BLACK HILLS & BADLANDS REGION Roughlock Falls in Spearfish Canyon READY TO GO OUTSIDE? CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29 » Creek, Spring Creek, and Castle Creek all provide the best locales. cross rushing trout streams, and open up to distract-ingly spectacular mountain vistas. Golfers are sure to be on the top of their game on any one of the distinc-tive golf courses. Most winters, we’re on the ice from December through early March. Fast-flowing, spring-fed streams never freeze up, even in the coldest winter months. Since trout are cold-water fish, fly-fishing goes on throughout the season. HIKING An hour’s walk, a day’s hike or a backpacking excursion— the Black Hills National Forest and the surrounding state and national parks offer nearly 400 miles of both nature walks and bonafide hiking systems on about 75 trails. Contact the Black Hills National Forest office at (605) 673-9200 for trail maps and more information. NORDIC SKIING Moderate elevations and temperatures provide great cross-country skiing throughout the winter and into spring. Best of all, there are hundreds of miles of trails from which to choose. Some of the most popular trails are found at Big Hill, just south of Spearfish; Eagle Cliff, near Lead; Beaver Creek, just east of Four Corners, Wyoming; Bear Mountain southwest of Hill City; and Bearlodge Trails in Wyoming. Equipment rental is avail-able at numerous area outfitters. HORSEBACK RIDING Whether you’re an old cowhand or a young kid who loves horses, Black Hills outfitters and guest ranches have a horse for you or bring your own! Nearly a dozen operators provide guided trail rides. Local dude ranches provide days of horse activities. There are hundreds of miles to explore on horseback. ROCK CLIMBING Whether tackling a few granite spires in the Sylvan Lake district, dancing up well-featured routes of the Rushmore area, or basking in year-round climbing op-tions in Spearfish Canyon, the Black Hills are a rock climber’s paradise. And don’t forget to plug some gear on the 835-foot face of Devils Tower! Contact Sylvan Rocks Climbing School & Guide Service for profession-al instruction. FISHING More than 300 miles of meandering streams and 18 mountain lakes offer every option. From fly-fishing to ice fishing, brook, brown, and rainbow trout are ready to bite. Deerfield and Pactola Reservoirs, Stockade Lake, Sheridan Lake, Rapid Creek, French Creek, Spearfish 30
South Dakota Vacation Guide SD Vacation Guide 2017: Page 30
