definitely worth the challenge of getting to the site. The roaring cascade plummets into a pool at your feet from over 200 feet above you. On hot days, this makes for a perfect place to take a cool dip, but be warned, the water is COLD!
Bucking Mule Falls in the Bighorns
After that adventure, we continued down the road to Bucking Mule Falls. There were numerous horses and campers at this location and before you ask, yes, there was also a mule! Poor Puppers didn’t know what to make of the ungodly noise that emanated from him in response to some nickers from other horses. 😂
You get extra points if you know what a mule actually is (hint, it’s a hybrid). You get EXTRA, extra points if you know a unique characteristic that this hybridization causes…🤔 **(answers at the end)
I was in absolute heaven! I LOVE the smell of horse (yes, really 😝). I blame my childhood, growing up on a hobby farm, with horses, in Indiana. But seriously, there is something cool about those animals. They’re REALLY intelligent, for one thing, and their smell is divine! It isn’t anything like other barnyard animals, it’s sweeter. (The only time I’ve ever known a horse to stink is when they’re super sweaty after a hard ride.) Even their manure smells better than other animals. That’s right, you heard me! I like the smell of horse poop! 🤣
This was a great trail! It was about four miles round-trip, but there wasn’t much elevation gain. The route mostly rolled over the lower-lying hills in the local area. It traversed a beautiful, wooded forest with the pine needles cushioning your footfalls, as well as some more craggy outcrops. The trek was fairly well-shaded, on a graded path, without a lot of roots or boulders to trip you up.
At the end, you come to a lookout point over Devil Canyon, where you look DOWN on the falls from high above (it emerges from the opposite canyon wall). It was really cool! The canyon was HUGE and beautiful, not what I was expecting at all. It reminded me of the canyon that Green River formed at Dinosaur National Monument, in Colorado. It leads to the west and opens onto the expansive, hazy plains of Bighorn Basin.
Devil Canyon, isn’t it GORGEOUS?!Bucking Mule Falls!Shadow Trekkers at the falls!
There is also a Paradise Falls in this area. I didn’t see it on the map and we didn’t know it existed until someone told us about it. Apparently it’s a bit of a secret. 🤫 It does show up on Google Maps though and looks rather easy to reach if you want to research this location on your own…
Later, we drove a loop from 14A to Route 15, to Burgess Overlook. Then we returned back to our campsite via 14A. This allowed us to FINALLY see a moose (she ended up being the only one we saw the entire trip! 😕)
It’s highly unusual that we see so few moose in the Bighorns. Usually, we are there in early September so I’m not sure if our lack of moose sightings was a result of the hotter weather over the summer, keeping them at higher elevations, or the crowds encouraging them to stay more isolated. The babies would still be smaller and younger at that time of year which may explain why the mommas may want to keep them further from people.
Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite
On the third day of the trip, we took Shell Canyon to the west on Route 14. We’ve traveled this road before but never in this direction, so we got a different perspective on it. Later we got to view the rain shafts hammering the canyon as we looked up at it from the west. It was a very cool sight!
Then we took Red Gulch Road to the Dinosaur Tracksite. This was very cool and something I had just happened to stumble upon on the map. They think this location was a beach on the edge of an inland sea during dinosaur times. The “terrible lizards” would walk in the mud next to the water and leave tracks. These eventually hardened and were fossilized!
Fossilized shrimp holes at the Dinosaur Tracksite!Dino footprint!
This attraction is small and free. It was a nice place to visit for lunch and to let the pup run a bit. I can imagine it being quite hot on a warmer, sunnier day. They had nice picnic facilities, though.
We then finished this backcountry byway that we had completed the other leg of on another trip. Ya’ll know how I LOVEfinishing things that I start! 😁 This portion of the road was quite rutted and rough too, so it’s not really fit for a typical sedan (though a higher clearance SUV could handle it in dry conditions–we saw some CRV’s do it!)
If you’re looking for some great day hikes in the northern Bighorn mountains, check out some of these cool options!
Have you visited any of these sites? Tell me about your experiences in the comments!
**Mules are a hybrid of a male donkey and a female horse. You can usually spot them because they’re the size of a horse, but with GIGANTIC ears. And the other characteristic that makes them unique? Because they are a hybrid, rarely can they reproduce…The More You Know 🌈 😉 !
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“Microadventure” is a term that’s come about in recent years. It basically means you’re going on an adventure that’s close to home, easily accessible, and can be completed in as little as a few hours. It can range from anything from a Saturday picnic in the woods to a several-day long camping trip. It can be enjoyed at any time, though it became increasingly popular during Covid when many people were choosing to save some money, and to not venture too far from home.
Microadventures are a great way to find the hidden gems to enjoy in your local community and region. They’re especially helpful as an escape from everyday stress and burnout when you may not have the time, funds or vacation days for a lengthy trip.
The Trekkers live for microadventures, be those outdoor activities in the Black Hills, or storm chases in the nearby plains!
One of our favorites was several years ago when we “chased” Neowise, the comet that made a surprise appearance in the skies above us!
This wasn’t the first comet I’ve seen in my life. I’m old enough to remember standing outside my childhood home, in the 1990s, with my mom one night, checking out the Hale-Bopp comet through the binoculars.
How do I find a microadventure near me?
It helps that we live in a beautiful place that makes these opportunities many and easy to find, though you can enjoy these types of activities in most places if you know where to look. Go to your local community park or just take a drive in the country outside the city lights. So many places have walking paths and greenways now, even in more urban areas. There are also museums, historical and natural sites, and additional recreational activities, such as ropes courses to explore.
We actually started our chasing adventure on Skyline Drive, which traverses the ridgeback that splits the town of Rapid City in two. Unfortunately, the light pollution from town made it difficult to see the comet. A few evenings later we visited Badlands National Park, with MommaTrekker and Puppers in tow.
Badlands National Park, by-the-way, is one of the best places to view the night sky that I’ve ever seen. As the park’s location is the epitome of the “middle-of-nowhere” and being that this area is more arid, where clear skies are a common occurrence, this is a place with very little light pollution where you can view the night sky in all its grandeur. It helped that the night we went, the moon wasn’t up yet.
My mom agreed that she had never seen so many stars, and she’d spent the last 40 years living on a farm in Indiana! Several different constellations, planets, and the Milky Way were also easily visible to the naked eye. I can also attest, from previous experience, that this is a GREAT place to view meteor showers! 😮
Several days later, we finished our adventure with a short drive to Pactola Lake which is about a half-hour to the west of Rapid City.
Neowise over the Badlands!
Whether you don’t have much spare time, you prefer sticking closer to home, or if you’re trying to save a little on expenses, try out a microadventure. See what you can discover near you!
What sorts of activities do you enjoy on your microadventures? Tell me about them in the comments!
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In this post, I review the Castle Peak campground and some old fire towers found nearby in the Black Hills.
After almost a decade of living in the Black Hills….and after camping ALL OVER the rest of the US…the Trekkers finally camped…IN THE BLACK HILLS! 😁 (Mr. Trekker did camp near Pactola Lake on a trip with another friend in 2005, he enjoyed it then too!)
One benefit to COVID was that it offered us an opportunity to stick closer to home and check some items off our Black Hills Bucket List!
Castle Peak Campground
We camped at the Castle Peak campground, which is a National Forest Service camp in the western Black Hills of South Dakota. It is located on Castle Peak Road about 10 miles northwest of Deerfield Lake. You can access the campground from both Rochford Road and Mystic Road (if you go in from Rochford Road you won’t have to be on the rutted, dirt road as long).
I’ve waxed lyrical before about our love of National Forest campgrounds. As always though, I try to warn people that while these types of camps are usually in BEAUTIFUL locations, and you’ll often see more wildlife, they also tend to be more remote, so they can be difficult to reach. Also, they usually only offer sparse accommodations. In this case, the campground didn’t even have potable water available. It provided only a vault toilet, along with fire rings and picnic tables at the campsites.
The campsites here were lovely, sun-dappled spots amongst the tall pine trees. These reminded both of us of our time spent in the Redwoods in the northwest. They were large, most were shaded and they sat right along Castle Creek, which meant we got to fall asleep with the sound of flowing water nearby.
This was similar to the campsite we had in Marble, Colorado on our road trip in 2018. The area was green and lush, which unfortunately meant the mosquitoes were far worse than they’d been in the rest of the Black Hills that summer. You all know how much I love mosquitoes. 😝
While sitting next to the flowing creek, I couldn’t help but wax poetic a bit, as well 😉:
The creek keeps flowing never-ending, always constant. It ignores us entirely. It is humbling, the little concern that Nature gives us. It doesn’t actively seek to harm us but it doesn’t help us either. It just IS, and we exist within It…
The creek!
Campsites at Castle Peak Campground
The campground was in a canyon, so it didn’t offer the greatest of views. There were also only around 10 first-come-first-serve campsites, so a spot is not guaranteed. This camp also requires a lengthy trip down a rutted, dirt road to access.
That particular weekend wouldn’t have been a problem as the weather was dry. We had the 4×4 truck, but we could have made the trip in my CRV easily enough. A typical passenger car could manage this road in good conditions (we saw several over the weekend) but you should definitely take it easy. In snowy or muddy conditions, a 4WD with high clearance may be required. The biggest issue with this is you may drive to your campsite on a dry road and have to drive out in mud after a night of rain.
As I’ve mentioned previously, this area is in the higher altitudes of the Black Hills, so it’s a great place to go when the weather is supposed to be hot in the lower elevations. That and sunny-weather days are part of the reason we chose to camp on this particular weekend.
The campsite (the creek was between us and the rock wall behind us).
I’ve also mentioned that this area is a great place to find Christmas trees in the Black Hills. Other than that and canoeing on the lake, however, we haven’t spent much time up here. It was fun getting a chance to toodle around some of the roads that we usually only see when snow-covered.
Castle Peak and Flag Mountain Fire Lookouts
We were able to visit the remains of two fire towers, one on Castle Peak, the other on Flag Mountain. We hadn’t realized either were there. You can drive to the top of both, though the last half-mile or so to Castle Peak requires a jaunt up a STEEP and ROCKY road.
We took the advice of our campground neighbors and parked the truck in the grassy area at the base of the steep portion of the road and hiked the remainder of the way (Puppers approved of this option!) Flag Mountain was an easier drive on a dirt, forest road, almost to the base of the tower, and only required us to ascend some rock steps to reach it.
Sleepy Puppers!
At Castle Peak, there are only a few remains of the fire tower’s foundation. On Flag Mountain, much of the rock base remains. Beautiful, 360-degree views were offered from both, though we found Flag Mountain to be the most striking.
It was a clear day and you could see all the way from Terry Peak, in the northern Hills, to Black Elk Peak, which is situated in Custer State Park. That granite bank of rock was especially striking and majestic. The green of the Hills and high prairie that stretches to the horizon contrasted perfectly with the blue of the sky (and the puffy white clouds it contained).
From the summit of Castle Peak
This little mini-trip was a good reset for me. Life had been pretty stressful at the time and it was good to be refreshed by nature!
A few more pictures from our weekend:
From the top of Flag Mountain:
Some steps at the old, fire lookout
Deerfield Lake
If you’re looking for a quiet place to camp in the Black Hills, near Deerfield Lake, check out the Castle Peak campground!
Have you ever been to this campground, Castle Peak itself, or the Flag Mountain fire tower? Tell me about it in the comments!
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In this post, I review the northbound portion of the Centennial Trail from the Elk Creek Trailhead
In this post, I’ll be discussing the portion of the Black Hills Centennial Trail heading north from the Elk Creek Trailhead.
Where in the Black Hills is the Elk Creek Trailhead?
The Elk Creek trailhead is located on Runkle Road. The easiest route to get there is I-90, via the northern portion of Vanocker Canyon Road, south of Sturgis. The turnoff for Runkle Road is almost seven miles to the south of I-90. You can also reach the trailhead from Sturgis Road to the east, though the route to get there is longer and will likely require a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle.
What will you see when traveling on this portion of the Centennial Trail?
This trail is quite lovely. It offers numerous vantage points of sprawling valleys in the Black Hills. It also provides access to several local summits which give you expansive views of the surrounding area. In summer, you will notice the lighter, spring-green color of the aspen trees contrasting against the darker, forest green of the ponderosa pines. In the fall, the contrast is even more noticeable when the aspens turn a bright yellow.
Puppers enjoying the hike!
The trail traverses the northern portion of the Black Hills National Forest which features a wetter climate than the southern part. This allows for more lush and varied vegetation. Mr. Trekker says the scene reminds him of his childhood days in New England.
You can enjoy the Elk Creek portion of the Centennial Trail almost any time of year
This is a good trail for both biking and hiking as it is wide and well-graded in most places. In a few sections, it actually follows sections of old fire roads (and occasionally roads that are still in use, so be watchful for other recreators). This means you won’t find many places with roots that can trip you up or that require lengthy scrambling over rocks.
This is a good trail at almost any time of the year but especially during the warmer months. It’s fairly shaded (depending on the time of day) so it’s a cooler option when it’s hot out. There also aren’t many long climbs as it mostly consists of undulating terrain. I would give this trek an overall rating of easy to moderate. The moderate portions come in as there are a few areas where the “ups” can get your heart pumping a bit.
Below are a few more pics from the trail (thanks, as usual, to Mr. Trekker for these!):
The wildflowers are lovely in the Black Hills in the summer!
A nice view of the Black Hills National Forest
Have you tried out this portion of the Centennial Trail? Tell me about it in the comments!
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In this post, I review this popular trail found in Custer State Park!
The Lover’s Leap Trail is one the Trekkers always enjoy at Custer State Park! This route is a great option almost any time of the year. It is of moderate length and is family-friendly.
Lover’s Leap Trailhead
The trailhead is located on the south branch of Highway 16A. To reach it you park in the lot for the old schoolhouse which is almost directly across the road from the Peter Norbeck Education Center. It also sits between the Custer State Park Resort and the Coolidge General Store on the south side of the road.
Hiking the Lovers Leap Trail in Custer State Park
This is a great loop trail! You will start with a bit of a strenuous hike up the side of the hill. From there you can choose which fork of the loop to take (we’ve enjoyed the trail in both directions).
If you choose the left fork, you will continue up a fairly strenuous climb to the overlook, this is also the “Lovers Leap”. If you choose the right fork, you will traverse a more gradual (though lengthier) trek that eventually climbs to the overlook near its end.
We have completed this trail on several occasions, though our favorite route is by taking the right branch at the fork. This trek takes you along the edge of the hill for a distance, on an almost shelf-like trail that gives you a nice view of the area through the trees. Eventually, you will wind your way down through a valley with a creek that meanders through it.
*Be aware, that this lower portion of the trail can get rather soggy and muddy during very wet times. You will see various trails that branch off from here, some are game trails, and others are used by people just walking from the road and parking lot into the creek to fish. Watch carefully for signs so you stay on the correct trail.*
This trail is Puppers-approved!
There are some awesome views available from the lookout point. You will understand how the point got its name when you reach it. Be careful peering over the rocks, it’s a LONG way down from there! 😮
This one got my acrophobia going a bit. There are beautiful views of the pine-covered Black Hills offered from here, however, as well as the South Dakota plains that spread to the east. On clear days, you can even spot some of the rock spires and walls from the Badlands, rising from the flatter grasslands, almost 100 miles away!
Things you will see on the Lover’s Leap Trail
Depending on the time of year, you’re likely to see and hear many different birds throughout your trek. Chipmunks and squirrels may also scold you from the branches of nearby trees for invading their territory. Watch for two varieties of deer, both mule and white-tail, who call the park home, as well.
You can enjoy this trail almost any time of year, though snowshoes and/or traction devices may be warranted when snow and ice are present. This path is also a great option during the fall when the vibrant yellow of the aspen leaves contrast well against the dark, forever-green of the ponderosa pines.
The Tranquil Trekker surveys the scene!
How difficult is the Lovers Leap Trail?
I would rate this trail as moderate. It’s not overly long and much of it is shaded in the summer so it’s a cooler, hiking option. The path is also fairly wide and well-graded in most places with no real need to scramble over rocks unless you want a better vantage point at the lookout.
While this route has a few lengthy climbs, much of it rolls over the lower-elevation Black Hills that are found in this area. Visitors should be aware the park still sits at around 4000 feet or more, so if you are not used to the thinner air at these altitudes, you may notice some lightheadedness or shortness of breath when you exert yourself.
The next time you’re visiting Custer State Park and you’re looking for a shorter, less strenuous hike, check out the Lovers Leap Trail!
Have you hiked the Lovers Leap Trail in Custer State Park? Tell me about your experience in the comments!
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In this post, I discuss the success of my annual, Lenten Fast.
Happy Easter everyone! The Tranquil Trekker survived another Lenten season! Easter, which falls on Sunday, always perks me up as it marks the end of my annual, six-week-long, Lenten Fast.
How did this year’s Lenten Fast go?
I felt like my Fast went well this year. It wasn’t nearly as difficult as it’s been in the past (full disclosure, I allowed myself to “cheat” some on our 40th birthday, Spring Break trip (more on that in future posts!) I lost around eight pounds this year, which is always a nice effect of the Lenten Fast.
I tried to implement the “drink-half-your-body-weight-in-ounces-of-water-each-day” into my fast, as well. That last for about 45 seconds! 😝 Do you have any idea how much water that is?! I literally found it difficult to REMEMBER to drink that much! I also find, when I drink a lot of water, I end up feeling “waterlogged”. It’s this pseudo-nauseous, bloated tummy that swishes as you walk, weird feeling. I don’t like it. Also, also…am I just going to set up shop in the bathroom?! 😝
Elements from my Lenten Fast that I’ll maintain going forward
As per usual, I think this year I’ve also figured out a technique or two to enjoy the junk food I crave, but within healthier limits. The goal is maybe these few, simple changes will result in continued lower weight for myself!
I will enjoy breaking my lengthy fast on Easter morning with some naughty and delicious sweet treats! 🤤 I’m also looking forward to dessert after Easter dinner!
It’ll be nice to be able to eat without restrictions again, though I am hoping to continue implementing some of my healthier eating habits. This will mainly be in the form of:
A more mindful approach to drinking soda: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I love soda, L-O-V-E LOVE it! (and I’m talking the full-sugar stuff here, that diet stuff tastes like crap, is AT LEAST as bad for you as the regular version–maybe worse?–and it triggers my IBS). I want to be more mindful about how I drink it though. As an example, Mcdonald’s Doctor Pepper (and Sweet Tea!) is the best out there–in my opinion–they just are. So…don’t bother with them anywhere else, just go with what you like (it also doesn’t hurt that they are some of the cheapest sodas available! 😇)
Also, drinking LESS junk! During the peak of summer, when it’s all hot and nasty out, nothing tastes better than a cold, LARGE, drink…until 2 AM when I can’t sleep because of the caffeine (that’s a new, fun addition to hitting 40! 😝). Plus, the MEDIUM drinks fit better in my insulated cup to stay cold so…I also know from past experience, that just making the switch from large to medium drinks helps me lose weight (or at least keep the weight off some.) 😁
I want to be more intentional about eating junk food in general. It’s ok to eat it but only if it is something I am REALLY craving, not just something to fill my belly with. There are also some things I know make me not feel well (like too many white carbs). So, I will avoid these things in favor of healthier options (or at least junk that doesn’t make me feel so bad.)
We will continue sticking with our lower-salt, DASH diet as much as is reasonable: This diet is hard because nothing tastes right. It turns out salt plays a HUGE part in the way we think the foods we eat “should” taste. But I am “slowly” learning how to add just enough salt to home-cooked meals so that they taste good, without using the MASSIVE amounts of the mineral that are in normal, processed food (this includes pizza crust, bread, salad dressings, tomato sauce, etc.)
Eating more greens! For the new year, I made the commitment to eat more salads, and surprisingly, I’ve actually stuck with it quite well! I have to be careful with this, as my IBS doesn’t tolerate too many greens. But, my tummy seems to tolerate me eating salad a few days/week for lunch which is a HUGE healthy, and simple change I can make.
To Conclude
So, Happy Easter everyone! I’m off to go enjoy some chips and dip, soda, and a few jelly beans! 🤤 😁 Here’s to another year of trying to implement more healthy eating practices!
Did you participate in a Lenten Fast? How did it go? Tell me about it in the comments!
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In this post, I review a trail loop we made of the Dakota Point, Flume and Centennial Trails in the central Black Hills.
For another great, Black Hills hike check out a loop that can be made of the Dakota Point, Centennial, and Flume trails near Spring Creek and Sheridan Lake.
It’s funny because we’ve done each of these hikes several times in the past, we just haven’t ever combined them (mostly because water levels on the creek were high or footbridges were out).
The entire loop is between three to four miles in total length.
Where is the Dakota Point Trailhead?
We started and ended our loop at the Dakota Point Trailhead which is located off of Sheridan Lake Road. Dakota Point Road branches off of Sheridan Lake Road and gives access to both the trail and the lake. You will find it about 13 miles west of the Sheridan Lake Road/Catron Boulevard intersection on the southwest side of Rapid City.
This is another, somewhat obscure trailhead found off Sheridan Lake Road, but at least this one has a sign! At certain times, it could be difficult to reach (especially with a regular passenger car) due to mud or snow, as the road to it is not usually plowed (though it is heavily used throughout the year).
What is the Centennial/Dakota Point Loop Hike like?
The first portion of this trail is fairly easy. You will follow a rolling route up and down some shorter hills. The majority of it follows old forest roads that are wide, and fairly well-graded. In a few spots the trek reverts back to more of a regular trail, but even these are fairly easy to navigate.
You should be aware, while you can navigate this loop from either direction, both arms basically wander down the side of the hill towards the creek and lake. This means on the return trip, you will be facing a moderately strenuous, uphill climb, regardless of which direction you choose.
The Dakota Point trail leads you to the dam on Sheridan Lake. This route is very heavily used, especially in the summer. About 1/2 mile into this trail, you’ll come to a fork. If you take the right fork, you’ll continue on the shorter route to Dakota Point. If you take the left fork (which we did) you’ll join the Centennial Trail that runs almost the entire length of the Black Hills.
The Dakota Point trail with snow on it!
You’ll follow the Centennial Trail for about a mile, traipsing downhill the majority of the time–sometimes steeply–until you join up with the Flume Trail coming from the Spring Creek Trailhead. If you turn left, you’ll go to the Spring Creek Trailhead, if you turn right, you’ll eventually end up at the Sheridan Lake dam.
There are a number of other trails that break off from the dam that join the Flume Trail, in places, and traverse around Sheridan Lake. There is also a loop of the Flume Trail that you can join. As you can see there are many choices for hiking in this area!
Once you cross the Sheridan Lake dam, you will climb the lovely, stone steps, to a picturesque view of the backside of the lake. You can then continue back to the Dakota Point Trail and make the long climb back to the trailhead.
A frozen Sheridan Lake
Footbridges on the Flume Trail, Black Hills
Once you reach the Flume Trail, be prepared for multiple creek crossings. There are usually footbridges that allow you to cross with little effort but be warned, they can be a bit intimidating. They are literally, basically just wide railroad ties that span the creek.
Part of the Flume Trail
There are no handrails on the bridges. You aren’t that high above the water (though it would probably still hurt to fall) but this can cause an intimidating trip across the bridge if you’re afraid of heights. Also, if more than one person is on the bridge at a time, they tend to bounce a little which is even more unnerving.
Often you can cross the creek on foot (unless the water is overly high) but this can be a COLD trip when the weather is cool. Also, every few years, these footbridges tend to wash out when the creek floods. 😝
To Conclude
This is a great trail loop! It isn’t overly long though it is moderately-strenuous. This would be a perfect option for a family hike and it is located close to town so it’s easy to reach. Why not check it out the next time you’re looking for a weekend hike in the Black Hills?
Have you tried any of these trails or done the entire loop? What was your experience? Tell me about it in the comments!
Did you enjoy this post? Pin it!
Like what you read here today? Please feel free to leave a comment, like or share this post! Add your email at the bottom of the page, or the sidebar to the right, to be notified when a new post is published. By signing up for the email list, you will also receive a free copy of the Tranquil Trekker’s Top 10 Tips of Trekking Do’s and Don’ts!
You can also follow the blog on social media by clicking the links below!
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