Posted under Off the Beaten Path, Outdoors, Videos
This post was written by Ken on November 3, 2008
Falling Rock- 1000 ft valley over Rapid Creek
Stratobowl Rim Trail: Historic Altitude Record Set
Stratowbowl Rim
Last year I discovered or re-discovered the Stratobowl via the Stratobowl rim trail. I had forgot how big of a deal this place was back in its day. I followed Hwy 16w South of Rapid City and while listening to my SmartAlec, I stopped at the suggested trailhead just past the gas station on the right. It’s about 2 miles past Bear Country USA. I got out and walked the gravel trail or fire access road for an easy rolling 1 mile to the lookout over the giant sinkhole. I forgot how huge it was and how far down it goes. The amazing story of how stratosphere history was made here is told in giant concrete tablets (8 ft.) that stick out of the ground near the lookout. It was easy to picture giant helium filled balloons launching into the sky…14 miles to set the record back in the 1930’s and 50’s. I spent probably about 45 minutes just looking around and then I took a different route as I returned to the highway.
Charles, my dog
I walked the rim and took in many, many more different lookouts along the way. It was great because I brought along Charles, my dog, and he couldn’t get enough of exploring the wild and wooly forest. I take all my friends there now and it’s become a favorite local spot for me and my growing circle of adventurers. Follow this link to check out the SmartAlec map and use it to get an idea of it’s location and even get directions. Have fun!
Posted under Off the Beaten Path, Tips and Tidbits
This post was written by Ken on October 9, 2008
Roam’n Around Travel Store
- Roamn Around, 616 Main St.
These guys rule, and by guys I mean owners, Bridgette and John! Although in the beginning I may have pushed SmartAlec GPS Tours onto them they have grown to be great cohorts in downtown Rapid City. They have fantastic travel gear including maps of the world, hammocks, headlamps, suitcases and kid carriers. I’m looking forward to getting a kid carrier myself.
This store is truly local and has a personal touch that is hard to beat. They will be our host location for check-in during the Christmas Tour of Lights event that we put on in December. We’ll be ransacking the place with our crazy christmas spirit and maybe even a few twinkly lights.
They are located easily downtown Rapid City, right next to the Firehouse Brewing Co. Visit there website for details, www.roamnaround.com.
Have fun out there!
Posted under Places
This post was written by admin on October 7, 2008
Waterfall near Rochford, SD
I just can’t get enough of the fall colors this year. Maybe the summer went to fast but they are just fascinating to me. One of the secret outdoor local favorites, yet still visited very little in comparison to Spearfish Canyon, is Rochford Road.
Rochford Rd. is about 30 minutes outside of Rapid City on Hwy 385, just past Trout Haven. Trout Haven claims to have fished over 1 million fish from its pond, now THAT’s some serious spawning. Anyways, just past there, traveling north towards Deadwood, you find Rochford, Rd. Starting as paved asphalt but turning to gravel within 1/2 mile, it’s a fantastic spin into the intimate nature of the central Black Hills. The road meanders easily over hills and around the bends highlighting great access points for the 4 wheeler fans (pick me!), hikers and bikers.
Waterfall near Rochford, SD
The reason I ventured onto Rochford Road was to show my family a sweet surprise I had accidentally discovered while 4 wheeling last summer. While zipping on and off roads, my brothers and I were of course looking for a few splashes and BAM, opportunity knocked near Rapid Creek, just off Rochford Rd. near the Mickelson trail. We gunned it and 2 out of 3 of us made it through. My brother Danny stalled his 4 wheeler mid flow so we figured out how to pull him out and push him into the flat creek side nearby. “It’s about time for a break anyway” we said in consolation. As we rested we heard a pretty strong gush of water coming from behind the trees so we gathered our lunch and walked up the creek towards the big pine tree. WOW! There was a 3 tier waterfall right there! You can’t even see it from the road, and just barely from the Mickelson Trail. It was a cool, inviting sight for that June afternoon celebrating our (I’m a twin) 33rd birthday.
So this fall I had to show my wife this awesome discovery. You should check it out too! Bring a picnic and maybe even a gold pan to play in the creek with. There isn’t a bridge so bring some sandals to wade in the water. You should be able to find a shallow crossing point. If you really want to make a day of it, bring your bikes and travel from Rochford down the Mickelson Trail to this waterfall, it’s absolutely breathtaking in the fall of the year. Try late September or early October, around the Custer State Park Buffalo Round-up dates.
Have some fun and remember… never miss an opportunity to glance around the corner, you never know.
Photo Credit: Ken Jones
Posted under Off the Beaten Path, Outdoors
This post was written by admin on October 6, 2008
