Black Hills Beauty: Sunday Gulch Hike

The Sunday Gulch Trail near Sylvan Lake

in Custer State Park, Black Hills, SD.

Our family adventure on perhaps

the most rugged and beautiful hike

we have been on in the Black Hills.

It might have even been better

than Jenny Lake in the Tetons . . . 

at the start.

These are the smiling faces above at the beginning

of our adventure

at Sylvan Lake.

There are so many things in our own backyard

to discover and enjoy and this is one of them.

This trail is an immediate adventure.

Erin fell before we even started

making me realize I should pack a first aid kit

especially for my child that insists on doing things

her way.

But the fall

humbled her enough

to take it slower

for awhile.

Handrails are a lifesaver...

we couldn't have done it

without them

with a five year old

and enjoyed it.

It takes a fast drop in elevation

for a mile and half

over granite and alongside

tiny waterfalls

from 6100 feet to 5700 feet.

Breath. 

Taking.

It was like trekking

through Middle Earth

with loads of crooks and cracks

in the rocks for exploring.

We were all smiles on the journey down,

but the further down we went,

the farther we knew we would have to climb.

There were treasures hidden everywhere:

mushrooms

wildflowers

trees growing from impossible places

weathered roots

stumps covered in moss.

It felt worlds away

from the hot dry prairie dust.

A 2.8 mile loop, it was a challenge with a five year old for sure.

She started the climb back up with loads of enthusiasm

but when we had about a mile left to go, still climbing,

she was done.

But the little trooper did it.

Many families passed us.

We passed no one.

We took our time

drank water and had snacks.

Took breaks.

And we

pressed on.

Pressed on to high-fives at the end

along with

Doritos and fudge from the

Custer County Candy Company.

Erin's "Pups Program" badge

required a "nature hike"

that they suggested around the

Peter Norbeck Visitor Center.

But this girl earned her stripes!

Treated ourselves to a drive through the Needles

on the way back to our "home" in the hills,

the State Game Lodge.

Good stuff.

So much to enjoy just a couple hours from home!