How to Hike in South Dakota

South Dakota is a dramatic high plains state with great hiking available in river, Badland and mountain locales.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• For summer hiking you'll need good boots, lots of water, snacks, flashlight and a wind breaker/rain coat.

1. 
   from Harney Peak, Black Hills Nat'l Forest

   The best hiking in South Dakota is in the western part of the state in and around the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park and Custer State Park. The Badlands offer some of the most unusual hiking terrain in the United States. It's in a National Park so the trails are well mapped and information is available from the ranger stations and visitor centers. Trails range from easy (level) 1/2 mile loops to more extreme climbs of 10 miles or more among the jagged formations.

2. 
   Bison are common in the Black Hills around Custer Park. KEEP AWAY!

   Weather in the Badlands in the summer ranges from very hot and dry to heavy thunderstorms. When hiking in the park plan on carrying a quart of water for each hour you will be out. Temperatures often soar over 100 F. Wear a sun hat and carry a wind breaker/rain coat. Loose and light weight clothing with long sleeves and full pants will help against the strong sun. Part of the park is within the Pine Ridge Sioux Reservation. It is also near the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre, so respect any rules posted by the Reservation.

3. Another popular hiking area is the Black Hills. The trail up to Harney Peak, at 7240' the highest point in South Dakota is easy to moderate and offers great views. From the trail head at Sylvan Lake the hike is 3.5 miles one way and gains 1100' elevation (compared to more rugged trails that gain 1000' per mile this trail is easy). There is an observation tower at the summit and as the trail gets steeper towards the top there are hand rails along the trail.

4. 
   The Badlands of South Dakota

   Highlights:
   The Badlands have many fossil beds and unusual geological formations.
   The Black Hills have bison (stay away, they are huge and unpredictable).
   Both areas have prairie rattlers, but these snakes are rarely encountered and very reclusive.
   Make sure you also take side trips to the Crazy Horse Monument and to Wind Cave National Park.

Resources

• Badlands National Park hiking guide
• Harney Peak info
• Crazy Horse Memorial

[iamageniuster]

on 10/19/2008 Great article. Thanks for sharing. 5 stars!