The trails at Sylvan Lake provide some of the best views in all of South Dakota’s Black Hills. Hike the easy and flat 1.1 Lake Shore Loop around Sylvan Lake, and add in the 3.1 mile Sunday Gulch Loop for a fun but challenging hike past a creek with several small waterfalls and then up into the mountains of the Black Hills. Other trail options also include Little Devil’s Tower, my favorite viewpoint within the Black Hills, and Black Elk Peak (formerly known as Harney Peak) which is the highest point in elevation east of the Rocky Mountains. The trail to Black Elk Peak gains 1350ft, making it a tough trail. Little Devil’s Tower is shorter with less elevation, but involves a significant rock scramble at the end. There is also a spur trail to Cathedral Spires, a unique set of towering rocks.
Oberg Mountain is a 2.5-mile loop hike with a gradual elevation gain of 500ft. This is a relatively easy hike with amazing views around the entire loop of the surrounding hills, Lake Superior, and Oberg Lake.
Caribou Falls is an approximately 1-mile out-and-back hike, off of MN-61 between Tettegouche and Temperance State Parks. This is a subtly marked hike, meaning that although it is just a short distance away from the scenic highway that runs along Lake Superiors shore, you just might get to enjoy this waterfall by yourself. Enjoy the peacefulness of the Caribou River along your hike to the falls.
Vacation Ideas to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park - Plan a trip for your family.. This post includes favorite hikes, places to visit, and ideas on where to camp.
Only an hour away from Zion National Park, Water Canyon could not be more an opposite place to visit. Despite being just as stunning of a canyon, Water Canyon is quiet, unknown, and much less developed. Pre-download a GPS, bring plenty of water, and take your time navigating and exploring Water Canyon. Canyoneering is an option on the way back for those prepared.
I’m very much still a beginner, so this is an intro to an intro on what canyoneering is, who and how to book canyoneering experiences with guides, and how to book trainers to teach you the basics needed to canyoneer on your own. Obviously, this isn’t for everyone, but if you are looking to add a lot of adventure to hiking, canyoneering is the way to do it! My best advice is to hire people to take you out or to teach you before you go out on your own. I’m not sure how you would learn everything you need to by just reading or watching videos. We had some fantastic experiences with Forged Guides and All Ways Adventure.
