running 2:20:00 [2] * 7.5 mi (18:40 / mi) +300m 16:36 / mi
shoes: hokas
Last minute decision to hike Harney Peak in the Black Elk Wilderness. Campground staff told us where the trailhead was so we drove over to Sylvan lake through some nice rock climbing area. At the entrance, we asked the ranger info about the hike before paying to enter Custer State Park because we had < 2.5 hours before we have to leave for the airport. It turns out to be about ~7 miles roundtrip, 1,000 ft gain to the summit with excellent views. We set a deadline to get to the summit by 10 AM and be back down by 11 AM. The views are amazing, and it was fun to explore the lookout tower. We trail run down an alternate trail to go by Cathedral Spires, but don't have time to get over to see Little Devils Tower. The downhill running sections were fast and so perfect/sweet, this was the most fun I've have trail running in a while. We have to rush to get back down and have no margin for error at the many trail intersections. We get back right at 11, with just enough time to change, pack suitcases, get gas, drive over to the airport to return car and make our flights. Also no margin for error navigating the roads back to Rapid City. Later find out that Harney Peak is South Dakota state high point and highest point east of the Rockies. Glad we went here, as this this was best part of the whole trip, better than Mt Rushmore, the 24-hr Rogaine, and camping out in a tipi.
Legs were not sore at all, feet were in great shape. I should be ready for Wasatch in a few weeks.