Seven years ago we drove through South Dakota on our way to Montana. We saw the signs for Cathedral Spires Trail and decided to stop and check it out. I remember this being my first awe inspiring hike and what got me hooked on hiking! Being back in South Dakota, I couldn’t wait for the chance to return to where it all began.
Custer State Park is otherworldly! Let me start by saying, the roads are TINY and the tunnels are even TINIER… Don’t forget that I drive a 22 foot Ford F350- the exact opposite of TINY!!
These one-way tunnels were just as nerve wracking as it was the first time I drove through them all those years ago!
Once we got to the trail head, it was like I was just there!
This view hasn’t changed at all!
Cathedral Spires was just as beautiful today as they were all those years ago! It is truly unique landscape that words can not describe.
Although we had hiked the Cathedral Spires trail in the past, today we connected to Black Elk Peak Trail and hiked to the Black Elk Fire Lookout Tower to get a glimpse of the spires from above.
The higher we climbed, the more amazing the view! When we caught a glimpse of our destination from across the valley, we were wondering if it was even possible to reach it.
It is possible… not easily… but possible.
But once we made it to the top, the miles and miles of climbing and rock scrambling was worth it!
We were in and amongst the spires 3 hours ago, and now we soared above them!
This adventure was absolutely amazing despite the 7.2 mile round trip and climbing up to 7,241 ft above sea level! If you are a low lander and have ever hike at high elevations, you know exactly what I am talking about!
We will surly be remembering these moments for years and years to come!
Tomorrow, we return to Custer State Park but for a different kind of adventure! We will be headed to the Wildlife Loop Road for a more low key, less strenuous day. Keep following along to see if any of the famous Custer State park residents make an appearance and to see where this crazy amazing adventure takes me next!
