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.
Snow Canyon is a very accessible State Park just outside of St. George, UT, where you can explore unique lava tube caves. Make sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp as the light on your phone won’t be enough. If you have more time, then head to Jenny’s Canyon (a short slot canyon), and enjoy a more urban hike out to Scout Cave.
If you are interested in planning a trip to Death Valley, here is a guide to get you started. Explore Sidewinder Canyon, Badwater Basin, Salt Flats, Devils Golf Course, Artist’s Palette, Golden Canyon, Zabriskie Point / Badlands Loop, Twenty Mule Team Canyon, Harmony Borax Works, Salt Creek, Ubehebe Crater, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Mosaic Canyon, Charcoal Kilns, and Darwin Falls.
