T1B

Hiked around Devils Tower in 1993, and that's one long walk. Saw all the intrepid fucks climbing that rock and all I can say is more power to them. That's not my cup of tea.

Mt. Rushmore and the Badlands are over rated, but go ahead and take the driving tour of the Black Hills while your at it. There's some rocks there a bit easier to climb... and it's simply gorgeous. Good place to take the kids.

My advice, since you're going to be in the area already, go ahead on to Yellowstone Park. That should be your destination. It's absolutely fascinating.

Never done Devil's Tower, but if it's anything like the Half Dome climb my son and I did this past September, count me out if and when I ever visit the place. Apparently I'm both too old and decrepit to be making such arduous treks up piles of rock, because I while thought I was/am in good shape, my body was complaining for a week afterward. I'm learning a new appreciation for viewing our country's vistas from afar.

88 wrote: Is the hike around Devils Tower a good time?

Pretty arduous, actually.

We got about 3/4 around and wifey wasn't bitching too much... until she saw a snake hanging from a tree limb right over the trail.

The hike ended quickly after that.

I think they also close it down when the UFO's visit. It's kind of neat--a bit out of the way drive. The kids will like the gophers for a while too. Rushmore is cool, but it's one of those things where you do the Clark Griswold act. "There it is--let's go" !