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.
Red Reef Trail is a stunning hike within the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, about 30 minutes northeast of St. George, UT. This hike is a relatively easy 1.7-ish mile out-and-back trail that includes pictographs and Moki steps for anyone with a bit of extra courage. There are also preserved three-toed dinosaur footprints accessible from the same trailhead.
The Yant Flat Candy Cliffs are a relatively secret and secluded hike in the Mojave Desert near St. George, UT. This is a relatively easy hike, minus the sandy trail and desert heat extremes. To get here, take the road from Leeds, and pack plenty of extra water. Prepare to be amazed after the relatively boring and unassuming trail.
Kanarra Falls is a moderately easy out-and-back 3.6 mile hike to a slot canyon that features 4 waterfalls. The first mile is mostly along a jeep road, followed by a half mile with lots of creek crossings. The last third of a mile of the hike is in the slot canyon, and requires hiking through the water. Wear hiking boots or water shoes that can get wet, and bring at least one hiking pole to prevent falls due to unstable rocks in the moving water. Also wear sunscreen and bring extra water to drink as the first mile of the hike is quite exposed to the sun.
