Black Hills National Forest

on the Needles Highway

Sylvan Lake near Custer State Park

If you're staying in the Black Hills, leave time for a hike to Harney Peak in the Black Elk Wilderness. There's a lookout tower at the top with spectacular views. This shot was taken on the way up. Note: the trail can be a bit rugged.

Minuteman Missile

We stopped by this national historic site off I-90 on our way to the Black Hills. It brought to mind the 1988 film "Miracle Mile." If you've seen it, you know what I'm talking about.

From desertscape to prairie lands

Vista near the north entrance to the park.

Prairie lands on the Castle Trail. This trail is 6 miles one-way. It begins on either side with a rocky, desert landscape. I believe the temp was in the 70s during this hike. It felt like the high 80s. Bring plenty of water. No sign of rattlers, but we did see a lengthy bull snake.

I think this trail began across the road from the Castle Trail's southern point. Near the southeast entrance of the Bandlands.

The Badlands

It's going to be a while 'til we hit another national park. In the meantime, I'll recap our trip to South Dakota in June '08. Why South Dakota? It's one of those states with spectacularly diverse terrain. Badlands National Park is a good place to start. Anyone driving from Rapid City should stop by Wall Drug. Just because it's there.

South of the famed signage-crazed complex, Highway 240 winds through prairie dog towns, endless green prairies, and fantastic jagged orange and grey buttes. (see blog header) We stayed at Cedar Pass Lodge in one of the little cabins. Highly recommended. There's nothing like waking up to a sunrise over the Badlands. (caution: The food at the restaurant is, you got it, "bad.")