I decided to have a 3-4 hour look at the northern, less-traveled slope of South Dakota’s highest peak, on the bright and sunny Saturday afternoon, July 20. There’s a Horse Camp nearby, but I found myself the only person on the trail, which is clear as far as a small waterfall. This was a perfect place for me to turn around, after three hours on the trail.
Here are some views of this wilder side of the Black Hills. I credit a family of horsefolk for showing me Trail #9.
Limestone and granite abound here, as they do in the Southwest, as remnants of glacial movement and volcanic thrust.
A lone butterfly was resting in the ash-coloured soil, as I passed carefully by.
The fruits of the butterfly’s, and other pollinators’ labours, are much in evidence here.
Monster-faced rocks added to the legends of the Arapaho, Shoshone and Crow, as well as the Siouan nations who occupied this area in more modern times.
Greeting me, and anticipating the next day’s visit, were the spires of Black Elk Peak’s summit.
Some smaller spires were well-hidden by the forest.
Others very proudly thrust their chests out.
I arrived at the falls of South Fork, Spring Creek, as the five-thirty “click” signaled to me that it was time to head back.
Tomorrow, I would be full-on, along the south slope of this magnificent peak, and would reach the top. In between, the more settled gems of Mount Rushmore, Custer and Crazy Horse Monument awaited.
A Sagittarian Seeker 
This hike made my heart sing!
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Mine, too, Tamy, and the next day’s hike, even more so.
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I felt as if I was hiking in that trail. Love the photos.
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That’s one of the finest compliments anyone could leave, Angy. Thank you 🙂
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Great pictures! My favorite is the last one. 🙂
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It was the most refreshing, Sandra. 🙂
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I am sure it was! 🙂
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Marvelously fascinating place! Just look at all the history in those rocks! Great pictures! Wish I could be there in person. Wow.
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The amazing thing is, the trail is obscured, after the waterfall. Someday, I will pursue the rest of this particular trail, to the top.
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It’s a beautiful country, Gary — I’ve not been as far as North Dakota, but these are lovely photos! I think the eone thing I miss here in Southern California is the water — we don’t have the lovely streams and waterfalls so nearby.
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It is actually South Dakota, though the North also has some lovely spots, despite the fracking going on. SoCal has many lovely places of its own, though it’s true that Big Bear and the Palm Springs tram offer the closest waterfalls.
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beauteous. love following the journey.
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Glad to see it brings you pleasure, Kim.
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