We got into Custer State Park from Hwy 36 and planned to visit the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center first. Right after we go on to 16A W from Hwy 36 (right at the intersection of 16A W and Wildlife Loop Road), we spotted a lot of bisons coming down from the hills on north side and crossing the road (16A W) to the prairie on the other side. We stopped just like all other visitors and took many pictures of them coming down the hills, crossing the roads, and wondering away to the prairie. We were so lucky by hitting this spot at the right time to witness such large herd of bisons.
Later, we drove north to Hwy 87 and continued on Hwy 87 West to visited the Needle Highway for the famous granite spires. Along the way, we spotted quite a few rock climbers on the top of the spires. The most attractive spot is the Needle Eyes which is just north of a tunnel, and the tunnel is only big enough for one car to get thought it. There is a hole in the middle of the spire and looks just like a needle eye. We spent sometime there to enjoy this natural wonder. At there, we also met some bikers and used their bikes for our photos.
The next destination was the Sylvan lake. There were a lot of visitors hiking, fishing, swimming and even an outdoor lakeside wedding going on when we visited there. We planned to visit 2 hiking trails near this area, Sylvan Lake Shore Trail and Sunday Gulch Trail. We started with Sylvan Lake Shore Trail which is an easy, flat, well paved trail around the lake. On this trial, there are a lot of rock formations creating a narrow passage which is worth for Kodak moments.
In the midway of the Sylvan Lake Shore Trail, we took a left turn and got on to the Sunday Gulch Trail. Just after a few minutes walk on the trail, we saw several rock climbers and we made conversations with them and learned a lot about the sport of rock climbing. Along the way, we saw lots of wonderful rock formations and had a great time of taking pictures, and we even did a little bit of rock climbing ourselves.
After we reached the highest point of this trail, we decided to turn back the same route due to limited time we had. After we got back to Sylvan Lake Shore Trail, we ran into the other starting point of the Sunday Gulch Trail, we just went down there for about 5 minutes, then we witnessed the famous portion of the Sunday Gulch Trail which is the spot you have to walk over stream (with handrails built at both sides). After we saw how much water we have to walk over, we decided that we were not equipped to do so, and we just took pictures instead. If we ever have a chance to revisit this area again, we need to prepare for a proper water footwear to get through this trail.
Then we drove on Highway 87 South and then Highway 16A East to get back to Rapid City. On the way we even spot a long horn in one of the roadside farm.
When we passed Custer, we stopped by the Bobkat’s Old Fashion Ice Cream and Pie Shop for ice cream. It was recommended by one of the artist we met in the Custer State Park. They always have a long waiting line, however we got there just in time to avoid the line. After that we stopped by one of the animal fur shop and bought a nice cow skin rug and a little goat skin rug. It was a fulfilled day for both Sha’s and Tarn’s
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