South Dakota in September
 

Hi there,

I am looking for advice and suggestions for a trip I am taking in early September. I usually travel alone, so I travel pretty quickly with few rest stops.

I am flying into Denver around noon on Day 1. Staying in Boulder and looking for suggestions for that afternoon. I like being outside, scenic driving, hiking.

Day 2 - Rocky Mtn National Park (I was there in October, but never actually got to see it since the first snowstorm of the year started)

Day 3 - Drive to Rapid City, SD with a stop at the Mammoth site or Wild Horse Sanctuary.

Day 4 - Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Jewel Cave

Day 5 - Badlands, Reptile Gardens

Day 6 - Wind Cave, Custer State Park, Minuteman Missle

Day 7 - Bear Country, Black Hills Scenic Driving

Day 8 - Back to Denver with a stop to Devils Tower (although I may move this to Day 3 depending on feedback on the Mammoth site and Wild Horse Sanctuary)

Anyone stop at Chimney Rock or Scotts Bluff in NE on the way back to Denver?

Thanks!

Anyone with any information (even if it is only on part of the itinerary)?

Please :)

See this recent thread in the Midwest forum:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=829159

Thanks Bear, I actually used that thread as a starting point when I came up with the itinerary.

There's also an older one about Mt Rushmore in July that has some good info. I haven't been able to find anything yet letting me know if I am being over or underactive each day (or if I should switch order).

Where are you planning on staying? Rapid for the whole time?

I am in RAP from days 3-7.

Your trip looks pretty good overall, but you will be spending lots of time in the car. Driving is slow in the Black Hills. It will take you much longer to get from place to place than you would think from looking at the mileage.

One thing I didn't see specifically mentioned, but I would highly suggest would be the Needles Highway. This is in Custer State Park, and would be best on the day you see Mt. Rushmore. Also, 1 of the caves would probably be enough (Jewel is my favorite)

I have not been to the Mammoth site or the horse sanctuary. Also, I would do the Badlands and the missle site on the same day.

Sorry for the randomness of this post - hopefully you can follow it. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Not random at all. Good information, I was just reading about Needles.

I will adjust my trip to accomodate your suggestions, they look good.

My family lives out in RAP (actually that's where I am right now) so I can offer up some suggestions.

You'll find that Bear County and Repitle Gardens are big "tourist traps". I wouldn't expect to spend more than 30 minutes at each. My dad says that "bear county can be fun if the bear cubs are climbing in the trees", so YMMV.

For food, you will need to go to The Corn Exchange. While the meal won't be cheap, it'll be by far the best restaurant option in town. I'd read through the website as there is some good reviews from national publications available.

If you need more suggestions, just PM me. Happy to help in any way.

If you want to get out of your car for a great little hike, with a wonderful view of the Needles, and Harney Peak (the highest point betweeen the Rockies and the Alps : - ), in Custer State Park, go to Sylvan Lake, and proceed toward the Needles Highway, but turn off to hike Little Devils' Tower. It will take about an hour an 1/4, fairly steep, with a bit of scrambling, but the views at the top are really worth it. My wife and I have lived here for 8 years, and typically take first time visitors. You won't regret it!

Ecotone...I am thinking about striking Reptile Gardens (unless it is raining, I'll keep it as a backup). All the Park Service stuff takes a front seat to any tourist traps...I am on course to see every national park and natural monument by the time I am 50.

I already have down the Corn Exchange (from a previous thread). The menu looks great, and I have no problem dropping some decent coin for a good meal.

veagles - That hike sounds great, but I will have to play that one by ear. I have to hear the final word on this, but I think I will be having some knee surgery shortly after this trip. Scrambling may be out for this trip. I'd love to hear about any moderate incline/flat hikes though.