{"id":58904,"date":"2025-02-21T08:10:59","date_gmt":"2025-02-21T15:10:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=58904"},"modified":"2025-03-11T09:00:51","modified_gmt":"2025-03-11T15:00:51","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-335-hitting-the-trails-with-cousin-dixie-10-4-24-to-10-6-24","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=58904","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 335 – Hitting the Trails with Cousin Dixie (10-4-24 to 10-6-24)"},"content":{"rendered":"

10-3-24, 3:00 PM, at home<\/em> – Aunt Andrea’s 50th High School reunion was being held in the next couple of days.\u00a0 However, she wasn’t as excited to be back in the Black Hills as Cousin Dixie was when she burst through the front door to greet Lupe with frantic, overwhelming enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

It was immediately apparent that after being cooped up in their car for 7 hours during the drive up from Colorado, a stroll through the park to burn off some of Dixie’s boundless energy would be a great idea.\u00a0 SPHP proposed the Geyser Loop as a quick solution, which Aunt Andrea and Uncle Joe quickly agreed upon.<\/p>\n

Dixie had a fabulous time at the park!\u00a0 Right away she dashed off into the thick mud of a small stream, emerging as a black-legged Aussie.\u00a0 A quick rinse in Rapid Creek, and she was socially acceptable again.<\/p>\n

10-4-24, 10:39 AM, 65\u00baF<\/em> – The park was only a temporary solution for an over-charged Aussie battery.\u00a0 Some longer jaunts up in the Black Hills were what Lupe and Dixie were really looking forward to.\u00a0 Both of the reunited cousins expected one every day, and Andrea, Joe, and SPHP were all happy to oblige.\u00a0 A parking spot near the Mickelson Trail<\/strong><\/span><\/a> 1.5 miles W of Rochford seemed a good place to start.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Parked near the junction of the Mickelson Trail and Rochford Road<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A historic railroad route had been converted by a Rails to Trails program to form the 109 mile long Mickelson Trail, which runs from Edgemont to Deadwood.\u00a0 Consequently, the resulting trail is nice and wide with easy grades the entire way, making it very popular with cyclists as it winds through much of the central Black Hills.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Andrea<\/strong> and Dixie<\/strong> lead the way as the adventure begins! Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The first pawbridge N of the parking spot was near the confluence of the N & S forks of Rapid Creek.\u00a0 After crossing the bridge, the Mickelson Trail followed the North Fork of Rapid Creek upstream.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
North Fork of Rapid Creek<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A steady incline soon led to a couple of long curves, and a herd of black cows.\u00a0 Lupe and Dixie were keenly interested in this development.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cattle<\/strong> (Center) near the North Fork of Rapid Creek<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Despite the cousins’ insistence that black cows mattered, the cattle were soon left behind.\u00a0 The trail went through a shady gap, which was a good thing, much appreciated on this cloudless, warm day.\u00a0 Beyond the gap, a bench appeared among the pines.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Entering the shady gap<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
With Aunt Andrea<\/strong> at the bench<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The bench was located near the start of a tunnel, literally the coolest part of the entire journey.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Joe<\/strong> and Andrea<\/strong> head for the tunnel<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The giant tunnel was several hundred feet long.\u00a0 Immediately beyond it, another pawbridge went over the North Fork of Rapid Creek, as the Mickelson Trail headed back out into the sunshine.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the far end of the tunnel<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The pawbridge beyond the tunnel<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

More black cows were ahead.\u00a0 Not fully trusting Dixie or Lupe, the cows seemed concerned whenever they were near.\u00a0 Despite the steaks both canines clearly had in mind for dinner, they were well-behaved.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
An herbivore<\/strong> and carnivore<\/strong> standoff. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail went on and on.\u00a0 Beneath the cloudless sky, Dixie was really feeling the heat in her long fur coat as the temperature soared.\u00a0 Frequent dashes into the creek to cool off and get a drink were called for, but the creek was often fenced off, restricting access.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Dixie<\/strong> feeling the heat. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the tunnel, that was it for shade anywhere on the trail.\u00a0 3.2 miles from the start, the Mickelson Trail reached the old Montana Mine area.\u00a0 By now, it was just plain hot.\u00a0 Even Lupe’s tongue was hanging out, and Uncle Joe was done.\u00a0 Water for all, then it was time to head back.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the turnaround point<\/strong> near the Montana mine<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The way back was a gradual downhill all the way.\u00a0 Although the trail hadn’t been all that busy before, many bikers came gliding past during the return.\u00a0 Upon reaching the shady bench again, another water break was taken.\u00a0 Uncle Joe provided Kind bars, and SPHP distributed apples.\u00a0 Then it was back through the shady gap to the rest of the sunny march back to the RAV4.\u00a0 (End 1:38 PM)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading back to the start. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10-5-24, 10:33 AM, 52\u00baF<\/em> – Cooler today, but smoky and very windy.\u00a0 To avoid the wind as much as possible, SPHP suggested another hike along Rapid Creek, but farther downstream in a deep canyon.\u00a0 Others may have had the same idea.\u00a0 Upon arriving at the Silver City trailhead of Deerfield Trail No. 40<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, quite a few vehicles were already there.<\/p>\n

No matter, room enough for everyone!\u00a0 Since Rapid Creek was a much larger, blue ribbon trout stream down here, some people weren’t even interested in the trail, except as access to fishing holes.\u00a0 After crossing the first bridge, an easy, level, upstream hike was in store.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Setting out on Deerfield Trail No. 40<\/strong> from the Silver City trailhead<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There was more foliage and shade along Deerfield Trail No. 40, which began as an old roadbed, but eventually narrowed to a single track with a more remote feel to it.\u00a0 Rock formations along the canyon walls added scenic splendor, and occasional bridges provided views of Rapid Creek.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Scenic canyon walls<\/strong> not too far from the start.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Joe<\/strong>, Dixie<\/strong>, and Andrea<\/strong> on one of the pawbridges over Rapid Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Early October – prime time for fall colors!\u00a0 Yet, while the displays were nice enough, with splashes of color evident along some stretches, they generally weren’t as brilliant as usual this year.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A bit of color<\/strong> along the way. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although it wasn’t nearly as hot today, Cousin Dixie made the most of many opportunities to make a splash in Rapid Creek, which was more easily accessible along Deerfield Trail No. 40 than the N Fork of Rapid Creek had been from the Mickelson Trail.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Dixie<\/strong> on one of her many ventures in and out of Rapid Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a while, Joe realized that Dixie was getting full of burrs doing this, and began discouraging the practice, although with limited success.<\/p>\n

Even at a leisurely pace, it took only 25 minutes to reach Lupe’s Dingo cave.\u00a0 Presumably some sort of old exploratory mine tunnel, the Dingo cave went horizontally 15 or 20 feet back into solid rock.\u00a0 Not all that big, but a fantastic spot to take cover during a hail storm.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Joe<\/strong>, Andrea<\/strong>, and Dixie<\/strong> peering into the Dingo cave<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well, it didn’t happen to be hailing.\u00a0 Deerfield Trail No. 40 went on, and so did everyone else.\u00a0 As the canyon snaked W, there were more bridges over Rapid Creek during a pleasant stroll through forested territory.\u00a0 The canyon eventually opened up at a clearing near a big bend in the creek.\u00a0 A deep hole here provided Dixie with another chance to make a huge splash.\u00a0 It was so much fun, she did it more than once!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the clearing by the big bend in the creek. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The point where Kelly Gulch comes down from the N to join the Rapid Creek canyon was only a few hundred feet farther W.\u00a0 From here, Rapid Creek’s confluence with Slate Creek was still another 0.75 mile.<\/p>\n

After some discussion about whether to keep going, or turn around here, much to Lupe and Dixie’s delight, the decision was made to keep heading W.\u00a0 Ignoring Kelly Gulch and passing a vertical rock wall just beyond it, a sunny straight stretch appeared right along Rapid Creek.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the rock wall beyond Kelly Gulch<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A beautiful open stretch<\/strong> along Rapid Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The two cousins were have a grand time exploring, and made it across the last bridge over Rapid Creek to the long, straight, and narrow section that leads to Slate Creek.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Upstream view<\/strong> from the last bridge over Rapid Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Dixie<\/strong> and Lupe<\/strong> on the narrow straightaway<\/strong> leading to Slate Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, less than 0.15 mile from Slate Creek, the notion that this was about far enough prevailed.\u00a0 Time to head back!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking N across Rapid Creek<\/strong> at the turnaround point.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the way back, a brief stop was made at Canyon City, where the N side of the canyon widened out W of Kelly Gulch.\u00a0 SPHP passed out apples to the humans again, while Lupe and Dixie shared a chocolate coconut bar.<\/p>\n

Continuing on after this short break, 5 minutes beyond the bend where Dixie made another big splash, 3 people were coming from the E.\u00a0 One of them immediately asked an unexpected and amazing question.<\/p>\n

Is that Lupe?<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP could scarcely believe it.\u00a0 This was the first time anyone from her home territory in the Black Hills had ever recognized the Carolina Dog.\u00a0 Naturally, the answer was yes!\u00a0 This is Lupe!<\/p>\n

So, Lupe met Rex, who said he’d often read her posts on T(M)TAOL.\u00a0 Rex was super nice to Lupe during this brief, chance encounter.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Intrepid outdoor explorers Rex<\/strong> and Lupe<\/strong> together on Deerfield Trail No. 40<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Meeting Rex had been fun!\u00a0 Lupe was happy, and SPHP had to smile.\u00a0 During the rest of the return, the scenery seemed a bit more splendid, the colors a bit more vibrant, the whole day a bit brighter because of him.\u00a0 (End 1:44 PM, 66\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe<\/strong> and Dixie<\/strong> heading back to the trailhead with Uncle Joe<\/strong> shortly after meeting Rex<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10-6-24, 12:40 PM, 63\u00baF<\/em> – Andrea’s 50th High School reunion was over.\u00a0 Tomorrow she, Joe, and Dixie would all be returning home to Colorado.\u00a0 Uncle Joe came up with today’s route suggestion, a hike partly along Centennial Trail No. 89<\/strong><\/span><\/a> to the Sheridan Lake dam.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
With Aunt Andrea<\/strong> & Uncle Joe<\/strong> at the Dakota Point trailhead<\/strong> near Sheridan Lake. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This short hike started out heading E through a sunlit forest along a dirt road that was also part of Centennial Trail No. 89.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the sunlit forest<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As the dirt road began turning S, Centennial Trail No. 89 angled off to the SE.\u00a0 That was the long way to the dam, since the trail would drop clear down to Spring Creek before regaining lost elevation.\u00a0 Preferring the shorter route along the dirt road, Joe and Andrea posed in a field of tall grass 0.33 mile NE of Peak<\/span> 5200<\/span><\/a><\/strong> as the road headed up to Pass 4860<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Joe<\/strong> and Andrea<\/strong> on a beautiful day in the Black Hills<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once over Pass 4860<\/span><\/strong>, a long downhill stretch on the dirt road ensued.\u00a0 At the bottom, a single track trail that branched off to the R climbed a little slope to a bridge going over Spring Creek’s outlet from Sheridan Lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading down to Sheridan Lake. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the bridge over the Spring Creek outlet<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While Sheridan Lake was still at full capacity, the Summer of 2024 had been so incredibly hot and dry that no flow at all was visible going over the concrete spillway along the edge of the lake.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP had never seen the outlet completely dry before.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sheridan Lake<\/strong> from the Spring Creek outlet bridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the bridge, the trail quickly led to the top of a small forested knoll overlooking Sheridan Lake.\u00a0 Evidently, it was a day for posing!\u00a0 Everyone got in on the act.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Andrea<\/strong> & Joe<\/strong> atop the knoll. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Perennial poser Lupe<\/strong>, with Sheridan Lake<\/strong> in the background. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cousin Dixie<\/strong> gets on the act, encouraged by Andrea<\/strong> to hold still for a moment. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Sheridan Lake dam was as far as things were destined to go on this lovely early autumn day.\u00a0 Dixie led the way down a series of stone steps to the top of the dam.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Sheridan Lake dam<\/strong> (Center) from the knoll. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cousin Dixie<\/strong> leads the way down to the dam<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After going halfway across the dam, that was it.\u00a0 With a long drive back to Colorado ahead of them bright and early tomorrow morning, Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea were ready to head back to Hotel Lupe for food, fun, and relaxation.\u00a0 Cousin Dixie and Lupe may have had other ideas, but went along with the decision without complaint.\u00a0 (End 2:05 PM)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
End of the line. Andrea<\/strong> & Joe<\/strong> at Sheridan Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10-7-24, 6:50 AM, Hotel Lupe<\/em> – Well, that was it.\u00a0 After a fond farewell, Aunt Andrea, Uncle Joe, and Cousin Dixie were bound for Colorado.\u00a0 Andrea’s reunion had been a success, and Dixie had enjoyed her Black Hills outings, getting to explore parts of 3 major trails with Lupe.<\/p>\n

Always fun when Dixie, Aunt Andrea, and Uncle Joe come to visit, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Certainly is, Loopster.\u00a0 Glad they made it up to Hotel Lupe for a few days.<\/em><\/p>\n

I do have one question, though, SPHP.\u00a0 What’s next?<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, let’s see.\u00a0 Since it hasn’t been that long since we got back from your Summer of 2024 Dingo Vacations, I’ve got about a jillion adventures to write up, Loop.\u00a0 In fact, I’m so far behind that there are a whole bunch of Summer of 2023 adventures I haven’t done anything with yet, either.<\/em><\/p>\n

Terrific!\u00a0 But you can do that in your spare time, SPHP.\u00a0 I meant what new adventures are in store, now that Dixie, Andrea, and Joe are gone?<\/em><\/p>\n

We’re going to be home for a while, Looper, so I can about guarantee you more adventures lie ahead in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Hitting the trails with Cousin Dixie<\/strong>, Black Hills of South Dakota 10-4-24 to 10-6-24<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

The George S. Mickelson Trail<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Deerfield Trail No. 40<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0 Choose from 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":"

10-3-24, 3:00 PM, at home – Aunt Andrea’s 50th High School reunion was being held in the next couple of days.\u00a0 However, she wasn’t as excited to be back in the Black Hills as Cousin Dixie was when she burst through the front door to greet Lupe with frantic, overwhelming enthusiasm. It was immediately apparent … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 335 – Hitting the Trails with Cousin Dixie (10-4-24 to 10-6-24)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":58865,"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":[105,1722,9,106,527,593,1683,451,104,1733,1734,304],"class_list":["post-58904","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-trail-no-40","tag-dixie","tag-joe","tag-lupe","tag-mickelson-trail","tag-rex","tag-south-dakota"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_6690-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\/58904","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=58904"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58904\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":62673,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58904\/revisions\/62673"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/58865"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=58904"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=58904"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=58904"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}