Black Hills Experiences

We rented ebikes for the morning from Black Hills Tour Company. The company is based out of this couple’s home on West Main. Started on the Mystic trailhead and headed north. We went as far as Rochford—8 miles one way.  On ebikes it was a nice easy ride on a wide gravel trail.  We stopped at a general store in Rochford and sat outside with Gatorade and a prepackaged snack. The Ho Ho and cinnamon roll added to the ambiance of the old ghost town. We headed back to Mystic and continued on to Hill City, but only went part way.  The trail was much steeper and more rocky. 

 A small, surprisingly high end restaurant in Hot Springs.  It’s part of the Moccasin Springs Spa.  I counted two four-tops and five two-tops, so reservations are highly recommended. We found out about this place from a trusted local who transplanted from Los Angeles and travels extensively. We shared the Fresh Herbs For Georgia O’Keefe salad (beet salad). Superb. Greg had the Fish of the Day.  I had the Black Hills Braise which was osso bucco in a bowl of flavorful broth and veggies. We shared The Horses Have Come Back dessert. It’s a Scottish shortbread with fruit compote, whiskey soaked oats and whip cream.  Greg liked that more than I did.  I would recommend Buffalo Dreamer for a special night out.  

 A pretty drive, located near Hot Springs. There are guided tours of the cave with varying numbers of steps which might determine your choice.  We went on the Natural Entrance Tour that was 1 hour 15 minutes with about 125 steps down (elevator back up at the end). First you need to know that tickets go on sale in the morning.  Because of limited numbers on each tour, they fill up fast, and you might not get one until later in the day.  We went on the Natural Entrance tour that was 1 hour 15 minutes with about 125 steps down (elevator back up at the end).  Pace is slow and doable. Our guide was fantastic— interesting presentation and very knowledgeable. If you have time to spare between ticket purchase and your tour time, there are hikes in the park, or you can visit nearby Custer State Park, or see the Mammoth Site or  visit the spas in Hot Springs. 

 Not technically a hike, but if you want to work on your 10,000 steps for the day, you don’t have to get in the car. There is a paved path at the east end of Duffer Drive that goes to the Hart Ranch Campground. I’ve never gone that far.  We’ve walked to Mulligan Mile at the entrance of the neighboring development in under 40 minutes round trip.  For another 15-20 minutes you can proceed on the walking path behind the duplexes and loop back on the cart path that goes to the street. 

 We’re lucky to have this little gem right down the road. It’s across from Reptile Gardens. A casual grill that makes a great burger and other grill type food. There’s outdoor seating, and they sometimes have live music outside.  It’s a very popular place. 

 I really like this course, and it’s in our back yard!  The front is a nice flat track.  The back is more challenging as it goes up on the side hill behind the houses in the other Hart Ranch development. That part reminded me of a Colorado mountain course with beautiful views, but with more intentional placement of shots.  The last par 3 has an impossible sloped green that isn’t as obvious at first putt. Aim way above the hole!  We had a 12:36 tee time on Tuesday which was a mistake since we were behind a large organized men’s group that is slow. The course is reserved for members only after 4:00 weekdays. 

This is north of Rapid near Piedmont, off I-90 exit 44. A 7 mile hike if you go all the way to Dalton Lake, but we did a little over 4 miles total. It’s out and back following Elk Creek, and is considered easy to moderate.  It’s a nice wide trail in the first part and more of a hiking path farther up with a few spots where you have to maneuver small rocky inclines/descents.  But it’s a gradual grade almost all of the way. About 1 1/2 miles up there’s a fork in the path, one that goes up and the other that goes down along the creek.  It comes together again a ways up.  Either way is nice. Most of the trail is shaded which was great for this hot day. Very scenic.  We loved it. 

 Rapid City loves fireworks!  We pulled off to the side of the road on Hwy 16 as it drops down into the town.  From that high vantage point we could see the hundreds of displays going off across the whole horizon. However you aren’t close to any of them. So when the city show at Memorial Park downtown was beginning, we drove down and parked a couple blocks away in a parking lot.  It was well done and the traffic was surprisingly light. 

This is rated one of the best public courses in SD that’s in Rapid not far from our place. It was a 95 degree day so we played 9 holes with Angie and Ken.  It’s very hilly, so I’d recommend taking a cart. Lots of side hill lies, and greens with lots of breaks. We stayed at their grill for appetizers and drinks after the round. Nice. 

 The Gaslight is a casual spot in Rockerville on the way to Hill City. Lots of options to choose from, and they serve mixed drinks as well as beer and wine.  They have large inside and outdoor dining areas. We sat at the bar. Greg had the Prime Dip sandwich that he liked. Janet had the Parmesan and garlic dry rub chicken wings. They were awesome. Eight pieces was enough to bring home leftovers. 

 This is off Sheridan Lake Road which was under major construction.  The turn off to the trail was where they have the road closed. This trail hooks up with the Centennial Trail that goes most of the length of the Black Hills. So you can go as far as you want. This is a beautiful easy trail that follows Spring Creek, and is mostly shaded. There are four places where the trail crosses the creek with about a 12” wide beam with no handrail.  The beam isn’t too high above the shallow water. We intended to find the Flume Trail that has some tunnels, but took a different turn.  We crossed the dike at Sheridan Lake and climbed the stone steps on the other side.  There we proceeded to the the bridge that crossed the beginning of Spring Creek where it leaves Sheridan Lake.  This is a real foot bridge with handrails. It’s high above the creek that has rushing water falls.  Very pretty. We found another vantage point by following the trail a little way and taking...

 This is on Main Street, Rapid City, and is operated by the same people that have Tally’s Silver Spoon. A higher end menu, and we chose it to celebrate our anniversary. This is the second time we’ve been here, and both times we sat at the bar.  As with most places in Rapid, they only offer wine and beer.  We had a bottle of Kith and Kin, and shared the foie gras and asparagus appetizer and the special which was a beef filet with a peppercorn cream sauce.  All very good. 

 This is about a 2 1/2 mile trail with two loops that go beside Pactola Lake. The trail starts in the forest service campground.  This being the beginning of a holiday weekend, we were surprised that we only saw one other person even though it was early in the day (we started at 8:30). The trail is an easy walk in the trees.