Little Devil’s Tower – Page 2 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 208 – Little Devil’s Tower & Black Elk Peak with Australian Adventurer Luke Hall (9-26-17)

Start: Hwy 87/89, 0.25 mile NW of Sylvan Lake Lodge, 9:46 AM, 46°F

Wonder of wonders! Australian adventurer Luke Hall was actually here – in Lupe’s Black Hills of South Dakota! He’d arrived yesterday afternoon only a few weeks from the end of a 6 month trip exploring the western United States.

During his recent travels, Luke had scrambled up many notable mountain peaks, including Mt. Whitney (14,498 ft.) in California and Mt. Elbert (14,433 ft.) in Colorado, the two highest mountains in the lower 48 states. He’d spent a lot of time along the Pacific coast, and visited a great many national parks – Yosemite, Death Valley, Sequoia, King’s Canyon, Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Mesa Verde, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, Rocky Mountain – the list went on and on.

Surfing, swimming, backpacking, mountain biking, climbing – Luke had been a busy guy in 2017, but that was perfectly normal for him. In previous years, he’d explored western Canada, 10 different countries in South America, wandered through much of Europe, and toured Morocco and Egypt. He spent 2 years living and working in London, England, and another 2 years in Banff, Canada. Maybe it wasn’t so surprising that Luke had finally landed in the remote Black Hills of South Dakota after all? He did get around!

Fittingly enough, Lupe and SPHP had first met Luke Hall over a year ago on Gunsight Mountain (6,441 ft.) in Alaska. Now Luke was here to join Lupe on one of her Black Hills, SD expeditions. He had already dropped by Mt. Rushmore (5,725 ft.) on his way in, so Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.), the highest mountain in South Dakota, seemed like a good destination. For Luke it would be an easy day, but maybe he wouldn’t mind dialing it down a notch after 5+ solid months of more strenuous adventures?

It was a lovely bright, clear day as Lupe, Luke and SPHP set out. First stop along the way was Sylvan Lake.

Lupe and Luke together again in the Black Hills for the first time since meeting over a year ago on **Gunsight Mountain (6,441 ft.)** in Alaska. **Black Elk Peak**, the highest mountain in South Dakota was today’s ultimate destination. Photo looks E.

Only 10 or 15 minutes after setting out, Luke and Lupe reach the NW shore of **Sylvan Lake**.

The small dam creating **Sylvan Lake**, which features a short walkway with a railing, is seen beyond Luke. Photo looks N.

After a look at Sylvan Lake from the NW shore, Lupe, Luke & SPHP followed a trail that goes all the way around the lake back down below the dam. Lupe led Luke around to the NE & E sides of the lake.

Looking SW from the rock formations along the N shore.

**Sylvan Lake** is located at the far NW corner of **Custer State Park**. Though small, the lake nestles among scenic granite formations. It’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike with a swimming beach and picnic ground. Paddle boat rentals, a convenience store and **Sylvan Lake Lodge** are all nearby. Photo looks W.

Lupe showing her buddy Luke around **Sylvan Lake**. Photo looks WNW.

Loopster and Luke on a large granite formation that extends out into **Sylvan Lake** from the E shore. Photo looks SW.

Looking NNW at the N half of **Sylvan Lake**.

Trail No. 9 from Sylvan Lake is the most direct and popular route to Black Elk Peak, but Lupe had another trail in mind. She led Luke past the picnic ground at the SE end of the lake, and took Trail No. 4 to the Little Devil’s Tower trailhead instead.

Taking Trail No. 4 was a longer route to Black Elk Peak, but had the advantage of giving Luke a chance to climb Little Devil’s Tower (6,960 ft.) along the way, and get a close look at the Cathedral Spires (6,840 ft.), too.

Luke & Lupe along Trail No. 4 to **Little Devil’s Tower**.

A 0.25 mile long spur trail off Trail No. 4 leads to the summit of **Little Devil’s Tower**. Here Lupe is near the spur trail with a view of the **Cathedral Spires**. Photo looks E.

Luke & Looper on the way to **Little Devil’s Tower**. **Cathedral Spires** in the background. Photo looks E.

A 0.25 mile long spur trail leads from Trail No. 4 to the summit of Little Devil’s Tower. The end of the route involves a quick, easy scramble up the granite. Even small children can make it with a little supervision and an occasional boost.

Luke & Loop nearing the top of **Little Devil’s Tower**. Photo looks N.

Luke, Lupe and SPHP quickly arrived at the summit of Little Devil’s Tower (6,960 ft.). There were cliffs around, especially to the N, but they were of no concern. Although a bit rough, the uneven granite summit area is quite roomy.

The 360° views from Little Devil’s Tower are among the best in the Black Hills, with Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.) to the NNW and the Cathedral Spires (6,840 ft.) to the SE being the most eye-catching.

Luke and Loopster arrive at the uneven granite summit of **Little Devil’s Tower**. Photo looks ESE.

Another view with some of the **Cathedral Spires** (also known as the Needles) in the background. Photo looks ESE.

Lupe with the **Cathedral Spires** in the background. This was Lupe’s 5th ascent of **Little Devil’s Tower**. Photo looks SE.

Although the day had started out clear and bright, quite a few clouds were around by the time Lupe reached the top of **Little Devil’s Tower**. A chill breeze was blowing out of the S, too. Photo looks SE.

Looking NNW toward **Black Elk Peak**. For those with insufficient time to climb **Black Elk Peak**, the shorter trip on Trail No. 4 up to the top of **Little Devil’s Tower** can provide similarly striking views of the Black Hills.

**Sylvan Hill (7,000 ft.)** is the long ridge 2.5 miles away with the high point poking up just R of Center. Photo looks WSW.

At first, no one else was around up on Little Devil’s Tower. It wasn’t long, though, before a couple appeared. Bryan and Rene Jobo from Franklin, Tennessee joined Lupe, Luke and SPHP at the summit.

Rene and Bryan were on vacation in the Black Hills, and apparently having a good time relaxing and hitting some of the area’s highlights. Bryan, Rene, Luke and SPHP were soon chatting pleasantly. Lupe got involved posing for photos.

Australian adventurer Luke Hall poses with Bryan & Rene Jobo from Franklin, TN up on **Little Devil’s Tower**. Photo looks SE.

Despite a cool SW breeze, Lupe wasn’t about to get left out. Here she poses with Bryan & Rene, too.

In addition to posing with an American Dingo up on **Little Devil’s Tower** while in the Black Hills, Bryan & Rene were looking forward to attending the **Custer State Park** annual buffalo roundup in a couple more days. Lupe would have loved to go to help herd buffalo around, too. Unfortunately, SPHP never seems to think that a huge buffalo herd will appreciate a noisy Dingo, so Lupe has never gotten to go.

Bryan and Rene stayed chatting with Luke and SPHP for a while, but didn’t have time to accompany Lupe all the way to Black Elk Peak. They had other adventures in mind to press on toward. Soon after Bryan and Rene said good-bye; Luke, Lupe and SPHP resumed the trek to Black Elk Peak.

Luke near the **Cathedral Spires** on the way back to Trail No. 4 to resume the trek to **Black Elk Peak**. Photo looks E.

Trail No. 4 went N past some of the Cathedral Spires, and eventually linked up with a short section of Trail No. 3, which led in turn to Trail No. 9. Near the end of a spur trail off Trail No. 9, a metal stairway hidden in a narrow opening in the granite spiraled up to a rock stairway leading to the old fire lookout tower on Black Elk Peak (7,231 ft.).

Luke reaches the old fire lookout tower at the summit of **Black Elk Peak**. Photo looks N.

Until August 11, 2016 when the U.S. Board of Geographic Names voted unanimously in favor of the name **Black Elk Peak**, the highest mountain in South Dakota had been known as **Harney Peak**. Luke poses by a plaque at the lookout tower which has not been updated yet. In May, 2015, the South Dakota State Board of Geographic Names had proposed renaming the mountain **Hinhan Kaga (Making of Owls)**, but that recommendation was never enacted. Lupe would have preferred **Squirrel Mountain**, or at least **Chipmunk Mountain**, but, oh well!

Looking ENE from the **Black Elk Peak** summit. The most distant big square block of granite at Center is the back side of **Mt. Rushmore**.

Upon arrival at South Dakota’s highest point, Luke, Lupe and SPHP spent a few minutes out on the fire lookout tower’s W facing observation deck taking in the views. The wind had shifted to the NW by now, though, and was even colder than at Little Devil’s Tower.

View to the NNW from the fire lookout tower observation deck on **Black Elk Peak**.

Even Lupe was soon ready to retreat back into the lookout tower. The tower wasn’t very large inside, but Luke enjoyed exploring the winding passage down to the basement. An open doorway led out to a massive granite shoulder of the mountain immediately W of the tower. Everyone enjoyed a break in the shelter of a few pines growing out of the rock.

After snacks and water, it was time for photos from various points on the granite near the lookout tower.

Luke & Lupe up on rocks N of the tower. Photo looks NE.

Lupe on **Black Elk Peak**. This was her 7th visit to the mountain. Her last visit was over 2 years ago on 9-7-15. Back then the mountain was still officially **Harney Peak**, as it had been since 1896. Photo looks W.

Helicopters giving tours of the **Mt. Rushmore** area often make a pass around **Black Elk Peak**. Lupe loves barking at helicopters! She’s spotted one now!

**Cathedral Spires** (L) and **Little Devil’s Tower** (R) are in view beyond Lupe & Luke. Photo looks S.

**Black Elk Peak** was Luke’s 3rd US State high point after **Mt. Whitney** in California and **Mt. Elbert** in Colorado. Photo looks S.

All too soon, it was time to depart. On the way back to the G6, Lupe, Luke and SPHP followed Trail No. 9 all way to Sylvan Lake. The sun was sinking, but down out of the wind the evening was pleasant.

Starting down. **Sylvan Hill** is seen in the distance. Photo looks SW.

On Trail No. 9 before the junction leading to **Little Devil’s Tower** (R). On the return trip Luke & Lupe stuck with Trail No. 9 all the way, the most direct route back to **Sylvan Lake**. Photo looks SSW.

**Little Devil’s Tower** from Trail No. 9. Luke & Loopster had been up there only a few hours ago! Photo looks SW.

Loop & Luke at the last big viewpoint along Trail No. 9 on the way to **Sylvan Lake**. Photo looks NNE.

Australian adventurer extraordinaire Luke Hall presents the Black Hills of South Dakota!

Looper takes a break on a lovely bench provided by the **Highpointers Foundation**. This bench is along Trail No. 9 at the first good viewpoint toward **Black Elk Peak** (formerly Harney Peak) on the way up from **Sylvan Lake**.

The light was fading fast by the time Lupe reached the G6 again at 6:45 PM (upper 50’s °F). Climbing mountains with Luke, and getting to show off her Black Hills home territory had been great fun!

The fun wasn’t over yet, though. There would be pizza and beer with Luke at home. (What, no beer for the faithful, peakbagging Carolina Dog!? No fair!) Even better, Luke was sticking around for a while. Another adventure was in store tomorrow.

It just doesn’t get any better than that!

Adventurer Luke Hall originally hails from Sydney, Australia. Lupe & SPHP were thrilled that he took the time to come pay a visit to the beautiful Black Hills of western South Dakota!

Adventuring buddies Luke & Lupe on **Black Elk Peak**, 9-26-17

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Badlands National Park, South Dakota with Australian Adventurer Luke Hall (9-27-17)

Gunsight Mountain, Talkeetna Range, Alaska (8-23-16)

Luke Hall’s travel & adventure blog

Want more Lupe adventures? Check out her Black Hills, SD & WY Expeditions Adventure Index, Master Adventure Index, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures!

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 97 – Harney Peak & Little Devil’s Tower (9-25-14)

Mush and David were in the Black Hills on vacation. Before they went back to Indiana, they wanted to hike up Harney Peak (7,242 ft.), the highest mountain in South Dakota. Naturally, Lupe and SPHP were eager to join in on the fun!

It was going to be a hot day, in the 90’s °F out on the western South Dakota prairies. Even Harney Peak would get pretty warm. A relatively early start would help make the trek more pleasant. By 8:00 AM, David was parking the Honda Fit near Sylvan Lake Lodge. The morning was totally clear, calm, and a still pleasant 60°F.

Harney Peak is located in the Black Elk Wilderness, which features a fairly extensive trail system. The most popular, and one of the shortest routes up Harney Peak, is Trail No. 9 from Sylvan Lake. The trail starts at the SE corner of Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park and climbs pretty steadily for most of the 3.5 mile (one way) trek.

Fairly early in the hike, not too long after passing by a junction with Lost Cabin Trail No. 2, there is a flat granite outcropping near Trail No. 9. This granite outcropping offers views off to the N, and a first good look at Harney Peak up ahead.

Mush and David stop by the granite outcropping near Trail No. 9. Photo looks N.

Harney Peak (Center) is the highest point in the distance. The summit won't be this clearly visible again from the Sylvan Lake route until almost at the top. — Harney Peak (Center) is the highest point in the distance. The summit won’t be this clearly visible again from the Sylvan Lake route until almost at the top.

There were plenty of hikers on the trail on this beautiful, warm early fall day. A small crowd was already at the lookout tower on Harney Peak by the time Mush, David, Lupe and SPHP arrived at the summit. A woman named Vera and her friend, Marsha, took a liking to Lupe right away. Lupe basked in the attention showered on her. Vera and Marsha were here with their husbands Emil and Stan from the Washington D.C. area.

After checking out the views from the tower’s observation deck, and the tiny platform at the top of the steep narrow stairs inside the tower, it was time to make somewhat of an escape from the crowd by heading out onto the massive granite W shoulder of Harney Peak. David relieved Lupe of most of her usual photographic duties.

David on the W shoulder of Harney Peak. Photo looks W.

Sylvan Hill (7,000 ft.) is the high point on the R on the closest ridge. Photo looks SW. — **Sylvan Hill (7,000 ft.)** is the high point on the R on the closest ridge. Photo looks SW.

An American Dingo was sighted on the massive granite W shoulder of Harney Peak! It was a very healthy-looking, bright-eyed, and energetic specimen.

Cathedral Spires (6,840 ft.) (L), Little Devil's Tower (6,960 ft.) (R), and Peak 6920 (R edge) from Harney Peak. Photo looks S. — **Cathedral Spires (6,840 ft.)** (L), **Little Devil’s Tower (6,960 ft.)** (R), and **Peak 6920** (R edge) from Harney Peak. Photo looks S.

Looking E back toward the lookout tower at the summit of Harney Peak.

It was warm and breezy up on Harney Peak. Lupe had fun watching chipmunks, and barking at a helicopter that flew by giving tours. After a leisurely break for snacks and soaking in the views, it was time to go. Mush and David intended to just return to Sylvan Lake by the same route along Trail No. 9. SPHP, however, suggested making a loop past the Cathedral Spires over to Little Devil’s Tower.

Mush and David were a little leery of the idea, especially when SPHP admitted there was a bit of scrambling required to get to the top of Little Devil’s Tower. SPHP assured them the loop wouldn’t add too much time and distance to the return trip, and that the scrambling was pretty easy. With just a bit of caution, there was little or no risk. The views up on Little Devil’s Tower would be worth the effort!

Mush and David agreed to at least try the loop trail, but they weren’t certain about actually scrambling up Little Devil’s Tower. That would depend on what the scramble really looked like up close and personal.

After leaving Harney Peak, Lupe led the way on the loop by leaving Trail No. 9 to follow a short stretch of Norbeck Trail No. 3. Norbeck Trail No. 3 linked up with Trail No. 4 to Little Devil’s Tower. The trail passed near some of the Cathedral Spires along the way.

Mush and David nearing part of the Cathedral Spires.

Cathedral Spires from Trail No. 4. Photo looks SE.

Taking a short (0.33 mile?) spur trail off Trail No. 4 is necessary to actually reach Little Devil’s Tower. Sometime in the past few years, the spur trail has been re-routed. The new route is shorter, easier, and more scenic than the old route. The spur trail now leaves Trail No. 4 at a high point with a view of the Cathedral Spires to the E. Good signage makes the turn hard to miss.

Most of the spur trail is gently rolling as it passes along the top of a ridge. Nearing Little Devil’s Tower, the trail dips down briefly, and then climbs steeply up a short badly eroding section featuring a lot of loose rocks. Above the loose rocks, the trail levels out at a little pass between large granite formations. A sharp turn to the left reveals a narrow cleft in the granite. The scrambling begins here. White or blue diamonds painted on the granite show the way.

David had no problems, but Mush was rather apprehensive during the scramble. With just a little encouragement, she made it to the top. Although there are some pretty high cliffs off the edge of Little Devil’s Tower, the summit area features fairly large areas that are quite level. Mush was able to relax on Little Devil’s Tower, and seemed glad she’d made the trip up.

Shortly after Lupe reached the summit, Lupe’s new friends Vera, Marsha, Stan and Emil appeared on Little Devil’s Tower, too! Lupe got more loving attention, and had a good time posing with them.

L to R: Emil, Stan, Vera and Marsha from the Washington D.C. area pose with Lupe on top of Little Devil's Tower. Photo looks SE toward the Cathedral Spires. — L to R: Emil, Stan, Vera and Marsha from the Washington D.C. area pose with Lupe on top of Little Devil’s Tower. Photo looks SE toward the Cathedral Spires.

Mush and Lupe on Little Devil's Tower. — Mush and Lupe on Little Devil’s Tower.

Mush had relaxed so much up on Little Devil’s Tower, that by the time she was on the way down, she was busy pointing out the route and encouraging others who were still on their way up. The side trip to Little Devil’s Tower was a big success. Both Mush and David enjoyed it.

Lupe returned to Trail No. 4 using the same spur trail. From there, Mush, David, Lupe and SPHP all continued on Trail No. 4 toward the Little Devil’s Tower trailhead on Hwy 87/89. This was an easy downhill hike through a scenic valley all the way.

Mush on Trail No. 4 nearing the Little Devil’s Tower trailhead on Hwy 87/89.

Lupe was disappointed that the little creek near the Little Devil’s Tower trailhead was dried up this time of year. However, it was only another 0.25 mile or so from the Little Devil’s Tower trailhead to the picnic ground at Sylvan Lake.

Used to Indiana elevations, Mush and David were pretty tired by the time they reached Sylvan Lake again. It was hot out. Mush and David went wading at the Sylvan Lake beach. Carolina Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach, so Lupe and SPHP hung out along a nearby stretch of shoreline. A bright orange stand of grassy reeds by the shore made for a colorful shot of the lake.

When Mush and David were done wading at the beach, everyone continued N on the Lakeshore Trail along the E side of Sylvan Lake. Mush went down close to the shore again when the area near the dam came into view. Here it was OK for Lupe to go wading and get a drink. Lupe was happy to take her turn cooling her hot paws off.

Mush at Sylvan Lake. The small dam is in the far corner of the lake near the center of this photo. Photo looks W.

Lupe gets a drink and some relief for her hot, tired paws.

Lupe, Mush, David, and SPHP continued on the Lakeshore Trail around to the area below the dam N of the lake. From there, Lupe took a very short stretch of the Sunday Gulch trail. By 4:40 PM, Lupe was back at the Honda Fit.

Everyone agreed that the loop to Little Devil’s Tower on the return trip had been a really nice scenic addition to the hike up Harney Peak. It really hadn’t added that much distance or difficulty to the day, although it did add some time spent up on Little Devil’s Tower. Lupe’s Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 97 had been a success!

The Sunday Gulch trail on the way to the Honda Fit from Sylvan Lake.

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

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