We spent last summer working at Hart Ranch RV Resort in Rapid City, South Dakota. We had every Tuesday-Wednesday off. On Monday, we'd get off work around 2:00 pm, load up the van, ditch the trailer, and go camping! We were so obsessed with exploring the Black Hills, both after work and on the weekends, that we seriously neglected documenting our adventures on our blog. So here you go.
Nearly a year later, and just in time for you to plan a summer trip, here's our love letter to the Black Hills. I hope you get inspired to go explore South Dakota and fall in love with the Black Hills!
Nearly a year later, and just in time for you to plan a summer trip, here's our love letter to the Black Hills. I hope you get inspired to go explore South Dakota and fall in love with the Black Hills!
The Stratobowl
The Stratobowl was only a few miles from where we were living, but about 12 miles from Rapid City proper. If you're traveling south on Highway 16 from Rapid City, start looking for a small parking lot after Bear Country and directly after you pass the gas station. On the first try, you'll probably see it as you cruise by, but you can get off at Rockerville to turn around and turn in to the parking lot from northbound Highway 16.
The Stratobowl was put on the map in 1934 when it was home to a stratospheric balloon launch site sponsored by the National Geographic Society and the US Army Air Corps. In the 1950s, it was also used by the US Navy Project Strato-Lab. The trail is only about 1/2 mile uphill to the overlook, but if you're looking for a longer hike, continue past the overlook until you come to a fork. If you go straight, you'll end up on private property in another 1/2 mile. If you take a left, you'll get another view of the canyon. If you go right, the trail continues on a dirt road that we never found the end of. In the late summer, you can also see hot air balloons take off during the Stratobowl Historic Hot Air Balloon Event. This hike is dog friendly and great for trail running.
The Stratobowl was put on the map in 1934 when it was home to a stratospheric balloon launch site sponsored by the National Geographic Society and the US Army Air Corps. In the 1950s, it was also used by the US Navy Project Strato-Lab. The trail is only about 1/2 mile uphill to the overlook, but if you're looking for a longer hike, continue past the overlook until you come to a fork. If you go straight, you'll end up on private property in another 1/2 mile. If you take a left, you'll get another view of the canyon. If you go right, the trail continues on a dirt road that we never found the end of. In the late summer, you can also see hot air balloons take off during the Stratobowl Historic Hot Air Balloon Event. This hike is dog friendly and great for trail running.
The Flume Trail
Just a short drive from Rapid City, the Flume Trail runs 11 miles one way, with an optional 3-mile loop in the middle section. This moderate and quiet trail follows the path of the historic Rockerville Flume that used to carry water 20 miles from Spring Creek, South Dakota to Rockerville, South Dakota until 1885.