Trip/Event Location: Rapid City, SDUS
Trip Leader(s):
Max # People: 10
Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Harney Peak, the highest point in South Dakota at 7242 feet, can be accessed from several trails. We're going to take shortest and most popular route beginning at Sylvan Lake. Trail #9, as
Trailhead is about an hour SW of Rapid City. Follow US16 to SD 87. Once through the Custer State Park entrance gate, drive past the park store and take your first left. Park in the lot at the end of this road, cross the footbridge and look for the trail information board where we'll meet up.
Beginning the hike at about 10am, I was a little worried about the weather as there was a chance of rain after noon. But despite a few clouds, I never saw any raindrops.
The trail itself is fairly easy, especially for the steep terrain in this part of the Black Hills. The steepest part is in the first 1.5 miles (it's a 7 mile RT hike) and then it flattens out somewhat until the last .25 mile. The trail was moderately busy despite it being a Friday, probably due to Fall break. There were a number of [noisy] families on the trail but not enough to spoil the hike. :)
Once up on the summit, one has the finest view in the upper plains: 100+miles in all directions. East over Rapid City to the Badlands, West into Wyoming and the grassland prairie, and North/South of the other Black Hill mountains.
Due to being by myself and needed to drive to Casper after the hike, I sprinted up in about 1.5 hours and got back down in less than that. The views were so great at the top, though, that I spent about 30 mins up there.
Next time you're in western South Dakota, give Harney Peak a try. You won't regret it!
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