{"id":57407,"date":"2024-12-17T08:10:09","date_gmt":"2024-12-17T15:10:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=57407"},"modified":"2025-02-03T14:34:40","modified_gmt":"2025-02-03T21:34:40","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-332-black-elk-peak-with-dave-covill-max-finn-5-29-24","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=57407","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 332 – Black Elk Peak with Dave Covill, Max & Finn (5-29-24)"},"content":{"rendered":"

5-28-24, 5:31 PM<\/em> – Out of the blue, a ding.<\/p>\n

Loopster!\u00a0 We’ve got a text message from Dave Covill<\/strong><\/span><\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n

Awesome!\u00a0 What does it say, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

“I am approaching Rapid City right now with my grandsons.\u00a0 We will be climbing Black Elk Peak tomorrow, and White Butte on Thursday.\u00a0 Wonder if you would like to join us tomorrow around 9:00 AM at the Sylvan Lake trailhead?”<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, Happy Day!\u00a0 Tell Dave we’ll be there, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

5-29-24, 8:54 AM, 62\u00baF<\/em> – After driving around the little paved loop at the Sylvan Lake trailhead, SPHP parked the RAV4.\u00a0 All smiles, Lupe leapt out.<\/p>\n

Where’s Dave, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Didn’t see his 4Runner.\u00a0 They’ll be along shortly.\u00a0 You can count on it, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

5-29-24, 9:15 AM<\/em> – Sure enough, they were.\u00a0 It was great seeing Dave again, and fun getting introduced to his grandsons Max (10) and Finn (8).\u00a0 After spending a few minutes getting organized, everyone hit Trail No. 9S to Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the start of Black Elk Peak Trail No. 9S<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Yes, everyone!\u00a0 The trail was busy on this beautiful morning in late May.\u00a0 Lots of people and dogs.\u00a0 Lupe had plenty of opportunities to exchange sniffs, while Dave and SPHP chatted.\u00a0 Black Elk Peak was going to be Max’s 27th state high point, and Finn’s 23rd.\u00a0 Tomorrow they would be visiting White Butte<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, North Dakota’s highest mountain.\u00a0 This summer Dave would be taking them to quite a few state high points out E, too.<\/p>\n

Dave also mentioned Max and Finn’s sister, Eden<\/strong><\/span><\/a> (12), whom Lupe had met back in 2020.\u00a0 Eden was going to be tackling several difficult state high points this summer, including Wyoming’s Gannet Peak<\/span><\/a> (13,810 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Montana’s Granite Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,804 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and Borah Peak<\/span><\/a> (12,666 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> in Idaho.\u00a0 She hoped to complete all 48 contiguous state high points in 2025.<\/p>\n

Such is life, if Dave Covill is your grandpa!\u00a0 At the moment, Max and Finn didn’t seem to fully appreciate the experience.\u00a0 On this gorgeous day beneath clear blue skies, they were both soon complaining about the heat.\u00a0 SPHP didn’t think it was all that hot yet, although, in her fur coat, the American Dingo may have agreed with Max and Finn.<\/p>\n

After a steady climb to the junction with Lost Cabin Trail No. 2, where SPHP finally remembered to start a GPS track, it wasn’t much farther along No. 9S to a couple of viewpoints providing opportunities to pause for photos, and water for those in need of it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the first viewpoint<\/strong> with Max<\/strong> (L) and Finn<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Max<\/strong> (L) and Finn<\/strong> (R) with Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (R of Center) in the distance. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shortly after passing the second viewpoint, Max stumbled and skinned his knees, adding to his misery.\u00a0 Continuing on, SPHP tried to strike up a conversation with the boys to occupy their minds.<\/p>\n

Did they have a favorite state high point?\u00a0 No, not really.\u00a0 Neither Max nor Finn showed much enthusiasm for any of the ones they’d been to so far, although Mount Sunflower<\/span><\/a> (4,039 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> in Kansas, with all of 19 feet of prominence, did get honorable mention.<\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 SPHP tried another approach.<\/p>\n

What was the worst state high point Max and Finn had ever visited?\u00a0 That struck a nerve!\u00a0 The response was immediate and unanimous.\u00a0 Bug Mountain was awful!\u00a0 That was a state high point SPHP had never even heard of before.\u00a0 Not too surprisingly, Bug Mountain turned out to be Minnesota’s Eagle Mountain<\/span><\/a> (2,301 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Max and Finn had been there in June, evidently not the best time to go.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Dave<\/strong> leads Max<\/strong> (L) and Finn<\/strong> (R) along a flat stretch of Black Elk Peak Trail No. 9S<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A water break in the shade. Lupe<\/strong> (L), Dave<\/strong> (L of Center), Finn<\/strong> (Center), Max<\/strong> (R).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

More than halfway to Black Elk Peak, a relatively flat stretch ended after crossing a stream near the junction with Lost Cabin Spur Trail No. 2B.\u00a0 After passing some big granite formations, Trail No. 9S soon steepened.\u00a0 Switchbacks helped keep the rate of climb to a moderate pace.<\/p>\n

Two more junctions were ahead.\u00a0 Although Trail No. 9S continued higher, the switchbacks ended before reaching the first one with Little Devils Tower Trail No. 4.\u00a0 By the time the junction with Trail No. 9N was reached, all that remained was a short spur to the summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Max<\/strong> (R) leads the way going past the junction with Trail No. 4 to Little Devils Tower<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Most of the spur was flat, with big views off to the S and W.\u00a0 This led to a final steep climb on stairs among towering granite formations.\u00a0 Max and Finn thought the metal stairway spiraling to the summit area was cool.\u00a0 So was a mountain goat spotted shortly before reaching the stairs.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for the granite formations near the top. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Finn<\/strong> on the metal stairway with Dave<\/strong> coming up behind. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11:36 AM, 73\u00baF, Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – A cool 15 mph breeze out of the W brought relief to Max, Finn, and Lupe as everyone approached the old fire lookout tower atop South Dakota’s highest mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Nearly there! Max<\/strong>, Finn<\/strong>, and Dave<\/strong> on the final walkway to the lookout tower. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak’s formidable old fire tower<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a brief tour of the tower’s shady interior, Dave led Max and Finn out the basement exit, and around to the N side of the tower where the highest remaining natural point on the mountain is.\u00a0 A quick scramble, and the boys were at the true summit.\u00a0 Not to be outdone, Lupe decided to scramble up there, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
With Max<\/strong> (L) and Finn<\/strong> (R) at Black Elk Peak’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No sooner had Max, Finn, and Lupe left the true summit, than someone else appeared intent upon visiting it, too.\u00a0 Fortunately, the Carolina Dog didn’t interfere, despite keen interest, when SPHP begged her not to.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Finn<\/strong> watches as the mountain goat<\/strong> reappears.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Reappearing, the mountain goat calmly sauntered right on by, then sprang clear up to Black Elk Peak’s true summit in a few bounds, right where Max, Finn, and Lupe had been only moments ago.\u00a0 SPHP was too slow to get a photo of the mountain goat exactly at the true summit, but managed to get a picture before the goat disappeared entirely.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The mountain goat<\/strong> saunters on by. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
So, where’s the Black Elk<\/strong>? This ought to be called White Goat Peak<\/strong>!<\/em> Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
That goat could have been lunch, if you weren’t such a party pooper, SPHP!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lunch was actually held up on the tower’s observation deck, while many other people and dogs came and went.\u00a0 Dave provided peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.\u00a0 Lupe shared her traditional chocolate coconut bars with Max, Finn, and SPHP.\u00a0 Water for all, of course.\u00a0 SPHP offered apples and oranges, but they were a tough sell.<\/p>\n

12:19 PM<\/em> – Nearly 45 minutes after reaching the lookout tower, Dave and his grandsons were ready to move on.\u00a0 Black Elk Peak had been a success!\u00a0 Max had tagged his 27th state high point, and Finn his 23rd, records they would both improve upon at White Butte tomorrow.\u00a0 Dave had his 11th ascent of Black Elk Peak, same as Lupe.<\/p>\n

Before departing, the American Dingo did a little scrambling about on the rock formations S of the tower, enjoying terrific views of Black Elk Peak’s South Pinnacle<\/span><\/a> (7,208 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, the Cathedral Spires<\/span><\/a> (6,907 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and Sylvan Hill<\/span><\/a> (6,998 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak’s S Pinnacle<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
S Pinnacle<\/strong> (L), Cathedral Spires<\/strong> (R) beyond Lupe. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Above the metal stairs. Sylvan Hill<\/strong> (Center) in the distance. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Just for fun and variety, on the way back to the Sylvan Lake trailhead, Dave wanted to show Max and Finn the Cathedral Spires region.\u00a0 Little Devils Tower Trail No. 4 goes right through that area.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the Cathedral Spires<\/strong> on Little Devils Tower Trail No. 4<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Taking a short break among the spires. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Finn<\/strong> (L), Max<\/strong> (Center), and Lupe<\/strong> (R) having a bit of fun on the rocks. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The last stop along Trail No. 4 was a short rest break at a bench donated by the Highpointers Foundation<\/strong><\/span><\/a> with a view of Black Elk Peak.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Dave<\/strong> (L), Finn<\/strong> (Center), and Max<\/strong> (R) on the Highpointers Club bench<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The spur to Little Devils Tower<\/span><\/a> (6,981 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> itself was only 0.2 mile past the bench, but that fun little scramble would have to wait for another fine day.\u00a0 Time was limited.\u00a0 Dave already had plans to take the boys to Mount Rushmore<\/span><\/a> (5,722 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> before returning to their hotel, where Max and Finn were eager to get back to the waterslide.<\/p>\n

2:35 PM, 75\u00baF<\/em> – The scenic loop along Little Devils Tower Trail No. 4 ended right back at the Sylvan Lake trailhead.\u00a0 It had been great seeing Dave again, and fun to meet Max and Finn.\u00a0 The boys said good-bye to Lupe, and SPHP made sure to shake their hands, congratulating them on their first ascent of South Dakota’s Black Elk Peak.<\/p>\n

2:55 PM<\/em> – Alone again, Lupe stood on a dock next to Sylvan Lake.\u00a0 Dave and his grandsons were already off to Mount Rushmore.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Sylvan Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So, what now, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Almost June, Loopster.\u00a0 Won’t be long before you’ll be setting off on your grand and glorious Summer of 2024 Dingo Vacations!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, that sounds fabulous, SPHP!\u00a0 I can hardly wait!<\/em><\/p>\n

As events turned out, though, the American Dingo would be back in this same region once more before all those fabulous adventures transpired.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Black Elk Peak<\/strong> with Max<\/strong> and Finn<\/strong>, Black Hills of South Dakota 5-29-24<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Max & Finn’s GPS Track<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Max & Finn’s Scrollable GPS Track<\/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":"

5-28-24, 5:31 PM – Out of the blue, a ding. Loopster!\u00a0 We’ve got a text message from Dave Covill! Awesome!\u00a0 What does it say, SPHP? “I am approaching Rapid City right now with my grandsons.\u00a0 We will be climbing Black Elk Peak tomorrow, and White Butte on Thursday.\u00a0 Wonder if you would like to join … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 332 – Black Elk Peak with Dave Covill, Max & Finn (5-29-24)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":57379,"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":[105,838,9,106,987,1726,104,1725,304],"class_list":["post-57407","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-dave-covill","tag-finn","tag-lupe","tag-max","tag-south-dakota"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_4044-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\/57407","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=57407"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57407\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":60285,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57407\/revisions\/60285"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/57379"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=57407"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=57407"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=57407"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}