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Black Hills Backpacking!
Trip length: 3 Days, 2 nights
Difficulty rating: Easy Active (level 2) Rating System
Summary
Summary
Rejuvenate your spirit on this 3-day, 2-night backpacking trip through some of South Dakota’s most beautiful and rugged trails.
Intro
Custer State Park, in the Black Hills of southwest South Dakota, covers 71,000 acres of pristine nature. The French Creek Natural Area was established for those individuals wanting to experience the untouched beauty of the Black Hills. Visitors will find a wide array of trees, wildflowers, birds, and mammals. The virtually untouched landscape is something you won't soon forget. The French Creek Natural Area in Custer State Park is not for the faint of heart, but this pristine getaway is perfect for anyone looking to truly get in touch with nature.
What Makes It Great
The things that make the French Creek Natural Area so challenging are also what make it so great. The trail is somewhat rugged, and there are no trail markings (though there is a natural trail to follow, or you can just follow the creek). According to the sign at the trailhead "you will get wet" and with multiple creek crossings, they aren't kidding.
Keep an eye out for some of the park's wildlife while out on the trail, such the herd of 1,300 bison, pronghorn antelope, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, wild turkeys, or a band of burros. This is the perfect place to get your feet wet (literally) and challenge your backpacking skills in a breathtaking setting!
Who is Going to Love It
If you love a good backcountry adventure, put the French Creek Natural Area on the top of your list. The trail follows the creek and there is a natural trail most of the way, so this is a good place for beginners with at least a little experience to test their skills, but is also challenging enough for more seasoned backpackers.
Maps
Map of Wind Cave National Park
AllTrails: French Creek Natural Area
Info about the Sanctuary Trail in Wind Cave National Park
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
7:30am meet at Risen Hope Baptist for gear check.
Late Morning - Missouri River Rest Area near Chamberlain
Enjoy scenic views, Lewis and Clark exhibits, and the magnificent 50-foot-tall "Dignity" statue
Lunch stop at Wall Drug.
Wall Drug consists of a collection of cowboy-themed stores, including a drug store, gift shop, several restaurants, and various other stores, as well as an art gallery and an 80-foot brontosaurus sculpture. Fun for all ages!
Late afternoon:
Consider a quick stop at the Custer State Park Visitor Center.
Arrive at French Creek West Trailhead in Custer State Park. Last chance for a modern restroom!
Hike approximately 1.5 miles and set up camp.
Enjoy the fresh air and beautiful night sky!
Day 2
Sleep in! Enjoy the sunrise and your natural surroundings all day.
Option to swim in the creek.
Explore off-trail
After a leisurely morning filled with off-trail exploring, pack up and hike out.
From the West French Creek Trailhead, it's a short drive to Wind Cave National Park.
Possible Tour of Wind Cave???
Hike in and set up camp in the backcountry surrounded by amazing wildlife viewing possibilities.
Day 3
Enjoy a leisurely morning. Feel free to sleep in and then explore the area, keeping an eye out for bison.
Hike back to the van.
Lunch in Rapid city.
If we have time, we'll take the Scenic Drive through Badlands National Park on our way home.
Fast food dinner.
Drive home to Sioux Falls, arriving late evening.
Sam will provide:
Group cooking gear
Group first-aid kit
Group Water filter
What’s you'll need to bring:
State park entrance fees
Transportation - carpooling encouraged
Gear: bring your own or rent here: https://www.605adventure.com/rental-gear
Tent
Sleeping Bag
Backpack
Sleeping pad
Small towel
Requirements
Sense of adventure!
Cheerful and flexible attitude :-)
Able to hike up to 5 miles per day with a loaded pack through rough, uneven terrain including multiple stream crossings
Guest packing list:
Bring a sack lunch for the first day, snacks for the road trip and the trail, 2 freeze-dried backpacking meals, and money for lunch and dinner on return trip
Shoes - This trip is unique since we will be hiking through the creek multiple times. I recommend athletic shoes or very supportive sandals. Waterproof boots are not waterproof when they're fully submerged. :-)
flip-flops or crocs or other light camp shoes/sandals
Merino wool hiking socks (not cotton!)
Spare socks
Hat to protect from the sun
Clothing
Clothes to hike in - long pants to prevent contact with poison ivy
Clean clothes to sleep in
Clean clothes for the ride home
Sunscreen (small container)
Toiletries, personal items, medications (could include sleeping aids, painkillers, allergy meds, etc.)
Optional items:
Small pillow
Headlamp or small flashlight
Sunglasses
Swimsuit
Chairs/stools
Lightweight rain jacket
Hiking stick or trekking poles
Earplugs
Phone charger
Camera
Hammock
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