{"id":40850,"date":"2022-06-22T08:10:56","date_gmt":"2022-06-22T14:10:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=40850"},"modified":"2022-07-17T21:40:14","modified_gmt":"2022-07-18T03:40:14","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-301-sylvan-lake-the-custer-state-park-buffalo-hunt-4-16-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=40850","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 301 – Sylvan Lake & the Custer State Park Buffalo Hunt (4-16-22)"},"content":{"rendered":"

11:48 AM, 32\u00baF, Sylvan Lake Picnic Area<\/em> – Oh, the news was wonderful!\u00a0 Yesterday evening Cousins Dusty, Laddie, and Uncle Joe had arrived for a visit.\u00a0 Lupe was thrilled!\u00a0 The enthusiastic American Dingo knew what that meant – good times on joint expeditions in the Black Hills!\u00a0 The real question had been where to go?\u00a0 Cousin Dusty would be turning sweet 16 in less than 2 months, and wasn’t up to anything long or strenuous.<\/p>\n

This morning, SPHP had suggested the loop trail around Sylvan Lake, a choice agreeable to all, but hadn’t taken the lake’s 6,145 foot elevation fully into account.\u00a0 Mid-April, but there was ice on the lake, snow on the ground, and a chill in the air as Lupe and her cousins set out from the picnic area for a counter-clockwise tour around the lake.\u00a0 It was so cold out that only a couple of Canadians were hardy enough to be hanging out down by the beach.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Setting out from the picnic area. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sylvan Lake<\/strong> from near the beach along the N shore. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Canadian geese.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the beach, the trail wound NW past massive granite formations and improbable spires.\u00a0 Going over a bit of a rise, another part of Sylvan Lake came into view.\u00a0 Cousin Dusty was doing great!\u00a0 She even led the way, happy to be back in the Black Hills again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Among the granite formations. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the N end of Sylvan Lake<\/strong>. Cousin Dusty (R) in the lead. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Going around a bay, the trail climbed onto rock formations overlooking Sylvan Lake.\u00a0 On this cold, overcast morning, the scene was mostly gray and white.\u00a0 Pines added a green too subdued to break a wintery mood.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The N bay from up on the rocks. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Joe, Dusty, and Laddie got a head start as the trail turned SW descending into Sunday Gulch.\u00a0 Protected from the sun by towering rock formations, there was even more snow down here.\u00a0 Water seeped from a big crack in the granite.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Joe and Laddie start down into Sunday Gulch<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A snowy descent. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Laddie, Joe, and Dusty in Sunday Gulch<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once down in Sunday Gulch, it was only a short distance to a junction with Sunday Gulch Trail No. 6 near the Sylvan Lake dam.\u00a0 The cloud cover thinned, and the sky brightened.\u00a0 Suddenly, winter seemed to be losing its grip.\u00a0 A hint of spring was in the air.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Joe, Laddie, and Lupe below the dam. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sunday Gulch Trail No. 6 is scenic, but steep.\u00a0 Cousin Dusty wasn’t going to be able to take on a side excursion like that.\u00a0 In fact, she had a bit of a problem with the next section of the Sylvan Lake trail.\u00a0 Beyond the dam, the trail turned S going up a series of snowy steps that led into a narrow passage between vertical rock walls.<\/p>\n

The passage was a sheet of ice!\u00a0 A minor rise near the end was so slick that Dusty could scarcely get up it.\u00a0 Repeatedly losing traction, she kept sliding back.\u00a0 Joe had to brace himself between the rock walls to try to give her a helping paw.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Joe, Dusty, and Laddie head up the steps. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Joe trying to help Dusty up the super slick ice.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a couple of comical attempts, Dusty got the extra help she needed.\u00a0 Emerging from the narrow passage at lake level near the dam, the rest of the path around the lake was a cinch.\u00a0 Flat as a pancake, the trail ran right along the SW shore nearly all the way to the S end of the lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the dam (unseen off to the L) after successfully negotiating the icy passage. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Along the SW shore. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking NW back toward the dam (L beyond Joe).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Didn’t take long at all to get there.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Laddie, Joe, and Dusty at the S end of Sylvan Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loopster basking in weak sunshine.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The massive granite formation near the dam. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The scenic jaunt around Sylvan Lake was almost complete.\u00a0 Not much farther back to the picnic area now.\u00a0 Cousin Dusty seemed perplexed.\u00a0 Other than the one icy spot that everyone had had a little trouble with, she was doing fine.\u00a0 The adventure couldn’t be over already, could it?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At 15 years, 10 months, Cousin Dusty ready for more Black Hills action!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Joe proposed extending the trek with a stroll along Needles Highway No. 87, which remained closed to vehicles for the season.\u00a0 After 0.33 mile, a shortcut was taken up to the high point of Little Devils Tower Trail No. 4 between the trailhead and the picnic area back at Sylvan Lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up to Trail No. 4 after leaving the Needles Highway. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A log served as a bench during a rest break.\u00a0 The dogs shared a chocolate coconut bar, while Joe and SPHP munched on apples and Kind bars.\u00a0 The party broke up after Laddie barked at hikers on the trail.<\/p>\n

The return to the Sylvan Lake picnic area on Little Devils Trail No. 4 was quick and easy.\u00a0 Downhill all the way!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Little Devils Trail No. 4, about to head back to the Sylvan Lake picnic area.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1:45 PM<\/em> – When everyone got back to the RAV4, there was still plenty of time to do something more today, but that was up to Uncle Joe and his assessment of how Cousin Dusty was faring.<\/p>\n

Dusty appeared to be fine.\u00a0 SPHP suggested Custer State Park’s wildlife loop.\u00a0 Dusty might enjoy exploring the rolling grasslands.\u00a0 Would take a while to drive there, with a good chance of seeing buffalo somewhere along the way.<\/p>\n

A buffalo hunt, whether from the RAV4 or out on the prairie, sounded like a great idea!\u00a0 Lupe was clearly in favor, and no one else seemed to have any objections.<\/p>\n

2:36 PM <\/em>– Buffalo had already been seen by the time Uncle Joe parked at a curve along CSP Road No. 2 about 0.33 mile N of Racetrack Butte.\u00a0 Lupe had given her cousins live demonstrations of how to bark ferociously at bison from the safety of the RAV4.\u00a0 Laddie was interested, but hadn’t quite picked up on it yet.<\/p>\n

Dusty was ready for another outing, if it wasn’t a long one.\u00a0 The plan was to climb a nearby flat-topped ridge hoping to spot more buffalo from a safe distance.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Setting off on the Custer State Park buffalo hunt! Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching the top of the ridge, the buffalo hunt became an instant success.\u00a0 Two buffalo were relaxing on the prairie up here.\u00a0 Not exactly a thundering herd, but they were impressive.\u00a0 Upon seeing an American Dingo, both got up to keep an eye on Lupe, but didn’t really do anything except stand there.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
I’m thinking buffalo burgers! How about you, SPHP? …. I’m thinking you’re close enough, Loop. Stay here!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Both buffalo soon decided they might as well eat grass.\u00a0 Sensible enough, but not terribly exciting.\u00a0 A lone pine stood near the SE end of the ridge.\u00a0 Ought to be a great view of Racetrack Butte (4,320 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0and quite a bit of surrounding territory from over there.\u00a0 Might as well check it out.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Dusty, Laddie, and Joe up on the ridge. Racetrack Butte<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The hunch paid off!\u00a0 From the end of the ridge there was a terrific view of a whole herd of buffalo in the valley next to Racetrack Butte.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Gazing down on the buffalo herd. Racetrack Butte<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This was a fabulous vantage point!\u00a0 Many brand new calves were among the herd.\u00a0 Joe, Dusty, Laddie, and SPHP all watched in fascination.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Buffalo and their calves with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe was fascinated, too, but the excitement of seeing so many buffalo all at once quickly became almost unbearable.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog began whining so loudly that the bison must have heard her.\u00a0 All of a sudden, several began ambling off to the E.\u00a0 Before long, they were running.<\/p>\n

None of the buffalo wanted to be left behind.\u00a0 Evidently convinced utter disaster threatened, the whole herd began stampeding away.\u00a0 This did nothing to calm Lupe down.\u00a0 Whining more than ever, the frustrated American Dingo watched the bison vanish across the prairie.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The buffalo race away past Racetrack Butte<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Within minutes, the show was over.\u00a0 The buffalo had provided quite a spectacle!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Joe, Laddie, and Dusty heading back.to the RAV4.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That wasn’t the end of all the excitement, though!\u00a0 Once back in the RAV4, part of the same buffalo herd that had fled the Carolina Dog’s mere whining when she was way up on the ridge far from them, had stopped right on CSP Road No. 2, blocking the road.\u00a0 Now that Lupe was barking hysterically right next to them from the RAV4, most barely glanced up.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Shut it, pesky Dingo! Can’t you see we’re grazing here?<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Yeah, really not all that concerned.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Joe eventually had to ease the RAV4 slowly through the herd to get them to move enough to get by.\u00a0 It was a good thing he got through, or Lupe would have busted a gut.\u00a0 The whole experience left her foaming at the mouth, chest heaving.\u00a0 Laddie had been so impressed that even he’d joined in for a moment.<\/p>\n

That still wasn’t the end, though.\u00a0 Lupe had plenty more chances to bark like a nutcase.\u00a0 Wildlife was everywhere!\u00a0 On the way out of Custer State Park, Loop saw more buffalo, a huge herd of elk, lots of mountain sheep, marmots, wild turkeys, and turkey vultures.\u00a0 Uncle Joe was amazed at the quantity and variety of wildlife around, not to mention just about deaf, by the time the Custer State Park adventure was over.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mountain sheep.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Being ignored by mountain sheep.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The reprieve of silence didn’t last long.\u00a0 Outside the park, this was cattle country.\u00a0 Cows and horses!\u00a0 Lupe had to give them all what for.<\/p>\n

So glad Uncle Joe, and cousins Dusty and Laddie were here!\u00a0 What a great day!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near Racetrack Butte<\/strong>, Custer State Park, Black Hills of South Dakota 4-16-22<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Next Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0 Check out Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY\u00a0Expeditions\u00a0Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>, <\/em>Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/a>, or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures<\/span><\/strong><\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

11:48 AM, 32\u00baF, Sylvan Lake Picnic Area – Oh, the news was wonderful!\u00a0 Yesterday evening Cousins Dusty, Laddie, and Uncle Joe had arrived for a visit.\u00a0 Lupe was thrilled!\u00a0 The enthusiastic American Dingo knew what that meant – good times on joint expeditions in the Black Hills!\u00a0 The real question had been where to go?\u00a0 … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 301 – Sylvan Lake & the Custer State Park Buffalo Hunt (4-16-22)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":40836,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","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":[105,9,1580,106,1172,146,451,1464,104,1581,269,1579],"class_list":["post-40850","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-american-dingo","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-buffalo","tag-carolina-dog","tag-custer-state-park","tag-dusty","tag-joe","tag-laddie","tag-lupe","tag-racetrack-butte","tag-sylvan-lake","tag-wildlife-loop"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/IMG_4514-scaled.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\/40850","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=40850"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40850\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41206,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40850\/revisions\/41206"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/40836"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=40850"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=40850"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=40850"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}