I think this is Castle Creek Road. I know it's number 294, but that's not nearly as interesting. I took Ryker out into the Black Hills National Forest for our longest ride since returning from Canada last summer. I'd figured it would be 150 miles - about a third of it gravel.
As you can see, there was not a cloud in the sky. In fact, it was supposed to get into the high 80s in the afternoon. So, my plan was to get home by 1:30 at the latest.
To get this far, I'd taken the highway to Hill City, where I topped off with fuel. Then I turned onto Deerfield Road (still paved) and followed it to the lake of the same name. Kim and I had been there before and done some hiking. It's one of the most remote lakes in The Hills - nice place.
Right past the lake, I hit the gravel. I'd been confident of my route up to that point - and for a dozen miles after. But when I arrived at this major junction without having passed Redbank Spring Campground, I decided I'd better pull out my folding forest map.
The other side of that sign said the campground was still a mile away. But I wasn't expecting a real intersection until after that. Hmmm.
Fortunately, the USFS maps are very good. It didn't take long for me to figure out where I was. And I was still on track.
Two junctions and ten miles later, I pulled up in front of the Summit Ridge Lookout tower. The last four had been a bit rougher, with some water-filled potholes. But all in all, it had been a pleasant run.
The approximately 70-foot steel tower was built in 1942 to spot forest fires, of course. But it hasn't been regularly staffed since the early 70s and is closed to the public. It stands on a wide ridge, so you don't realize how high you are. But at over 6,000 feet, it's one of the highest points in The Black Hills.
The cabin on the other side of the road, however, is open to the public - for a price. It was constructed at the same time as the tower and is now seasonally available for overnight stays. The white truck in the shadows is a government rig. While I was there, two employees were doing some cleaning and maintenance chores - likely to get it ready for use by Memorial Day weekend. On the National Register of Historic Places, its "facilities" are out back.
I walked around the building and got a shot which included the tower (between the trees). The Ryker is hidden behind the pickup. I suppose they would have let me see inside, but I didn't even think of asking until just now.
The road continued beyond the site, but it immediately became more of a Jeep trail. Probably out of Ryker's league. I did walk down it aways, though, and took this picture on my way back up the hill. The tower is just out-of-frame on the left.
Taking my leave, I backtracked the four miles to this sign at Boles Canyon Road. It has seen better days. The number of the highway I wanted to head for was completely obscured. But I knew it had to be US 16. And, according to the sign, it was 13 miles away. I think that's a 13.
Yep, it was 13. That's the highway, beyond the cattle guard. The last couple of miles were a county road with some homes and small ranches in a scenic canyon. I thought I was supposed to enter Wyoming at some point, but I never saw a sign.
Newcastle, WY, is 9 miles to the right. Custer, SD, is 29 miles to the left. That's the one I wanted. It was certainly warmer down out of the forest, but I'd be going 65 mph soon. That would help.
I'd only gone a mile when my suspicions about having left the state were confirmed. That's the Welcome (back) to South Dakota sign.
A dozen miles later, I entered Jewel Cave National Monument. Kim and I had driven through here before, but we'd never stopped. This time, I rode about a mile to the visitor center but decided not to go in. By this time, it was really heating up and I wanted to keep moving.
I turned north onto 385 at Custer, and soon was riding below the enormous mountain carving of Crazy Horse - still in progress. Next, I veered east on 244, a few miles south of Hill City. That took me through Mount Rushmore National Memorial, where I glanced over my left shoulder at just the right moment to catch a view of all four presidents. And I didn't have to pay or fight the crowds at either site!
I finally stopped for a short break in the town of Keystone (photo above). An empty parking spot right next to a little patio with shaded tables was too attractive to pass up.
I walked inside and chose an orange Fanta and a giant chocolate chunk cookie! I knew the longer I lingered, the hotter it would be down in the city, so I made it quick.
I know this is a terrible shot (except that you can see Ryker through the bars), but the little town at the base of Rushmore really is a nice place to hang out. Even though, in the summer, it is the dictionary definition of "tourist trap." There is an old part of town though that you should definitely check out, if you come for a visit. You can even tour a closed gold mine or ride a steam locomotive.
From there, it was less than 30 minutes home. I made it by 1:00. And it was just shy of 90 degrees. Mission accomplished!
