"After the first glass, you see things as you wish they were. After the second, you see things as they are not. Finally, you see things as they really are, which is the most horrible thing in the world."
--Oscar Wilde on Absinthe
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Redwic - May 26, 2008 5:42 pm Date Climbed: May 25, 2008
Awesome Hike, Awesome Views!!!Shortly after visiting Mount Rushmore in the morning, my wife and I hiked up to South Dakota's highest point. We had beautiful (perfect, in my opinion) weather conditions and met a lot of great hikers (from all over the country) to talk with along the way, including many fellow hockey fans. I had photos taken at the tower (South Dakota's manmade highpoint) and at the true geographical highpoint. Good times. The views from the summit are spectacular. Highly recommended summit hike.
chilkoot - Apr 29, 2008 11:59 am Date Climbed: Apr 23, 2008
Highpoint #40Met two guys near the trailhead who were heading back due to "snow conditions we weren't equpped to deal with." I was with my 6 and 9 year olds wearing tennis shows and rubber raincoats. There was no snow at the trailhead and the most we ever got into was about 3-4 inches deep. THe only real problem we had was high winds at the summit that were strong enough to blow my kids over. Fortunately they love that kind of thing, so we had a great hike. Even saw a marmot crawling around in a stack of freshly cut logs at the trail head (Sylvan Lake). Pretty rare for the Black Hills from what I understand.
paisajeroamericano - Apr 6, 2008 12:04 pm Date Climbed: Nov 20, 2008
Birthday HikeI think I left from Willow Creek Horse Camp. The weather was perfect, with just a little bit of snow, but little or no accumulation. Gotta love Dakota Territory, but shouldn't it be East Dakota and West Dakota (instead of North and South)?
jm485 - Mar 23, 2008 10:54 am Date Climbed: Mar 22, 2008
Pefect DayPerfect day for a hike. There was about an inch of fresh snow to cover all the old tracks. The weather was clear with temps in the 30s. Trail was a little icy in places.
Kruck - Mar 9, 2008 11:57 am Date Climbed: Mar 8, 2008
Pleasant Winter HikeThree inches of fresh pow over ice made you pay attention on this straightforward and easy trail (No. 9). Stunning views as you hike, if you stop to look around 360 every once in a while. It looks like Little Devil's Tower could be attempted from this side, though I had no time to improvise a route. Just passing through area. Had the trail entirely to myself, which was very nice.
jimegan - Feb 7, 2008 11:51 am Date Climbed: Jul 11, 2004
HARNEY PKPLEASANT TRAIL HIKE AFTER DOING KANSAS AND NEBRASKA HIGHPOINTS EARLIER IN THE DAY
utclimber - Jan 24, 2008 11:27 pm
Nice hikeI've probably climbed Harney Peak a couple of dozen times. Classic with all the granite spires near. If you're a climber, bring a rope and explore the Cathedral Spires.
MountainHikerCO - Dec 31, 2007 4:38 pm Date Climbed: Jul 2, 2004
SD high pointIt was a nice hike and a state high point!
NavySeabee - Dec 31, 2007 4:03 pm Date Climbed: Dec 20, 2007
HP #12 via Trail #4Mostly clear and windy day on the summit of Harney. Trail was a treat with about 2-3 inches of snow and the song of chainsaws in the woods. (?!) Views were great in all directions.
nbasford - Dec 31, 2007 12:44 am
Greatlove it
MattGreene - Dec 1, 2007 6:03 pm
End of Road TripClimbing Harney was a cool way to finish my 6-week western road trip of '02.
odogg0824 - Nov 26, 2007 1:04 am Date Climbed: Nov 23, 2007
Amazing ViewsTook the Willow Creek trail (10-12 miles round trip). There was about 2 inches of snow and the trail had a lot of rocks making for a slippery day. The views offered along the Willow Creek trail are fantastic and the summit although cold and windy in late November, provides a great panoramic of the black hills.
Judd97 - Nov 18, 2007 8:38 pm Date Climbed: May 30, 2007
Harney PeakClimbed it with a group of friends from college, had a blast. Kind of bummed about the tower on the summit, but still a great hike.
eric-griz - Nov 9, 2007 9:21 pm Date Climbed: Apr 28, 2002
One of my faves!One of my favorite highpoints. I've hiked up it several times. My favorite time, however, was the first time in the April snow!
buzzdainer - Oct 14, 2007 10:48 pm Date Climbed: Jun 1, 2002
Sylvan LakeEasy hike, lots of people.
reboyles - Oct 11, 2007 11:00 am Date Climbed: Oct 5, 2007
Harney PeakMy wife, dog and I hiked up from Sylvan Lake on a picture perfect fall day. The campgrounds had recently closed and there were very few people on the mountain this day. The aspen were in their peak colors and the temperature ranged from the 50s to low 70s. Even though all of the western highpoints are much taller and more difficult than Harney Peak, this is one summit to not miss.
breagen - Sep 27, 2007 7:02 pm Date Climbed: May 22, 2006
High Point #1The start of my High Point adventure, excellent hike to a beautiful view!
tioga - Sep 15, 2007 11:11 pm
HotHiked this on a family vacation. I remember it was incredibly hot that day and my dad just about passed out from dehydration.
weeds19 - Sep 8, 2007 5:34 pm Date Climbed: Aug 11, 2004
First time in the Black HillsI followed the well maintained trail up to the interesting summit lookout.
Zandt - Sep 5, 2007 1:47 pm Date Climbed: Sep 2, 2007
Very popular hike!Easier hike than I'd anticipated...hiked on Labor Day weekend, so Sylvan Lake (and the trail) were both very, very busy. Beautiful up top, with great views in all directions, and, inexplicably, swarms of ladybugs EVERYwhere.