by Manidoo | Last Updated: September 2, 2022This is part of my Highpointers Master Quest. For a complete Highpointers list, check out my Highpoints Page. For other Quests stories, check out my Stats Page.
Highpoint Stats
Difficulty: Intermediate (How’s this difficulty rated?)
State: South Dakota
Length: 10.7 miles(Loop)
Elevation: 7242 feet (~2207 meters)
Start Point: Willow Creek Horse Camp (More info.)
Trip Details
Highpoint #: 3/50
Gear Brought: Daypack, small lunch(Sandwich, Trail mix, granola bar), hiking boots, water(16oz), Powerade(16oz)
Weather: ~80F/~26C, Mostly Clear
Date Summited: July 19th, 2017
Mini-Quest Log: Hiking Black Elk Peak
Originally written: July 2017
Revised: September 2022
This morning we set off to do the prime reason for our trip, to climb South Dakota’s highest point: Black Elk Ridge. Luckily for us, our campsite had a connecting route leading to the peak so we didn’t need to drive off anywhere nor pay the $20 to use Custer Park’s trailhead.
The entire route there and back was 10.7 miles and took several hours to complete. We got a lovely view of the entire black hills during our hike and were rewarded with a nice breeze to cool us down from the hike. After eating some food, and taking a short rest, we walked back to the trailhead to rehydrate with some water mixed with Powerade.
It was still light out so my fiancee and I decided to go to Crazy Horse Memorial for dinner then left to camp in the city of Hot Springs.
Rewards
XP Earned: 10 XP