{"id":57026,"date":"2024-12-05T08:10:55","date_gmt":"2024-12-05T15:10:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=57026"},"modified":"2024-12-17T14:04:08","modified_gmt":"2024-12-17T21:04:08","slug":"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","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=57026","title":{"rendered":"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)"},"content":{"rendered":"

5-24-24, 1:00 PM<\/em> – It was still mighty early to call it a day, but after the Ponderosa Hike<\/strong><\/span><\/a> along Centennial Trail No. 89, Uncle Joe’s right foot was feeling a little sore.\u00a0 What to do?\u00a0 SPHP recommended a scenic drive to Cheyenne Crossing<\/span><\/strong><\/a> for some hamburger therapy.<\/p>\n

This suggestion proved to be a hit, and seemed to work.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

5-24-24, 3:00 PM –<\/em> 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<\/strong><\/span><\/a> at Savoy.\u00a0 The beautiful limestone cliffs of Spearfish Canyon<\/strong><\/span><\/a>\u00a0were in all directions.<\/p>\n

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Lupe<\/strong>, Dixie<\/strong> and Andrea<\/strong> out in front of the Latchstring Restaurant<\/strong> (L) at Savoy<\/strong> in Spearfish Canyon<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Spearfish Creek<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Spearfish Falls<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A large deck near the base of Spearfish Falls offered the best view, but the falls could be seen from other angles, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe<\/strong>, Dixie<\/strong>, Joe<\/strong> & Andrea<\/strong> on the Spearfish Falls view deck<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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From a bit farther downstream.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Spearfish Falls is where Little Spearfish Creek plunges to the bottom of Spearfish Canyon and joins Spearfish Creek.\u00a0 Only 1.25 miles upstream, Little Spearfish Creek boasts another iconic Black Hills waterfall.\u00a0 While certainly possible to drive to Roughlock Falls<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, an excellent trail starts from behind the Spearfish Canyon Lodge<\/strong><\/span><\/a> right across Hwy 14A from the Latchstring Restaurant.<\/p>\n

Naturally, Lupe and Cousin Dixie were both eager to explore the trail.<\/p>\n

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Crossing the Spearfish Canyon Lodge lawn<\/strong> on the way to the Roughlock Falls trail. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shortly after picking up the Roughlock Falls Trail, it went past a dam on Little Spearfish Creek.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 From here, Roughlock Falls was only partially visible in the dark recesses of a narrow slot canyon.<\/p>\n

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The dam on Little Spearfish Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Roughlock Falls<\/strong> (R) from the lower deck. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Roughlock Falls<\/strong> (R) from one of the upper view decks. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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An unobstructed view from the same spot.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Zoomed in.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The upper deck situated closest to Roughlock Falls was accessible from another bridge over Little Spearfish Creek.\u00a0 This deck provided a view from the very brink of the falls.<\/p>\n

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Joe<\/strong>, Dixie<\/strong> & Andrea<\/strong> (L) on the deck right next to Roughlock Falls<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Both upper decks<\/strong> (L of Center & R) from the upper bridge<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Roughlock Falls<\/strong> upstream view from the closest deck. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before heading back, a short hike through the Roughlock Falls picnic area led to a small scenic rapid along Little Spearfish Creek.<\/p>\n

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By the scenic rapid at the far end of the picnic ground. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Lupe<\/strong> enjoying a fun day with Aunt Andrea<\/strong>, Uncle Joe<\/strong> & Cousin Dixie<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Crossing the dam while Uncle Joe peers into deep green waters full of rainbow trout. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5-25-24<\/em>\u00a0– 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.\u00a0 However, things got off to a slow start this morning, due to some business that had to be taken care of.\u00a0 Mush and David showed up at 11:00 AM for the Green Metal Box party.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 The party took only an hour before everyone seemed satisfied with the result, but the humans all went to the Pizza Ranch<\/strong><\/span><\/a> for lunch when it was over.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 Something not too strenuous, though, so soon after the damage was done.\u00a0 SPHP suggested a trek on Centennial Trail No. 89 to Mount Warner<\/span><\/a> (5,880 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Since no one objected, or expressed any other preference, that became the plan.<\/p>\n

5-25-24, 5:08 PM, Samelias Trailhead<\/em> – It was a lovely late spring evening as Cousin Dixie, Uncle Joe, and Aunt Andrea started up USFS Road No. 531.\u00a0 This wasn’t the official Centennial Trail No. 89 route, which actually winds up into the forest SW of Samelias Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,860 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> before joining No. 531, but it was a bit of a shortcut on the way to Mount Warner.<\/p>\n

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Andrea<\/strong>, Dixie<\/strong>, and Joe<\/strong> start up USFS Road No. 531<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Centennial Trail No. 89<\/strong> joins the No. 531 route. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After heading up to the pass between Peak<\/span> 5741<\/span><\/a><\/strong> and Samelias Peak, the road leveled out and turned ESE, soon leading to another pass between Samelias Peak and Mount Warner.\u00a0 From here, Centennial Trail No. 89 lost some elevation traversing Mount Warner’s lower S slopes.<\/p>\n

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On a level stretch in the region between the passes. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A little over halfway to Mount Warner’s summit, Uncle Joe was ready to turn around.\u00a0 Maybe his right foot was feeling a little sore again?\u00a0 In any case, it was time to head back to the trailhead.<\/p>\n

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At the turnaround point. Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (L) in the distance. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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What? You’re going back already?<\/em> Lupe<\/strong> and Dixie<\/strong> can’t believe the humans are bailing before reaching Mount Warner’s summit. Samelias Peak<\/strong> (L). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The jaunt along Centennial Trail No. 89 wasn’t the day’s final adventure, though.\u00a0 On the way back to Hotel Lupe, Uncle Joe had a thought.\u00a0 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?<\/p>\n

It was a great idea!\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Lupe hadn’t even seen Grandma’s house since then where she’d spent so many happy days so long ago.<\/p>\n

5-25-24, 6:58 PM<\/em> – Joe’s suggestion worked out even better than anyone might have expected.\u00a0 Approaching Grandma’s former home, the new owners came walking out the driveway along with their dog.\u00a0 Turned out they were going to the cul-de-sac, too!<\/p>\n

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Approaching Grandma’s former driveway<\/strong> by the white mailbox<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Meeting the new owners after they turned around at the cul-de-sac, Joe struck up a conversation with them.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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Back at the familiar cul-de-sac<\/strong> at the end of the road past Grandma’s house for the first time in more than 4 years. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well, why not?<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The new owners had done a fabulous job making many improvements.\u00a0 Everything was beautifully remodeled.\u00a0 Grandma’s house had never looked better, but it wasn’t the same.\u00a0 It didn’t feel like Grandma’s house anymore, and it wasn’t.\u00a0 Those days were long gone.<\/p>\n

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Aunt Andrea<\/strong> (Center) and one of the new owners in the completely remodeled living, dining, and kitchen area.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One thing hadn’t changed, and did feel the same.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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The red cliffs of Spring Creek canyon from Grandma’s former backyard. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The new owners couldn’t have been nicer, and seeing that view again was truly awesome.\u00a0 Lupe was happy, yet SPHP left feeling a little sad.<\/p>\n

5-26-24, 3:52 PM<\/em> – Cousin Dixie, Aunt Andrea, and Uncle Joe’s last day at Hotel Lupe!\u00a0 Unfortunately, the morning had been unseasonably cold and rainy, although the weather was supposed to improve after noon.\u00a0 However, the sky was still rather gloomily overcast upon arrival at the picnic ground along the SW shore of Deerfield Reservoir.<\/p>\n

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At Deerfield Reservoir<\/strong> in the W central Black Hills<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a short romp along the lake near the picnic area, SPHP suggested doing a segment of Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 This 11 mile long trail goes clear around the entire reservoir.\u00a0 Way too far for this late in the day,\u00a0 however, setting out from the Gold Run trailhead, it might be possible to get to the dam, which is seldom seen except by boat.<\/p>\n

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Approaching Deerfield Reservoir<\/strong> (Center) after setting out along Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L<\/strong> from the Gold Run trailhead. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 Not to be!\u00a0 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.\u00a0 The dam was just too far from Gold Run.\u00a0 Nevertheless, Lupe and Cousin Dixie both had a wonderful time roaming the forest along the trail.<\/p>\n

Near the end, the sky began to clear.\u00a0 The sun was shining when the last adventure of Dixie, Joe, and Andrea’s visit to the Black Hills reached its turnaround point.\u00a0 Tomorrow morning they would be leaving Hotel Lupe and returning home to Colorado.<\/p>\n

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End of the line with Joe<\/strong>, Andrea<\/strong>, and Dixie<\/strong> for this Black Hills visit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oh, it had all been such fun!\u00a0 And, best of all, more adventures together were in store in the not too distant future.\u00a0 In just a few short weeks, Lupe and SPHP would be visiting Hotel Dixie in Arvada!<\/p>\n

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

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

Centennial Trail No. 89 Map & Brochure<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L – Map & Brochure<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

2020 – The Year of Perfect Vision!<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 240 – Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L & Hat Mountain (11-14-18)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/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","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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.\u00a0 What to do?\u00a0 SPHP recommended a scenic drive to Cheyenne Crossing for some hamburger therapy. This suggestion proved to be a hit, … Continue reading 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)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":56998,"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":[105,1722,9,106,527,986,1683,451,104,478,304,1179],"class_list":["post-57026","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-american-dingo","tag-andrea","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-carolina-dog","tag-centennial-trail-no-89","tag-deerfield-reservoir","tag-dixie","tag-joe","tag-lupe","tag-roughlock-falls","tag-south-dakota","tag-spearfish-falls"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/IMG_4013-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\/57026","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=57026"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57026\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":57510,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57026\/revisions\/57510"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/56998"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=57026"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=57026"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=57026"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}