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.
Hiking up to the Moqui Caverns (Kanab Sand Caves) along US-89 requires a relatively short walk but a steep scramble up a sandstone cliff. These caverns are manmade from the 1930s and are remnants of a sand mining cave. The caverns are covered in graffiti, but still offer beautiful photos when the sunlight enters towards the late afternoon / early evening hours.
A 3-day itinerary to Zion National Park - A guide to trails in and around Zion National Park with recommendations for travelling with children and other ideas if you are a more experienced hiker. Day 1: Kolob Canyon, Timber Creek Overlook, Kanarra Falls, and Pa’rus Trail. Day 2: Angels Landing or Upper and Lower Emerald Pools from the Kayenta Trail, Hidden Canyon, and Riverside Walk. Day 3: Canyon Overlook Trail, Pink Coral Sand Dunes State Park, and Moqui Caverns.
