{"id":10546,"date":"2017-10-08T08:10:29","date_gmt":"2017-10-08T14:10:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=10546"},"modified":"2020-09-25T09:52:13","modified_gmt":"2020-09-25T15:52:13","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-208-little-devils-tower-black-elk-peak-with-australian-adventurer-luke-hall-9-26-17","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=10546","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 208 – Little Devil’s Tower & Black Elk Peak with Australian Adventurer Luke Hall (9-26-17)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Start: Hwy 87\/89, 0.25 mile NW of Sylvan Lake Lodge, 9:46 AM, 46\u00b0F<\/em><\/p>\n

Wonder of wonders!\u00a0 Australian adventurer Luke Hall was actually here – in Lupe’s Black Hills of South Dakota!\u00a0 He’d arrived yesterday afternoon only a few weeks from the end of a 6 month trip exploring the western United States.<\/p>\n

During his recent travels, Luke had scrambled up many notable mountain peaks, including Mt. Whitney<\/span><\/a> (14,498 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> in California and Mt. Elbert<\/span><\/a> (14,433 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> in Colorado, the two highest mountains in the lower 48 states.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

Surfing, swimming, backpacking, mountain biking, climbing – Luke had been a busy guy in 2017, but that was perfectly normal for him.\u00a0 In previous years, he’d explored western Canada, 10 different countries in South America, wandered through much of Europe, and toured Morocco and Egypt.\u00a0 He spent 2 years living and working in London, England, and another 2 years in Banff, Canada.\u00a0 Maybe it wasn’t so surprising that Luke had finally landed in the remote Black Hills of South Dakota after all?\u00a0 He did get around!<\/p>\n

Fittingly enough, Lupe and SPHP had first met Luke Hall over a year ago on Gunsight Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,441 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> in Alaska.\u00a0 Now Luke was here to join Lupe on one of her Black Hills, SD expeditions.\u00a0 He had already dropped by Mt. Rushmore<\/span><\/a> (5,725 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> on his way in, so Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, the highest mountain in South Dakota, seemed like a good destination.\u00a0 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?<\/p>\n

It was a lovely bright, clear day as Lupe, Luke and SPHP set out.\u00a0 First stop along the way was Sylvan Lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe and Luke together again in the Black Hills for the first time since meeting over a year ago on Gunsight Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,441 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> in Alaska. Black Elk Peak<\/strong>, the highest mountain in South Dakota was today’s ultimate destination. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Only 10 or 15 minutes after setting out, Luke and Lupe reach the NW shore of Sylvan Lake<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The small dam creating Sylvan Lake<\/strong>, which features a short walkway with a railing, is seen beyond Luke. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking NE across the lake.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A few ducks were out on the calm water.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\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.\u00a0 Lupe led Luke around to the NE & E sides of the lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking SW from the rock formations along the N shore.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sylvan Lake<\/strong> is located at the far NW corner of Custer State Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a>. Though small, the lake nestles among scenic granite formations.\u00a0 It’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike with a swimming beach and picnic ground.\u00a0 Paddle boat rentals, a convenience store and Sylvan Lake Lodge<\/strong><\/span><\/a> are all nearby. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe showing her buddy Luke around Sylvan Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loopster and Luke on a large granite formation that extends out into Sylvan Lake<\/strong> from the E shore. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking NNW at the N half of Sylvan Lake<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Trail No. 9 from Sylvan Lake is the most direct and popular route to Black Elk Peak, but Lupe had another trail in mind.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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<\/span><\/a> (6,960 ft.) <\/span><\/strong>along the way, and get a close look at the Cathedral Spires<\/span><\/a> (6,840 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Luke & Lupe along Trail No. 4 to Little Devil’s Tower<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A 0.25 mile long spur trail off Trail No. 4 leads to the summit of Little Devil’s Tower<\/strong>. Here Lupe is near the spur trail with a view of the Cathedral Spires<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Luke & Looper on the way to Little Devil’s Tower<\/strong>. Cathedral Spires<\/strong> in the background. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A 0.25 mile long spur trail leads from Trail No. 4 to the summit of Little Devil’s Tower.\u00a0 The end of the route involves a quick, easy scramble up the granite.\u00a0 Even small children can make it with a little supervision and an occasional boost.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Luke & Loop nearing the top of Little Devil’s Tower<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Luke, Lupe and SPHP quickly arrived at the summit of Little Devil’s Tower<\/span><\/a> (6,960 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 There were cliffs around, especially to the N, but they were of no concern.\u00a0 Although a bit rough, the uneven granite summit area is quite roomy.<\/p>\n

The 360\u00b0 views from Little Devil’s Tower are among the best in the Black Hills, with Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> to the NNW and the Cathedral Spires<\/span><\/a> (6,840 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> to the SE being the most eye-catching.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Luke and Loopster arrive at the uneven granite summit of Little Devil’s Tower<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another view with some of the Cathedral Spires<\/strong> (also known as the Needles) in the background. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe with the Cathedral Spires<\/strong> in the background. This was Lupe’s 5th ascent of Little Devil’s Tower<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
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<\/strong>. A chill breeze was blowing out of the S, too. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking NNW toward Black Elk Peak<\/strong>. For those with insufficient time to climb Black Elk Peak<\/strong>, the shorter trip on Trail No. 4 up to the top of Little Devil’s Tower<\/strong> can provide similarly striking views of the Black Hills.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sylvan Hill<\/span><\/a> (7,000 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is the long ridge 2.5 miles away with the high point poking up just R of Center. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At first, no one else was around up on Little Devil’s Tower.\u00a0 It wasn’t long, though, before a couple appeared.\u00a0 Bryan and Rene Jobo from Franklin, Tennessee joined Lupe, Luke and SPHP at the summit.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 Bryan, Rene, Luke and SPHP were soon chatting pleasantly.\u00a0 Lupe got involved posing for photos.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Australian adventurer Luke Hall poses with Bryan & Rene Jobo from Franklin, TN up on Little Devil’s Tower<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Despite a cool SW breeze, Lupe wasn’t about to get left out. Here she poses with Bryan & Rene, too.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
In addition to posing with an American Dingo up on Little Devil’s Tower<\/strong> while in the Black Hills, Bryan & Rene were looking forward to attending the Custer State Park<\/strong> 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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.\u00a0 They had other adventures in mind to press on toward.\u00a0 Soon after Bryan and Rene said good-bye; Luke, Lupe and SPHP resumed the trek to Black Elk Peak.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Luke near the Cathedral Spires<\/strong> on the way back to Trail No. 4 to resume the trek to Black Elk Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.\u00a0 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<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Luke reaches the old fire lookout tower at the summit of Black Elk Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Until August 11, 2016 when the U.S. Board of Geographic Names voted unanimously in favor of the name Black Elk Peak<\/strong>, the highest mountain in South Dakota had been known as Harney Peak<\/strong>. Luke poses by a plaque at the lookout tower which has not been updated yet.\u00a0 In May, 2015, the South Dakota State Board of Geographic Names had proposed renaming the mountain Hinhan Kaga (Making of Owls)<\/strong>, but that recommendation was never enacted.\u00a0 Lupe would have preferred Squirrel Mountain<\/strong>, or at least Chipmunk Mountain<\/strong>, but, oh well!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking ENE from the Black Elk Peak<\/strong> summit. The most distant big square block of granite at Center is the back side of Mt. Rushmore<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.\u00a0 The wind had shifted to the NW by now, though, and was even colder than at Little Devil’s Tower.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
View to the NNW from the fire lookout tower observation deck on Black Elk Peak<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even Lupe was soon ready to retreat back into the lookout tower.\u00a0 The tower wasn’t very large inside, but Luke enjoyed exploring the winding passage down to the basement.\u00a0 An open doorway led out to a massive granite shoulder of the mountain immediately W of the tower.\u00a0 Everyone enjoyed a break in the shelter of a few pines growing out of the rock.<\/p>\n

After snacks and water, it was time for photos from various points on the granite near the lookout tower.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Luke and Lupe NW of the fire lookout tower. The tower was last staffed in 1967. Made of stone, it has held up remarkably well during the ensuing 50 years, despite the efforts of any huffing and puffing big, bad Dingoes. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Luke & Lupe up on rocks N of the tower. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Adventure buddies Lupe and Luke<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe on Black Elk Peak<\/strong>. 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<\/strong>, as it had been since 1896. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Helicopters giving tours of the Mt. Rushmore<\/strong> area often make a pass around Black Elk Peak<\/strong>. Lupe loves barking at helicopters! She’s spotted one now!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The view to the SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cathedral Spires<\/strong> (L) and Little Devil’s Tower<\/strong> (R) are in view beyond Lupe & Luke. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> was Luke’s 3rd US State high point after Mt. Whitney<\/strong> in California and Mt. Elbert<\/strong> in Colorado. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All too soon, it was time to depart.\u00a0 On the way back to the G6, Lupe, Luke and SPHP followed Trail No. 9 all way to Sylvan Lake.\u00a0 The sun was sinking, but down out of the wind the evening was pleasant.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting down. Sylvan Hill<\/strong> is seen in the distance. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On Trail No. 9 before the junction leading to Little Devil’s Tower<\/strong> (R). On the return trip Luke & Lupe stuck with Trail No. 9 all the way, the most direct route back to Sylvan Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Little Devil’s Tower<\/strong> from Trail No. 9. Luke & Loopster had been up there only a few hours ago! Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A view to the NW from Trail No. 9.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loop & Luke at the last big viewpoint along Trail No. 9 on the way to Sylvan Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Australian adventurer extraordinaire Luke Hall presents the Black Hills of South Dakota!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looper takes a break on a lovely bench provided by the Highpointers Foundation<\/strong><\/span><\/a>. This bench is along Trail No. 9 at the first good viewpoint toward Black Elk Peak <\/strong>(formerly Harney Peak<\/strong>) on the way up from Sylvan Lake<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"The light was fading fast by the time Lupe reached the G6 again at 6:45 PM (upper 50’s \u00b0F).\u00a0 Climbing mountains with Luke, and getting to show off her Black Hills home territory had been great fun!<\/p>\n

The fun wasn’t over yet, though.\u00a0 There would be pizza and beer with Luke at home.\u00a0 (What, no beer for the faithful, peakbagging Carolina Dog!?\u00a0 No fair!)<\/em>\u00a0 Even better, Luke was sticking around for a while.\u00a0 Another adventure was in store tomorrow.<\/p>\n

It just doesn’t get any better than that!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
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!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Adventuring buddies Luke & Lupe on Black Elk Peak<\/strong>, 9-26-17<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Next Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Badlands National Park, South Dakota with Australian Adventurer Luke Hall (9-27-17)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Gunsight Mountain, Talkeetna Range, Alaska (8-23-16)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Luke Hall’s travel & adventure blog<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0 Check out her Black Hills, SD & WY\u00a0Expeditions\u00a0Adventure Index<\/span><\/a>, Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/a>, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures<\/span><\/span><\/a>!<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Start: Hwy 87\/89, 0.25 mile NW of Sylvan Lake Lodge, 9:46 AM, 46\u00b0F Wonder of wonders!\u00a0 Australian adventurer Luke Hall was actually here – in Lupe’s Black Hills of South Dakota!\u00a0 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 … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 208 – Little Devil’s Tower & Black Elk Peak with Australian Adventurer Luke Hall (9-26-17)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10526,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[105,838,9,106,157,743,104,304],"class_list":["post-10546","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-american-dingo","tag-black-elk-peak","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-carolina-dog","tag-little-devils-tower","tag-luke-hall","tag-lupe","tag-south-dakota"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/IMG_7729.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10546","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=10546"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10546\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28464,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10546\/revisions\/28464"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/10526"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=10546"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=10546"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=10546"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}