Tag Archives: trail

Harney Peak

Harney Peak, South Dakota

Harney Peak tower

The hike up to Harney Peak in Custer State Park, SD is a long one.  You can stay in the park or drive in and walk from one of the parking lots near Sylvan Lake.  Block out a full day for this hike.  Eat breakfast, take a lunch, and enjoy a dinner somewhere special after.  I suggest a shower before dinner.

Harney Peak is the highest natural point in South Dakota.  It is nestled in the Black Hills near Mount Rushmore.  It is also the highest summit in the U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains.  Harney Peak was once used as a fire lookout and the tower that was used is still on the peak.  You can go all the way to the top.

Harney Peak tower lookout

If you want to stay in the park and start your trip nice and early you can stay at Sylvan Lake Lodge or in one of the cabins around the lodge.

Sylvan Lake view

If you are in amazing shape you can start you walk up to the peak with a nice stroll around Sylvan Lake.  If you need all of your energy you skip the lake and take that trip at another time.  The is parking at the lake and there is parking a little further to the east.

The Trail 9 starts north of the lake.  Trail 4 to the east has more of the extra items to see like Little Devil’s Tower and Cathedral Spires.  If you plan on taking these side trails I suggest going to them first so that you have the energy and sense to stay safe getting to them.  The Little Devil’s tower trail is nothing to take lightly.

A wedge needed to get to Little Devil's Tower

The view from the northern trail, Trail 9 is pretty.  I love the fact that they warning signs suggest staying off ledges when it is lightning, but with this statement it suggests that you can walk on any ledge you want at any other time.

Harney Peak northern trail view

The reality is that rock climbing in the area is permitted.  You enter at your own risk.  You are responsible for your own actions.

Harney Peak Cathedral Spires

Bring water and a snack for the top.  Water to keep hydrated, you will need it.  The snack is sort of a victory meal for making it.  Plus you will probably be on the trails or at the top at meal time.  Also bring a camera.  The view is amazing.

Harney Peak mostly 146

Harney Peak mostly 151

Harney Peak mostly 112

Shoshone River

Shoshone River – Cody, WY

Along Cody the is a river called the Shoshone River.  There is a walking path along this river.  Take bear spray!

It is kind of pretty.  More of an interesting walk than a scenic one.  We went on a day after it had rained.  Do not step in the odd looking mud.  It is actually volcano ash and sticks to your shoes like you wouldn’t believe.  My feet suddenly weighed about four times what they normally do.

river Cody 2015 7

You can see different birds along the river.  They sit out there and fish or just relax.

river Cody 2015 1

There is a spot where the river parts and merges again.  It is interesting how one part is really dirty water and the other is really clean.

river Cody 2015 13

You can take river rafting rides down the Shoshone River.  We went on one done by River Runners.

You start in Cody and they give you a life jacket.  Make sure it fits and is tight.  Then they bus you up the river.  You can go on the short or the long trip.  The length of time actually depends on how high and fast the river is flowing.

You pick a spot on the boat you are assigned to.  I picked a middle spot.  I did not paddle or let go of the boat at all.  Water scares me.

The guide takes you down the river and tells you how to navigate the rapids.  The family trip is pretty simple, but very interesting.