Hi, SD DUers! I'm visiting the Black Hills area Aug. 5-6.

[intheflow]

Coming up from Denver on a mini-vacation with my Sweetie. We'll have two full days. I want to see Mt. Rushmore just to say I've seen it, but certainly don't want to hang out with the tourists for more than an hour. I'm wondering if the mammoth bones place is worth going to.

But mostly I'd like to know the best (quietest) state or national campgrounds, and also short hikes in the area, preferably off the beaten path. We are not cut mountaineers, but in our early 40's and fairly fit.

In other words, what do you locals know that the tour books aren't telling me about?

Thanks in advance! :hi:

PS: I'm bummed to see we're missing your Rapid City meet up by a week. I've only met one DUer in Colorado, we haven't had a meet up down here since before my time.

[ClassWarrior]

1. If you're going to do Rushmore to say you've done it...

...you CAN'T miss Crazy Horse. Truly spectacular.

I'm not from SD, but I love the Black Hills.

NGU.

[intheflow]

2. Crazy Horse?

Well, that's off the beaten path. At least it's not on any map I have. *scratch head* Is it a state or national park? Where is it?

[existentialist]

4. Crazy Horse

Is a private foundation. It is located five miles north of Custer on highway U.S. 16/385, and the Michelson Trail is right beside the highway at that point.

[existentialist]

3. First of all

The Bike Rally. If you are seeking quiet in the Black Hills you are going at the wrong time. The Sturgis Motorcycle Classic is at that time of year, and there will be tens of thousands, perhaps more than 100,000 motorcycles in the area.

Second, there are some good hiking trails (and bicycling, and horse back), for just about any state of fitness. The best known is the Mickelson trail that runs from Deadwood to Edgemont. There are not supposed to be any motor vehicles on it, including motorcycles, but parts of it are very close to the main roads, and I wouldn't bet the all of the Rally goers will abide that particular prohibition. There are some very good hiking trails in the Needles area. Some long, some short. The most heavily traveled is the Harney Peak Trail, but it's a nice hike anyway. I wouldn't expert anyone to take it on a motorcycle, although with a dirt bike it would be easily possible.

If 3.2 miles one way is more than you want, there is the Sunday Gulch Loop Trail also starting at Sylvan Lake. Anyone trying to take a motorcycle on that route is crazy--perhaps it could be done, but it would be a ludicrous challenge for no point (as well as illegal). Parts of this trail are down right steep--but they made it easy with steps and handrails, and the whole thing is only (I think) about 1.6 miles.

There are also myriad other trails in the general area, including, if you're into it, ropes and pinions climbing trails. These trails meet up with each other, and you can go for probably 100 miles of trails in this general area without covering the same trail twice. Some of these trails begin (or end) at Mount Rushmore). I hope you've made reservations wherever you plan to stay. That time of year you'll probably need them, including at, perhaps especially at campgrounds. But don't panic, things do keep opening up. So if you try to get reservations tonight, and can't find anything, go ahead and try again tomorrow, and the next day if need be.

If you're into the performing arts, I heartily recommend the Black Hills Playhouse, which is also very close to what is, in my opinion, the best of the Black Hills Lakes for swimming, namely Center Lake.


(I forgot.) Yes, the mammoth site is worth going to, but if you've only got two days I probably wouldn't make it my priority.

Hope you enjoy your vacation.

[intheflow]

5. Thank you SO MUCH for the heads up on the motorcycle rally.

Because of your input, we've decided to go to the Colorado mountains this time around. But now your travel tips are immortalized here on DU, we'll check back the next time we can find the time for a mini-vaca.

Thanks again! :hi: