{"id":65812,"date":"2025-11-30T08:10:13","date_gmt":"2025-11-30T15:10:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=65812"},"modified":"2025-12-28T10:27:11","modified_gmt":"2025-12-28T17:27:11","slug":"black-hills-sd-expeditions-no-346-cousin-dixie-pays-a-visit-10-9-25-to-10-12-25","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=65812","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expeditions No. 346 – Cousin Dixie Pays a Visit (10-9-25 to 10-12-25)"},"content":{"rendered":"

10-9-25, 12:30 PM<\/em> – What a ruckus!\u00a0 Both thrilled and amazed, Lupe was barking frantically.\u00a0 Not to be outdone, Cousin Dixie was barking while leaping for joy.\u00a0 Oh, happy day!\u00a0 Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea and Cousin Dixie had just arrived from Colorado.<\/p>\n

Hotel Lupe’s welcome package included ice cream for all.\u00a0 Outdoor fun commenced a short while later with a Geyser Loop romp through the park.\u00a0 Excited as she could be, Cousin Dixie kept dashing in and out of a mucky stream, repeatedly emerging as a black-pawed Aussie.<\/p>\n

10-10-25, 10:21 AM<\/em> – As expected, after getting all settled in at Hotel Lupe yesterday, the main event of every subsequent day that Cousin Dixie was around was destined to feature at least one adventure in the Black Hills.\u00a0 After breakfast, Uncle Joe had asked SPHP for suggestions on something easy, scenic, and not too long to start out with.<\/p>\n

How about a hike around Sylvan Lake?\u00a0 This proposition was readily agreed to by all.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Uncle Joe<\/strong>, Aunt Andrea<\/strong>, Cousin Dixie<\/strong> and Lupe<\/strong> at Sylvan Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sylvan Lake was an excellent idea!\u00a0 However, upon arrival, unexpected trail maintenance made fully executing the loop plan impossible.\u00a0 The portion of the trail around the lake that went below the dam was closed.\u00a0 No loop for the Loopster, or anyone else, permitted!<\/p>\n

Nothing to do but make the best of the situation.\u00a0 A horseshoe pattern would still work!\u00a0 Starting out along the SW side of the lake close to the store’s parking lot, Lupe led everyone NW along the broad gravel path that went to the dam.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sylvan Lake<\/strong>. The dam is toward the L over by the line of rocks. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe near the dam<\/strong>, which is just beyond the rock she’s on. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After visiting the dam, everyone headed back counter-clockwise almost clear around the lake over to rock formations that weren’t that far from the other end of the dam.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Joe<\/strong>, Dixie<\/strong> and Lupe<\/strong> on rock formations<\/strong> at the other end of the horseshoe<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After taking in the view, this end of the horseshoe also had to be retraced clear back to Shadow waiting at the parking lot.\u00a0 Fine and dandy, happily the horseshoe technique had worked.\u00a0 Never really was any doubt about it.\u00a0 However, there had been another drawback to the Sylvan Lake trail.\u00a0 Quite justifiably, a throng of other people and dogs were at this popular destination.\u00a0 Cousin Dixie really would have preferred to be freer to roam and burn off some 2 year old Aussie energy.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading back to Shadow at the parking lot. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So where to?\u00a0 Even having to do nearly the entire Sylvan Lake loop trail twice hadn’t taken long at all.\u00a0 Plenty of time to explore another trail.<\/p>\n

Lots of terrific trails are accessible from the Sylvan Lake area, but they would likely be busy, too.\u00a0 No worries!\u00a0 SPHP had the answer – a trek along Centennial Trail No. 89, either N or S, from the Iron Creek Horse Camp trailhead.\u00a0 A bit of a drive, but a very scenic one along Needles Highway No. 87.\u00a0 Wouldn’t take that long to get there, and cousins Dixie and Lupe would own the trail!\u00a0 SPHP was sure of it.<\/p>\n

10-10-25, 11:46 AM, Iron Creek Horse Camp Trailhead, Centennial Trail No. 89<\/strong><\/span><\/a> – <\/em>Ahh, yes!\u00a0 This was looking good!\u00a0 Shadow was the only vehicle in the small parking lot at the trailhead.\u00a0 The only question now was, which way?\u00a0 N farther into the Black Elk Wilderness, or S away from it?<\/p>\n

N into the wilderness was more scenic – full of big granite formations.\u00a0 On the other paw, S would be easier terrain.\u00a0 Really nothing too difficult either way, and complete privacy was highly likely in both directions.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Centennial Trail No. 89<\/strong> at the Iron Creek Horse Camp trailhead<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

N it was, by unanimous consent!\u00a0 Following the trail up over a small rise, it then quickly descended to Iron Creek.\u00a0 Dixie promptly waded into a mucky pool upstream of a makeshift bridge.\u00a0 This experience was much to Cousin Dixie’s liking, even if not greeted with the same enthusiasm by Uncle Joe and Aunt Andrea.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cousin Muddy Paws<\/strong> emerging from Iron Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the makeshift “bridge”<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Temporarily muddy paws were no big deal.\u00a0 The adventure continued!\u00a0 Some fall colors were on display, although admittedly already past their prime.\u00a0 Centennial Trail No. 89 wound gradually higher through a quiet valley.\u00a0 Soon enough, the trail steepened, climbing into the region of big granite formations.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching one of the first big granite formations<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A short break was taken near one of the smaller rock formations.\u00a0 Uncle Joe provided water, cheese sticks, and energy bars to interested parties.\u00a0 SPHP had apples available.\u00a0 Continuing on, the trail wound past more rock formations, eventually coming to a junction where Centennial Trail No. 89 shared a short stretch ahead with Grizzly Creek Trail No. 7.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Andrea<\/strong> and Dixie<\/strong> near one of the smaller granite formations<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The whole pack at the junction of Centennial Trail No. 89<\/strong> (R) and Grizzly Creek Trail No. 7<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was only a few hundred feet to where the trails parted ways again.\u00a0 At this point there was some discussion of which route to take from here, or whether to simply call this good, and head back?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Decision time! Grizzly Creek Trail No. 7<\/strong> (L), Centennial Trail No. 89<\/strong> (R), or back to the Iron Creek Horse Camp trailhead<\/strong>? Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sticking with Centennial Trail No. 89 a little farther won out.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring Centennial Trail No. 89<\/strong> a bit farther. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

0.3 mile led to a minor pass, which became the turnaround point.\u00a0 This pass was nearly to a junction with the Centennial Bypass Trail, which goes to the picnic ground on Iron Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,451 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 However, that destination would have been significantly farther.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At minor Pass 5340<\/strong>, the turnaround point. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the way back, another stop was made at the granite formation where the rest break had been taken earlier.\u00a0 No food, this time.\u00a0 Instead a bit of scrambling around on the rocks was in order.\u00a0 It was view appreciation time!\u00a0 (End 10-10-25, 2:15 PM)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe<\/strong> and Joe<\/strong> checking out the views. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Admiring a massive granite formation<\/strong> after a bit of scrambling. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10-11-25, 10:03 AM –<\/em> Since Centennial Trail No. 89 had been such a hit yesterday, SPHP suggested another trail, even more remote, for today’s romp in the Black Hills.\u00a0 Nearly a year and a half ago, Dixie, Joe, Andrea and Lupe had set out along Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L<\/strong><\/span><\/a> from the Gold Run trailhead, and explored a section of the 11 mile long loop that circumnavigates the entire lake.<\/p>\n

Why not pick up from where Dixie and the gang had left off back then?\u00a0 The Deerfield Reservoir dam would be only 2 or 3 miles farther.\u00a0 Lupe had actually been there with her friend Poppy<\/a><\/strong><\/span> in late April this year.\u00a0 It was an easy trek.<\/p>\n

So that became the plan.\u00a0 Dixie was thrilled to be off-leash in the Black Hills again!\u00a0 Trails close to where she lives in Colorado are much more restrictive.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe<\/strong>, Andrea<\/strong>, Joe<\/strong> and Dixie<\/strong> on Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Starting near Deerfield Cove Road (USFS Road No. 607)<\/em>, Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L was a gentle downhill stroll virtually all the way to Castle Creek.\u00a0 A tiny stream that was easily rock-hopped a couple of times was the only obstacle along the way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L<\/strong> followed the old USFS Road No. 607.1B <\/strong>roadbed most of the way. Super easy!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Arriving at Castle Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Castle Creek went through a culvert, so there was no need to ford it.\u00a0 Just beyond Castle Creek, a short stint on USFS Road No. 307 led to a view of the Deerfield Reservoir discharge pipes from the gaging station at the base of the dam.\u00a0 Water shot out of the duel pipes with impressive force.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Castle Creek<\/strong> exiting the base of the Deerfield Reservoir dam<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A steepish side road with a single big switchback provided easy access to the top of the dam.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up the dam access road<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The best view of Deerfield Reservoir was over at the SE end of the dam.\u00a0 An open slope nearby was a good spot to take a break.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the dam<\/strong>. Break spot<\/strong> is on the grassy slope<\/strong> at Center. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Best dam view of Deerfield Reservoir<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Taking a break on the hillside overlooking Deerfield Reservoir<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once again, Uncle Joe provided cheese sticks and energy bars.\u00a0 SPHP still had apples available, plus water and Taste of the Wild for the dogs.\u00a0 Not entirely satisfied, Lupe and Dixie selfishly conspired to devour most of SPHP’s cheese stick, too.<\/p>\n

Back in April, when Lupe had been here with Poppy, HV & LV, she’d gone as far as the end of the N bay, which really wasn’t all that much farther.\u00a0 Today, when the rest break was over, everyone headed back across the dam in that general direction, but only went as far as the first hill NW of the dam.\u00a0 From there, a circle was made back to the E in order to pick up Deerfield Lake Loop Trail No. 40L again.<\/p>\n

Starting the trek S back to Shadow, this part of the trail went right by a terrific view of the Deerfield Reservoir dam with Castle Creek below it.\u00a0 (End, 10-11-25, 12:51 PM)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Deerfield Reservoir dam<\/strong> and Castle Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once back at Shadow, that was it for today’s adventure in the Black Hills, but Uncle Joe had another plan up his sleeve.\u00a0 He’d brought his portable ham radio, and wanted to make some ham contacts from Dinosaur Hill<\/span><\/a> (3,673 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> in Rapid City.<\/p>\n

Evidently, Cousin Dixie and Aunt Andrea weren’t much into ham radio.\u00a0 They preferred spending the rest of their day relaxing at Hotel Lupe.\u00a0 However, fondly remembering the glory days of Uncle Joe’s ham radio adventures from various Black Hills peaks with Summits on the Air<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Lupe and SPHP tagged along.<\/p>\n

Dinosaur Hill wasn’t the best ham radio spot.\u00a0 Farther S along Skyline Drive, the ridge Dinosaur Hill was part of was even higher.\u00a0 Better yet, there was even a parking lot right up on the crest of the ridge.<\/p>\n

After attaching a 17 foot long telescoping antenna to the top of his car with a magnetic base, it wasn’t long before Uncle Joe was ready to start transmitting and receiving.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Uncle Joe running a fly-by-afternoon ham radio operation up on Skyline Drive<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Uncle Joe’s Elecraft KX3 Transceiver<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Unfortunately, no Summits on the Air operation today.\u00a0 Years ago, Uncle Joe had lost his ability to log into that system under his old account for some unknown reason.\u00a0 That meant no huge radio traffic jam of other ham operators trying to make contact with him.\u00a0 Nevertheless, Joe did make successful Morse Code contacts with other ham radio operators in Pennsylvania, Nevada, Arizona, and California.<\/p>\n

While Joe entertained himself with the radio, Lupe and SPHP admired the views of Rapid City and the Black Hills.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Rapid City<\/strong> from Skyline Drive<\/strong> with Black Elk Peak<\/strong> (L of Center) in the distance. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10-12-25, 1:33 PM<\/em> – How time flies when you’re having fun!\u00a0 Cousin Dixie’s last day in the Black Hills before having to head back home to Arvada, Colorado had already arrived.\u00a0 A scenic jaunt from the Spring Creek trailhead up to Centennial Trail No. 89 at the Sheridan Lake dam was on tap this afternoon as Dixie’s final adventure of this visit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Setting out from the Spring Creek trailhead<\/strong> off Sheridan Lake Road. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail to Sheridan Lake began with a bit of rockiness along Spring Creek, but once past that one spot, this was another super easy route.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the one and only rocky spot<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Beyond the rocky spot with smooth sailing along Spring Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Most of this spur trail wasn’t that close to Spring Creek as it wound up a deep valley.\u00a0 However, it did cross the creek at several points along the way.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP hadn’t been here in a while, and were surprised to see new, gently arched bridges with handrails at each crossing.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Joe<\/strong>, Andrea<\/strong>, and Dixie<\/strong> on the first bridge<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Andrea<\/strong> demonstrates her bridge-crossing technique<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A scenic spot<\/strong> along the way. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The last bridge<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Part of Sheridan Lake dam was already visible from the last bridge over Spring Creek.\u00a0 Once up to it, everyone crossed the dam to return to a spot previously reached along Centennial Trail No. 89\u00a0 while coming from the Dakota Point trailhead during Cousin Dixie’s last visit in October, 2024<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the Sheridan Lake dam<\/strong> (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Up on the dam<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Heading back across the dam, the plan was to continue S on Centennial Trail No. 89 along the SE shore of Sheridan Lake.\u00a0 Actually, somewhat above it.\u00a0 Most of the time, the trail stayed 20 to 30 feet above lake level.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading back to the S end of the dam. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sheridan Lake<\/strong> from the S end of the dam. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Andrea<\/strong> checks out a fairly elaborate makeshift shelter near the trail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Andrea<\/strong> and Joe<\/strong> on Centennial Trail No. 89<\/strong> above the SE shore of Sheridan Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The whole pack got almost to the Flume trailhead at Blue Wing before turning back.\u00a0 And that was it for Cousin Dixie’s adventures in the Black Hills with Lupe on this visit.\u00a0 One last evening of fun and togetherness at Hotel Lupe remained, but farewells were destined to take place shortly after dawn tomorrow morning.\u00a0 (End 10-12-25, 3:47 PM)<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, it had all been such fun!\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP look forward to hosting Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea, and Cousin Dixie at Hotel Lupe again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Together at Sylvan Lake<\/strong>, Black Hills of South Dakota 10-10-25.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Lupe & Cousin Dixie’s GPS Tracks:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Sylvan Lake (10-10-25)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

CT No. 89 N from the Iron Creek Horse Camp (10-10-25)<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Deerfield Reservoir Dam (10-11-25)<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Spring Creek to Sheridan Lake (10-12-25)<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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

Deerfield Trails No. 40 & No. 40L Map & Brochure<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0 Choose from Lupe’s Black Hills, SD & WY\u00a0Expeditions\u00a0Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>, Master Peak Map<\/strong><\/span><\/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":"

10-9-25, 12:30 PM – What a ruckus!\u00a0 Both thrilled and amazed, Lupe was barking frantically.\u00a0 Not to be outdone, Cousin Dixie was barking while leaping for joy.\u00a0 Oh, happy day!\u00a0 Uncle Joe, Aunt Andrea and Cousin Dixie had just arrived from Colorado. Hotel Lupe’s welcome package included ice cream for all.\u00a0 Outdoor fun commenced a … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expeditions No. 346 – Cousin Dixie Pays a Visit (10-9-25 to 10-12-25)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":65792,"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":[105,1722,9,106,527,1806,986,1683,451,104,1390,304,979,269],"class_list":["post-65812","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-lake-loop-trail-no-40l","tag-deerfield-reservoir","tag-dixie","tag-joe","tag-lupe","tag-sheridan-lake","tag-south-dakota","tag-spring-creek","tag-sylvan-lake"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IMG_9967-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\/65812","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=65812"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65812\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":65952,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65812\/revisions\/65952"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/65792"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=65812"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=65812"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=65812"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}