Black Elk Peak

This is for the friends coming into town this summer.  Last fall we hiked Black Elk Peak, the highest point (in the US) west of the Rocky Mountains.  It's about 6 miles if I remember, so the better part of a day for the kiddos with short legs.  There's a cool old fire watchout tower at the top.  It was absurdly windy when we were there, but a good trail up and the last bit is kinda strenuous, but not insanely strenuous.

 Hippie Hole is for the adventurous-jump-off-a-cliff-into-freezing-cold-water type of people...we will be glad to take video of your fool-hearty leap.  This is a super strenuous climb to get there and out again.

 Sylvan Lake is more our speed.  We will even bring our handmade canoe to share and hike around the lake, and climb on the fun rocks with you...

The Needle is right around the corner from Sylvan Lake.

 Rapid City has a pretty cute little historic downtown.  Thurs. nights the streets are closed for outdoor concerts and Monday nights they show a movie in the plaza.  Art Alley is always different and fun.  The plaza has a fountain to run in on hot days and ice skating in the winter!.

 Maybe the rest of you should make plans to come visit soon too!!!