Deerfield Reservoir – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expeditions No. 346 – Cousin Dixie Pays a Visit (10-9-25 to 10-12-25)

10-9-25, 12:30 PM – What a ruckus! Both thrilled and amazed, Lupe was barking frantically. Not to be outdone, Cousin Dixie was barking while leaping for joy. Oh, happy day! Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea and Cousin Dixie had just arrived from Colorado.

Hotel Lupe’s welcome package included ice cream for all. Outdoor fun commenced a short while later with a Geyser Loop romp through the park. Excited as she could be, Cousin Dixie kept dashing in and out of a mucky stream, repeatedly emerging as a black-pawed Aussie.

10-10-25, 10:21 AM – As expected, after getting all settled in at Hotel Lupe yesterday, the main event of every subsequent day that Cousin Dixie was around was destined to feature at least one adventure in the Black Hills. After breakfast, Uncle Joe had asked SPHP for suggestions on something easy, scenic, and not too long to start out with.

How about a hike around Sylvan Lake? This proposition was readily agreed to by all.

**Uncle Joe**, **Aunt Andrea**, **Cousin Dixie** and **Lupe** at **Sylvan Lake**. Photo looks NNW.

Sylvan Lake was an excellent idea! However, upon arrival, unexpected trail maintenance made fully executing the loop plan impossible. The portion of the trail around the lake that went below the dam was closed. No loop for the Loopster, or anyone else, permitted!

Nothing to do but make the best of the situation. A horseshoe pattern would still work! Starting out along the SW side of the lake close to the store’s parking lot, Lupe led everyone NW along the broad gravel path that went to the dam.

**Sylvan Lake**. The dam is toward the L over by the line of rocks. Photo looks NW.

Lupe **near the dam**, which is just beyond the rock she’s on. Photo looks NE.

After visiting the dam, everyone headed back counter-clockwise almost clear around the lake over to rock formations that weren’t that far from the other end of the dam.

**Joe**, **Dixie** and **Lupe** on **rock formations** at the **other end of the horseshoe**. Photo looks WSW.

After taking in the view, this end of the horseshoe also had to be retraced clear back to Shadow waiting at the parking lot. Fine and dandy, happily the horseshoe technique had worked. Never really was any doubt about it. However, there had been another drawback to the Sylvan Lake trail. Quite justifiably, a throng of other people and dogs were at this popular destination. Cousin Dixie really would have preferred to be freer to roam and burn off some 2 year old Aussie energy.

Heading back to Shadow at the parking lot. Photo looks NE.

So where to? Even having to do nearly the entire Sylvan Lake loop trail twice hadn’t taken long at all. Plenty of time to explore another trail.

Lots of terrific trails are accessible from the Sylvan Lake area, but they would likely be busy, too. No worries! SPHP had the answer – a trek along Centennial Trail No. 89, either N or S, from the Iron Creek Horse Camp trailhead. A bit of a drive, but a very scenic one along Needles Highway No. 87. Wouldn’t take that long to get there, and cousins Dixie and Lupe would own the trail! SPHP was sure of it.

10-10-25, 11:46 AM, Iron Creek Horse Camp Trailhead, Centennial Trail No. 89 – Ahh, yes! This was looking good! Shadow was the only vehicle in the small parking lot at the trailhead. The only question now was, which way? N farther into the Black Elk Wilderness, or S away from it?

N into the wilderness was more scenic – full of big granite formations. On the other paw, S would be easier terrain. Really nothing too difficult either way, and complete privacy was highly likely in both directions.

**Centennial Trail No. 89** at the Iron Creek Horse Camp trailhead. Photo looks NE.

N it was, by unanimous consent! Following the trail up over a small rise, it then quickly descended to Iron Creek. Dixie promptly waded into a mucky pool upstream of a makeshift bridge. This experience was much to Cousin Dixie’s liking, even if not greeted with the same enthusiasm by Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea.

**Cousin Muddy Paws** emerging from **Iron Creek**. Photo looks N.

Crossing the makeshift **“bridge”**. Photo looks E.

Temporarily muddy paws were no big deal. The adventure continued! Some fall colors were on display, although admittedly already past their prime. Centennial Trail No. 89 wound gradually higher through a quiet valley. Soon enough, the trail steepened, climbing into the region of big granite formations.

Approaching one of the first big **granite formations**.

A short break was taken near one of the smaller rock formations. Uncle Joe provided water, cheese sticks, and energy bars to interested parties. SPHP had apples available. Continuing on, the trail wound past more rock formations, eventually coming to a junction where Centennial Trail No. 89 shared a short stretch ahead with Grizzly Creek Trail No. 7.

**Andrea** and **Dixie** near one of the smaller granite formations. Photo looks W.

The whole pack at the **junction of Centennial Trail No. 89** (R) and **Grizzly Creek Trail No. 7** (L). Photo looks SE.

It was only a few hundred feet to where the trails parted ways again. At this point there was some discussion of which route to take from here, or whether to simply call this good, and head back?

Decision time! **Grizzly Creek Trail No. 7** (L), **Centennial Trail No. 89** (R), or back to the **Iron Creek Horse Camp trailhead**? Photo looks W.

Sticking with Centennial Trail No. 89 a little farther won out.

Exploring **Centennial Trail No. 89** a bit farther. Photo looks NNE.

0.3 mile led to a minor pass, which became the turnaround point. This pass was nearly to a junction with the Centennial Bypass Trail, which goes to the picnic ground on Iron Mountain (5,451 ft.). However, that destination would have been significantly farther.

At minor **Pass 5340**, the turnaround point. Photo looks S.

On the way back, another stop was made at the granite formation where the rest break had been taken earlier. No food, this time. Instead a bit of scrambling around on the rocks was in order. It was view appreciation time! (End 10-10-25, 2:15 PM)

**Lupe** and **Joe** checking out the views. Photo looks W.

Admiring a **massive granite formation** after a bit of scrambling. Photo looks NE.

10-11-25, 10:03 AM – Since Centennial Trail No. 89 had been such a hit yesterday, SPHP suggested another trail, even more remote, for today’s romp in the Black Hills. Nearly a year and a half ago, Dixie, Joe, Andrea and Lupe had set out along Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L from the Gold Run trailhead, and explored a section of the 11 mile long loop that circumnavigates the entire lake.

Why not pick up from where Dixie and the gang had left off back then? The Deerfield Reservoir dam would be only 2 or 3 miles farther. Lupe had actually been there with her friend Poppy in late April this year. It was an easy trek.

So that became the plan. Dixie was thrilled to be off-leash in the Black Hills again! Trails close to where she lives in Colorado are much more restrictive.

**Lupe**, **Andrea**, **Joe** and **Dixie** on **Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L**. Photo looks NNE.

Starting near Deerfield Cove Road (USFS Road No. 607), Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L was a gentle downhill stroll virtually all the way to Castle Creek. A tiny stream that was easily rock-hopped a couple of times was the only obstacle along the way.

**Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L** followed the old **USFS Road No. 607.1B** roadbed most of the way. Super easy!

Arriving at **Castle Creek**. Photo looks NW.

Castle Creek went through a culvert, so there was no need to ford it. Just beyond Castle Creek, a short stint on USFS Road No. 307 led to a view of the Deerfield Reservoir discharge pipes from the gaging station at the base of the dam. Water shot out of the duel pipes with impressive force.

**Castle Creek** exiting the base of the **Deerfield Reservoir dam**. Photo looks WSW.

A steepish side road with a single big switchback provided easy access to the top of the dam.

Heading up the **dam access road**. Photo looks NW.

The best view of Deerfield Reservoir was over at the SE end of the dam. An open slope nearby was a good spot to take a break.

Crossing the **dam**. **Break spot** is on the **grassy slope** at Center. Photo looks ESE.

Best dam view of **Deerfield Reservoir**. Photo looks WSW.

Taking a break on the hillside overlooking **Deerfield Reservoir**. Photo looks SW.

Once again, Uncle Joe provided cheese sticks and energy bars. SPHP still had apples available, plus water and Taste of the Wild for the dogs. Not entirely satisfied, Lupe and Dixie selfishly conspired to devour most of SPHP’s cheese stick, too.

Back in April, when Lupe had been here with Poppy, HV & LV, she’d gone as far as the end of the N bay, which really wasn’t all that much farther. Today, when the rest break was over, everyone headed back across the dam in that general direction, but only went as far as the first hill NW of the dam. From there, a circle was made back to the E in order to pick up Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L again.

Starting the trek S back to Shadow, this part of the trail went right by a terrific view of the Deerfield Reservoir dam with Castle Creek below it. (End, 10-11-25, 12:51 PM)

**Deerfield Reservoir dam** and **Castle Creek**. Photo looks SW.

Once back at Shadow, that was it for today’s adventure in the Black Hills, but Uncle Joe had another plan up his sleeve. He’d brought his portable ham radio, and wanted to make some ham contacts from Dinosaur Hill (3,673 ft.) in Rapid City.

Evidently, Cousin Dixie and Aunt Andrea weren’t much into ham radio. They preferred spending the rest of their day relaxing at Hotel Lupe. However, fondly remembering the glory days of Uncle Joe’s ham radio adventures from various Black Hills peaks with Summits on the Air, Lupe and SPHP tagged along.

Dinosaur Hill wasn’t the best ham radio spot. Farther S along Skyline Drive, the ridge Dinosaur Hill was part of was even higher. Better yet, there was even a parking lot right up on the crest of the ridge.

After attaching a 17 foot long telescoping antenna to the top of his car with a magnetic base, it wasn’t long before Uncle Joe was ready to start transmitting and receiving.

Uncle Joe running a fly-by-afternoon ham radio operation up on **Skyline Drive**.

Unfortunately, no Summits on the Air operation today. Years ago, Uncle Joe had lost his ability to log into that system under his old account for some unknown reason. That meant no huge radio traffic jam of other ham operators trying to make contact with him. Nevertheless, Joe did make successful Morse Code contacts with other ham radio operators in Pennsylvania, Nevada, Arizona, and California.

While Joe entertained himself with the radio, Lupe and SPHP admired the views of Rapid City and the Black Hills.

**Rapid City** from **Skyline Drive** with **Black Elk Peak** (L of Center) in the distance. Photo looks SW.

10-12-25, 1:33 PM – How time flies when you’re having fun! Cousin Dixie’s last day in the Black Hills before having to head back home to Arvada, Colorado had already arrived. A scenic jaunt from the Spring Creek trailhead up to Centennial Trail No. 89 at the Sheridan Lake dam was on tap this afternoon as Dixie’s final adventure of this visit.

Setting out from the **Spring Creek trailhead** off Sheridan Lake Road. Photo looks SW.

The trail to Sheridan Lake began with a bit of rockiness along Spring Creek, but once past that one spot, this was another super easy route.

At the one and only **rocky spot**. Photo looks WSW.

Beyond the rocky spot with smooth sailing along **Spring Creek**. Photo looks SW.

Most of this spur trail wasn’t that close to Spring Creek as it wound up a deep valley. However, it did cross the creek at several points along the way. Lupe and SPHP hadn’t been here in a while, and were surprised to see new, gently arched bridges with handrails at each crossing.

**Joe**, **Andrea**, and **Dixie** on the **first bridge**. Photo looks W.

**Andrea** demonstrates her **bridge-crossing technique**.

A **scenic spot** along the way. Photo looks NE.

Part of Sheridan Lake dam was already visible from the last bridge over Spring Creek. Once up to it, everyone crossed the dam to return to a spot previously reached along Centennial Trail No. 89 while coming from the Dakota Point trailhead during Cousin Dixie’s last visit in October, 2024.

Approaching the **Sheridan Lake dam** (R). Photo looks W.

Heading back across the dam, the plan was to continue S on Centennial Trail No. 89 along the SE shore of Sheridan Lake. Actually, somewhat above it. Most of the time, the trail stayed 20 to 30 feet above lake level.

Heading back to the S end of the dam. Photo looks SW.

**Sheridan Lake** from the S end of the dam. Photo looks WNW.

**Andrea** checks out a fairly elaborate makeshift shelter near the trail.

**Andrea** and Joe on **Centennial Trail No. 89** above the **SE shore of Sheridan Lake**. Photo looks WSW.

The whole pack got almost to the Flume trailhead at Blue Wing before turning back. And that was it for Cousin Dixie’s adventures in the Black Hills with Lupe on this visit. One last evening of fun and togetherness at Hotel Lupe remained, but farewells were destined to take place shortly after dawn tomorrow morning. (End 10-12-25, 3:47 PM)

Oh, it had all been such fun! Lupe and SPHP look forward to hosting Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and Cousin Dixie at Hotel Lupe again.

Together at **Sylvan Lake**, Black Hills of South Dakota 10-10-25.

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Lupe & Cousin Dixie’s GPS Tracks:

Sylvan Lake (10-10-25)

CT No. 89 N from the Iron Creek Horse Camp (10-10-25)

Deerfield Reservoir Dam (10-11-25)

Spring Creek to Sheridan Lake (10-12-25)

Centennial Trail No. 89 Map & Brochure

Deerfield Trails No. 40 & No. 40L Map & Brochure

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 331 – Waterfalls, Trails, A Lake & A Trip Down Memory Lane with Cousin Dixie (5-24-24 to 5-26-24)

5-24-24, 1:00 PM – It was still mighty early to call it a day, but after the Ponderosa Hike along Centennial Trail No. 89, Uncle Joe’s right foot was feeling a little sore. What to do? SPHP recommended a scenic drive to Cheyenne Crossing for some hamburger therapy.

This suggestion proved to be a hit, and seemed to work. Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea both pronounced their hamburgers delicious, and Joe’s foot must have recovered to some degree, because no more complaints were heard about it.

From Cheyenne Crossing, easy hikes to a couple of the biggest and most popular waterfalls in the Black Hills were only a short drive away.

5-24-24, 3:00 PM – Enthused by the prospect of another outing, Lupe and Cousin Dixie scrambled to the top of the landscaping rocks out in front of the Latchstring Restaurant at Savoy. The beautiful limestone cliffs of Spearfish Canyon were in all directions.

**Lupe**, **Dixie** and **Andrea** out in front of the **Latchstring Restaurant** (L) at **Savoy** in **Spearfish Canyon**. Photo looks NE.

From the N (L) side of the restaurant, a 0.3 mile long trail wound down to a bridge over Spearfish Creek before ending at Spearfish Falls.

A large deck near the base of Spearfish Falls offered the best view, but the falls could be seen from other angles, too.

**Lupe**, **Dixie**, **Joe** & **Andrea** on the **Spearfish Falls view deck**.

Spearfish Falls is where Little Spearfish Creek plunges to the bottom of Spearfish Canyon and joins Spearfish Creek. Only 1.25 miles upstream, Little Spearfish Creek boasts another iconic Black Hills waterfall. While certainly possible to drive to Roughlock Falls, an excellent trail starts from behind the Spearfish Canyon Lodge right across Hwy 14A from the Latchstring Restaurant.

Naturally, Lupe and Cousin Dixie were both eager to explore the trail.

Crossing the **Spearfish Canyon Lodge lawn** on the way to the Roughlock Falls trail. Photo looks NE.

Shortly after picking up the Roughlock Falls Trail, it went past a dam on Little Spearfish Creek. Beyond the dam, the trail paralleled the creek as it wound up this side canyon, ultimately leading to a deck with a view of a mossy cascade below Roughlock Falls. From here, Roughlock Falls was only partially visible in the dark recesses of a narrow slot canyon.

The **dam on Little Spearfish Creek**. Photo looks NE.

**Roughlock Falls** (R) from the lower deck. Photo looks SW.

From the lower deck, a bridge over Little Spearfish Creek connected to a sidewalk that continued on up to the Roughlock Falls picnic area where 2 upper decks provided closer views of the falls.

**Roughlock Falls** (R) from one of the upper view decks. Photo looks SSW.

An unobstructed view from the same spot.

The upper deck situated closest to Roughlock Falls was accessible from another bridge over Little Spearfish Creek. This deck provided a view from the very brink of the falls.

**Joe**, **Dixie** & **Andrea** (L) on the deck right next to **Roughlock Falls**. Photo looks SSE.

Both **upper decks** (L of Center & R) from the **upper bridge**. Photo looks ENE.

**Roughlock Falls** upstream view from the closest deck. Photo looks WSW.

Before heading back, a short hike through the Roughlock Falls picnic area led to a small scenic rapid along Little Spearfish Creek.

By the scenic rapid at the far end of the picnic ground. Photo looks WSW.

**Lupe** enjoying a fun day with **Aunt Andrea**, **Uncle Joe** & **Cousin Dixie**.

On the way back to the RAV4, still parked at the Latchstring Restaurant, a stroll along the walkway over the small dam was necessary so Uncle Joe could observe all the trout lurking in the deep water near the spillway.

Crossing the dam while Uncle Joe peers into deep green waters full of rainbow trout. Photo looks N.

5-25-24 – With Cousin Dixie, Aunt Andrea, and Uncle Joe still at Hotel Lupe for a couple more days, the American Dingo was certain more Black Hills adventures were ahead. However, things got off to a slow start this morning, due to some business that had to be taken care of. Mush and David showed up at 11:00 AM for the Green Metal Box party.

The Green Metal Box contained some of Grandma’s old valuables, and today was the day SPHP intended to distribute them among Grandma’s heirs. The party took only an hour before everyone seemed satisfied with the result, but the humans all went to the Pizza Ranch for lunch when it was over.

During this excursion, Lupe and Cousin Dixie were both abandoned at Hotel Lupe, which was a bummer, but the humans did eventually return from their high calorie experience in need of some exercise. Something not too strenuous, though, so soon after the damage was done. SPHP suggested a trek on Centennial Trail No. 89 to Mount Warner (5,880 ft.).

Since no one objected, or expressed any other preference, that became the plan.

5-25-24, 5:08 PM, Samelias Trailhead – It was a lovely late spring evening as Cousin Dixie, Uncle Joe, and Aunt Andrea started up USFS Road No. 531. This wasn’t the official Centennial Trail No. 89 route, which actually winds up into the forest SW of Samelias Peak (5,860 ft.) before joining No. 531, but it was a bit of a shortcut on the way to Mount Warner.

**Andrea**, **Dixie**, and Joe start up **USFS Road No. 531**. Photo looks NW.

**Centennial Trail No. 89** joins the No. 531 route. Photo looks N.

After heading up to the pass between Peak 5741 and Samelias Peak, the road leveled out and turned ESE, soon leading to another pass between Samelias Peak and Mount Warner. From here, Centennial Trail No. 89 lost some elevation traversing Mount Warner’s lower S slopes.

On a level stretch in the region between the passes. Photo looks ESE.

A little over halfway to Mount Warner’s summit, Uncle Joe was ready to turn around. Maybe his right foot was feeling a little sore again? In any case, it was time to head back to the trailhead.

At the turnaround point. **Black Elk Peak** (L) in the distance. Photo looks SW.

*What? You’re going back already?* **Lupe** and **Dixie** can’t believe the humans are bailing before reaching Mount Warner’s summit. **Samelias Peak** (L). Photo looks W.

The jaunt along Centennial Trail No. 89 wasn’t the day’s final adventure, though. On the way back to Hotel Lupe, Uncle Joe had a thought. Why not stop somewhere near Grandma’s former home just for old time’s sake, and take a walk up to the cul-de-sac?

It was a great idea! Over the years, Lupe and SPHP had walked up to that cul-de-sac more than 1,000 times, but had never returned once the sale of Grandma’s house closed on 5-1-20 during the pandemic, more than 4 years ago. Lupe hadn’t even seen Grandma’s house since then where she’d spent so many happy days so long ago.

5-25-24, 6:58 PM – Joe’s suggestion worked out even better than anyone might have expected. Approaching Grandma’s former home, the new owners came walking out the driveway along with their dog. Turned out they were going to the cul-de-sac, too!

Approaching **Grandma’s former driveway** by the **white mailbox** (R). Photo looks WSW.

Meeting the new owners after they turned around at the cul-de-sac, Joe struck up a conversation with them. They promptly and very graciously invited everyone to come and take a look at what they’d done with the house since purchasing it on the way back.

Back at the familiar **cul-de-sac** at the end of the road past Grandma’s house for the first time in more than 4 years. Photo looks SSW.

Well, why not?

Stopping by Grandma’s house, Dixie got tied up by the old apple tree, but everyone else, including Lupe, got the grand tour both inside and out.

The new owners had done a fabulous job making many improvements. Everything was beautifully remodeled. Grandma’s house had never looked better, but it wasn’t the same. It didn’t feel like Grandma’s house anymore, and it wasn’t. Those days were long gone.

**Aunt Andrea** (Center) and one of the new owners in the completely remodeled living, dining, and kitchen area.

One thing hadn’t changed, and did feel the same. Out back, in the little yard where Lupe used to bark at squirrels, watch deer, and make wild turkeys fly, the red cliffs of Spring Creek canyon were still glowing in the evening sun.

The red cliffs of Spring Creek canyon from Grandma’s former backyard. Photo looks SE.

The new owners couldn’t have been nicer, and seeing that view again was truly awesome. Lupe was happy, yet SPHP left feeling a little sad.

5-26-24, 3:52 PM – Cousin Dixie, Aunt Andrea, and Uncle Joe’s last day at Hotel Lupe! Unfortunately, the morning had been unseasonably cold and rainy, although the weather was supposed to improve after noon. However, the sky was still rather gloomily overcast upon arrival at the picnic ground along the SW shore of Deerfield Reservoir.

At **Deerfield Reservoir** in the **W central Black Hills**. Photo looks W.

After a short romp along the lake near the picnic area, SPHP suggested doing a segment of Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L. This 11 mile long trail goes clear around the entire reservoir. Way too far for this late in the day, however, setting out from the Gold Run trailhead, it might be possible to get to the dam, which is seldom seen except by boat.

Approaching **Deerfield Reservoir** (Center) after setting out along **Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L** from the Gold Run trailhead. Photo looks NW.

Hmm. Not to be! SPHP realized too late that it would have been much better to start out from the road to the Dutchman campground, or even the Kinney Canyon trailhead along Deerfield Trail No. 40. The dam was just too far from Gold Run. Nevertheless, Lupe and Cousin Dixie both had a wonderful time roaming the forest along the trail.

Near the end, the sky began to clear. The sun was shining when the last adventure of Dixie, Joe, and Andrea’s visit to the Black Hills reached its turnaround point. Tomorrow morning they would be leaving Hotel Lupe and returning home to Colorado.

End of the line with **Joe**, **Andrea**, and **Dixie** for this Black Hills visit.

Oh, it had all been such fun! And, best of all, more adventures together were in store in the not too distant future. In just a few short weeks, Lupe and SPHP would be visiting Hotel Dixie in Arvada!

Links:

Next Black Hills Expedition Prior Black Hills Expedition

Centennial Trail No. 89 Map & Brochure

Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L – Map & Brochure

2020 – The Year of Perfect Vision!

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 240 – Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L & Hat Mountain (11-14-18)

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