{"id":58003,"date":"2025-02-03T08:10:37","date_gmt":"2025-02-03T15:10:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=58003"},"modified":"2025-03-25T22:22:37","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T04:22:37","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-333-little-devils-tower-with-mark-anderson-6-8-24","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=58003","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 333 – Little Devils Tower with Mark Anderson (6-8-24)"},"content":{"rendered":"

9:40 AM<\/em>\u00a0– Down in the living room, Lupe was raising a ruckus.<\/p>\n

Mark’s here, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I knew we could count on him, Loopster.\u00a0 I’ll be right there.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe greeted Mark with such tremendous enthusiasm when SPHP let him in that Mark scarcely knew how to react.\u00a0 When the Carolina Dog calmed down, the conversation quickly turned to today’s destination, or more precisely, where would Mark like to go?<\/p>\n

Although Mark had grown up in the Black Hills, he’d moved to Colorado decades ago, and asked SPHP for suggestions.\u00a0 Exactly what to propose was hard to say, due to his situation.<\/p>\n

An avid traveler, skier, and hiker in some mighty scenic countries around the world, Mark had been through a hip replacement last fall that had gone wrong.\u00a0 Naturally athletic, he’d been reduced to a walker and crutches for months.\u00a0 As recently as only a couple of months ago, even managing a flight of stairs had still been difficult.\u00a0 However, a nerve that had been damaged was slowly healing, and Mark reported that he could now amble several miles without much pain.<\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 Something scenic with a decent trail, a little on the ambitious side, yet not too far, seemed to be the parameters that needed to be met.<\/p>\n

SPHP’s first suggestion was dead on arrival.\u00a0 Nope, not scenic enough!\u00a0 Mark had been there 5 or 6 years ago with another friend, and the big views really didn’t come until nearly the very end.<\/p>\n

Well, there was an obviously better choice, but one that involved a little scrambling.\u00a0 Could Mark do that?<\/p>\n

A no pain, no gain sort of guy, he was willing to try.<\/p>\n

When SPHP proposed Little Devils Tower<\/span><\/a> (6,981 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Mark was nearly as enthusiastic as Lupe had been upon his arrival.\u00a0 A terrific idea!\u00a0 SPHP was surprised to learn that Mark had never been there before.<\/p>\n

12:00 PM<\/em> – Early June in the Black Hills.\u00a0 Sylvan Lake was a zoo!\u00a0 Every parking spot was taken.\u00a0 Vehicles even lined the Needles Highway during the short drive on the way to the Little Devils Tower trailhead.\u00a0 At the first opportunity, Mark parked the RAV4 alongside the road.<\/p>\n

Not a great spot to begin for Mark’s hip, but he didn’t complain as Lupe led the way NE through fields and forest after crossing the highway.\u00a0 Managing to reach Little Devils Tower Trail No. 4 between Sylvan Lake and the Little Devils Tower trailhead without incident, Mark had no problem getting to the trailhead and starting up the valley beyond it.<\/p>\n

The march up the valley was easy enough and busy.\u00a0 A steady stream of people and dogs went by.\u00a0 Lupe had countless opportunities to sniff and get acquainted.\u00a0 The valley was a mix of meadows, forest, scenic granite formations, and, near the start, even featured a tiny stream.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mark & Lupe<\/strong> in the lower valley.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ambling along with frequent short breaks, Mark and SPHP jabbered away on every topic under the sun while Lupe enjoyed the nonchalant pace.\u00a0 No one really took much notice as the trail steepened.\u00a0 When Trail No. 4 topped out, the spur to Little Devils Tower was right there.<\/p>\n

Heading N, much of the 0.25 mile long spur was a gradual climb through mostly open territory, but once the big granite formations were reached, that all changed.\u00a0 A steeper climb between two granite walls ended at a minor pass.\u00a0 Immediately to the L, a 10 foot vertical scramble led up into a narrow crack.<\/p>\n

Moment of truth!\u00a0 Mark passed with flying colors.\u00a0 SPHP gave Lupe a boost up the scrambly part, and the American Dingo managed the rest of the crack by herself.\u00a0 Emerging from the upper end of the crack, a nice view of Sylvan Hill<\/span><\/a> (6,998 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was off to the WSW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sylvan Hill<\/strong> (R of Center) from just above the first crack<\/strong> (lower L). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This wasn’t the end of the scrambling, but none of what lay ahead was any worse than what Mark had already demonstrated his ability to deal with.\u00a0 SPHP had to smile.\u00a0 Mark was clearly enjoying the experience!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Pausing for a photo partway up. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Marked by blue diamonds, the spur trail continued higher, winding over solid granite to another passage that quickly led to a flat patch of dirt.\u00a0 From here, a second almost vertical scramble was all that remained.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Last scramble<\/strong> leading to the summit. Photo looks up!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mark<\/strong> contemplating the final scramble. Cathedral Spires<\/strong> (L & Center) beyond him. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Several people expressed amazement when Lupe scrambled up this last section all on her own.\u00a0 They didn’t realize that Mark’s successful ascent was actually the genuinely amazing accomplishment.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mark<\/strong> near the top of the final scramble<\/strong>, while Lupe<\/strong> basks in all the praise. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1:22 PM, 68\u00baF, Little Devils Tower<\/span><\/a> (6,981 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – During most of an hour spent relaxing while munching on a Subway sandwich and taking in the views, which were among the best the Black Hills have to offer, Mark confirmed this was by far the most difficult hike he’d been on since his hip replacement operation last September.\u00a0 He was doing fine, though, and very happy to be here.\u00a0 Little Devils Tower had been a great choice!<\/p>\n

Black Elk Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, South Dakota’s highest mountain, only a mile NNE was the main attraction.\u00a0 Other highlights included a spectacular view of the Cathedral Spires<\/span><\/a> (6,907 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and Sylvan Hill<\/span><\/a> (6,998 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, the Custer County high point.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (R) from Little Devils Tower<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The magnificent Cathedral Spires<\/strong>, also known locally as The Needles<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2:19 PM<\/em> – Panhandling chipmunks were conducting a lively business with the ever-changing crowd.\u00a0 The American Dingo cheerily appointed herself chief enforcer against this illicit trade, making SPHP nervous during her sudden dashes to the brink of destruction.\u00a0 Probably best to mosey on.\u00a0 Mark was satisfied, and Lupe’s traditional summit hour was almost over, anyway.<\/p>\n

The descent was harder on Mark than the ascent had been.\u00a0 Moving slowly and cautiously, he appeared a bit fragile and unsteady.\u00a0 Lupe had plenty of time to pay more attention to the views, while still keeping an eye out for chipmunks.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mark<\/strong> starting his descent. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cathedral Spires<\/strong> (L), as seen during the descent. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mark<\/strong> heads down a passage between the steeper scrambles<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Descending the crack<\/strong> above the last scramble. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The descent went well.\u00a0 No mishaps.\u00a0 It wasn’t until Lupe was practically back at the Little Devils Tower trailhead that Mark finally admitted that his hip and arthritis were giving him some pain, although he insisted that the pain hadn’t set in until just the last 200 yards.<\/p>\n

SPHP offered to retrieve the RAV4 while Mark waited at the trailhead, which would have been an easy thing to do, but Mark wouldn’t hear of it.\u00a0 However, he did prefer walking back to the RAV4 on Hwy 89 rather than take the lumpy overland route Lupe had led him on before.<\/p>\n

3:30 PM, Sylvan Lake<\/em> – The throng had thinned out a little.\u00a0 Volunteering to buy ice cream, Mark parked the RAV4 in front of the store, then went in to get it.\u00a0 When he returned, while Lupe laid in the shade of the pine trees, Mark and SPHP sat on a rock with a view of the lake consuming chocolate-flavored soft serve.<\/p>\n

Despite the somewhat painful ending, Mark was very pleased with how today’s outing had gone.\u00a0 Pain and disability had been a big part of his life ever since last September, and Little Devils Tower had been a huge leap forward.\u00a0 He was greatly encouraged, and confident that he would soon be back close to normal.<\/p>\n

June!\u00a0 Dingo Vacation time was almost here.\u00a0 Another week or so, and Lupe was going to be in Colorado!\u00a0 Mark invited Lupe and SPHP to stop in and visit.\u00a0 Another joint adventure was sure to result.<\/p>\n

Seeing Mark again had been awesome!\u00a0 Knowing that he was rapidly on the mend was even better.\u00a0 SPHP promised that a feisty American Dingo would soon be on his doorstep.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Climbing Little Devils Tower<\/strong> with Mark Anderson<\/strong>, Black Hills of South Dakota 6-8-24<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mark & Lupe’s GPS Track<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Mark & Lupe’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":"

9:40 AM\u00a0– Down in the living room, Lupe was raising a ruckus. Mark’s here, SPHP! Oh, I knew we could count on him, Loopster.\u00a0 I’ll be right there. Lupe greeted Mark with such tremendous enthusiasm when SPHP let him in that Mark scarcely knew how to react.\u00a0 When the Carolina Dog calmed down, the conversation … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 333 – Little Devils Tower with Mark Anderson (6-8-24)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":57993,"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":[105,9,106,157,104,1731,304],"class_list":["post-58003","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-american-dingo","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-carolina-dog","tag-little-devils-tower","tag-lupe","tag-mark-anderson","tag-south-dakota"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_4074-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\/58003","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=58003"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58003\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":63465,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58003\/revisions\/63465"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/57993"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=58003"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=58003"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=58003"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}