Enjoying the Badlands with my kids

     The best part of about life is sharing it with those you love. My joy for hiking, backpacking and exploring I like to think is contagious and when my husband and I decided to backpack in the Badlands National Park for a night, I was more than excited to invite my 2 grown children. Now my one child grew up loving being outdoors. He used to walk around in a camo vest with his knife and wildlife cards and was eager to explore. My other child hating being outside with a passion and would go out of his way to stay inside.  Forward 10 years later, and now they are opposite. When I proposed they go backpacking with us over the weekend, the responses were as I expected. So, our story begins.

     My older child was very excited about this trip because he was home from college for the summer and could not wait to get out and enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills and Badlands. My younger child told me upright he did not want to go but was only doing it for his brother who begged him to come. He said, ‘It will be fun. Just wait and see”.

     Our hike was easy enough. Backpack so many miles in on the Castle Trail - anywhere from 2 to 6 miles and set up camp away from the trail. Afterwards go explore the area, make dinner, and enjoy the sunsets. If lucky you will hear coyotes in the background, may see some buffalo, or bighorn sheep, and just enjoy being together. In the morning, hope for a beautiful sunrise.

     Everything went as planned and we hiked in around 3 miles. The weather was perfect – not too hot, and not too windy. We set up camp and hiked around the area, admiring all the cool formations. Near our tent we even found a water hole which ended up being a contest of who could throw a rock into the water from far away. Later we showed the kids how to make dinner. As night fell, we were all alone. You could hear the silence in the night. It was wonderful. Although it was a little cloudy, we could still see some stars at night. It was magical.

     Now my kids would probably describe the experience a little bit differently, especially my younger child. His explanation goes as follows. It was the worst night of my life. It was hot – too hot to sleep. We got up at night and sat on a rock to try to breathe. That is when the coyotes started to howl. They were so close, I was terrified.  Now I had a choice – suffocate in my tent or get eaten by coyotes. It was a hard choice. I never slept the whole night.

     The funny thing about our 2 different experiences is they were both probably true. Everyone has their own perspective of what the outdoors means to them – good or bad. The important thing is we were together, enjoying life. To me I will always remember spending time with my kids showing them what makes me happy. To them maybe down the road my youngest will remember it was not all that bad, and even somewhat enjoyable.  Either way, at least we have a story to tell – we got out there in one of the most amazing places in the world and enjoyed it together.

Would my younger child ever go again with us?  – probably not, but we will still try. 

6 Spearfish Canyon hikes you can do all in 1 day

Here are 6 short hikes that are right off the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Highway in Spearfish Canyon that you can do all in one day. The hikes are all under 2 1/2 miles, but they vary in difficulty.

We did these hikes in the fall when the colors were changing, but they could be done at anytime. I’ll list them as from north to south, so you can check them off as you drive through the canyon. All the trails are out and back trails and the distances listed are one way. You will need to double the distance for the total length.

Community Caves

Although this trail is only .3 miles long, there is a steep 230 ft climb/scramble up a hopefully dry creek bed that leads to a wide cave that offers some nice views of the canyon. During the winter there is a lot of ice buildup on the trail, and during the spring there can be a lot of water you have to walk through. There is pull out parking lot along the road that can be busy during the summer. This trail is hard and a good one to start with.

11th Hour Gulch

Another short but tricky hike. This one is only .2 miles long but it does require some tricky rock scrambling. There are several ladders and some ropes for assistance. It can be quite slippery and dangerous at times, especially in the winter or if there is a lot of water. There is a small pull out on the road that can park around 4 to 5 cars.

Iron Creek Trail

Iron Creek Trail is a gorgeous trail that is around 1 1/2 miles one way. The trail follows Iron Creek and is surrounded by tall cliffs and trees the whole way. This trail is an absolute must in the Fall if in the area. There is a small pull out parking lot near the beginning of the trail that can fit several cars.

Spearfish Falls

This is a .35 mile trail that is a must see during you journey through the Spearfish Canyon. The trail is well maintained, but there is a short section that is a little steep. There is parking at the Latchstring Restaurant for this hike.

Roughlock Falls

Another must see in the canyon is Roughlock falls. You can get close to the falls by driving there, but if you want a nice easy 1 mile scenic hike you can do that as well. There is parking up by the falls and at the Spearfish Lodge and trail parking lot.

The 76 Trail

The 76 trail is only 2/3 of a mile long but it starts out steep and then gets steeper. There is over 1000 feet of elevation gain in that 2/3 of a mile, but you are rewarded with some birds eye views of the canyon from Buzzards roost. There is parking at the Spearfish Lodge.

These are only 6 of several hikes in Spearfish Canyon. There are a whole lot more. Another popular hike is Devil’s Bathtub, but you may want to do that another day since people usually spend more time there.

When doing the hikes mentioned above I recommend doing Community Caves, 11th Hour Gulch, and Iron Creek Trail. Then have a picnic at one of the picnic spots near Spearfish Lodge or eat at the Latchstring Restaurant. When done finish the other 3 - Spearfish Falls, Roughlock Falls, and the 76th Trail. You will be tired by the end of the day, but go to bed knowing that you saw some of the prettiest trails in the gorgeous Black Hills of South Dakota.

If you are more adventurous, pretty active, and short on time in the hills, try to get Devil’s Bathtub in the mix. This trail is usually very busy in the summer though so keep that in mind. It will usually add another hour or so to your day depending on how long you stay.

For more information visit our page blackhillshikingbikingandmore.com and go to Regional Adventures/Spearfish Canyon Area to see all the wonderful things you can do while in the area.

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