Little Devil’s Tower.

To us, there’s never a bad time to visit South Dakota, but when that deep blue sky stretches endlessly overhead, it doesn’t get much better!

There are several routes to the summit of Black Elk Peak, and while each one offers its own incredible beauty, make no mistake – it’s a rugged hike. The route we chose on this trip covered 9.5 miles round-trip, with 1,450 feet of elevation gain. At 7,240 feet, Black Elk Peak is the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains. The views from the summit are spectacular, with visibility stretching up to 150 miles!

Beginning at Sylvan Lake, we enjoyed equally breathtaking 360° views from the 6,971 feet summit of Little Devil’s Tower.

Our third hiking adventure led us among the towering granite formations of Cathedral Spires, some reaching nearly 500 feet high. This experience is incredible in its own right, and being surrounded by these magnificent formations is truly special.

The weather in South Dakota will soon change, but hiking in the Black Hills in November offers something equally wonderful: the chance to experience this remarkable wilderness in peaceful solitude.

Although we planned these hikes with great excitement, the primary purpose of our trip was to visit Pine Ridge before winter arrived. We had the privilege of spending time with several Lakota friends and sharing much-needed supplies, including non-perishable food items, winter boots, jackets, clothing, and personal hygiene kits. These visits are always a meaningful part of our time in South Dakota.

Our final stop was the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, where we explored an active paleontological excavation site featuring the skeletal remains of 58 Columbian mammoths and four Woolly mammoths. What an incredible way to round out another memorable South Dakota adventure!

Experiences like these are an incredible gift – memories of adventure, wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and time together that we will cherish forever.

We’re excited to share more of these adventures, how they have inspired us, strengthened our faith, and shown us the breathtaking beauty of the world around us!

Our hope is that these journeys will encourage and uplift you, and maybe even spark a few adventures of your own!

– Buffalo Hydraulic