The Black Hills Trip, Day 3

So today I had a goal. The highest point in South Dakota is Harney Peak at 7,242'. The hike itself was nothing major. Including a few side trips it was only about 10 miles round trip with an elevation gain of roughly 1,600'. This was seriously one of the most awesome hikes I've ever done. I honestly didn't do much research on the trip so I really didn't know what to expect. But what I found was sooooo beautiful. The peak has an old stone lookout tower that just made the summit all the better. This section of the Black Hills is basically just several huge, distinct piles of granite and Harney Peak is the highest. Trivia: Harney Peak is the highest peak east of the Rockies on mainland North America. Other highlights are the Cathedral Spires and Little Devils Tower. Pics below:








The road to the trailhead (the Needles Highway)








Harney Peak from the summit of Little Devils Tower.







Cathedral Spires from the summit of Little Devils Tower.










Approaching the summit.




















The view from inside the tower.










Highpoint #8