The trip from Jackson, WY to the Black Hills in South Dakota proved to be the most difficult leg of the trip. We left Puzzleface Ranch at 9:30 AM, Sunday July 10. We experienced the East Exit from Yellowstone where an eight year highway project continues. It was slow going as pilot cars led groups of vehicles through the one lane construction area where it was obvious that landslides were a problem. We bought a new Bar-B-Q in Cody WY and were mesmerized by the Shoshonen National Forest. Wyoming went by way too fast. Sixteen hours from the time we left we climbed into bed at the Iron Creek Horse Camp near Custer, South Dakota.
We did get to Custer area around 11 PM but in an attempt to take a short cut to Iron Creek through the town of Keystone we wound up on a narrow dangerous road that became a frightful 2 hours to say the least. The route is 16A. It twists and winds around the mountains near Mt. Rushmore. There were three carved tunnels through the rock along the way. Luckily our travel was at night and there was no traffic, thank God, as there were many switch backs in which we could not keep to our side of the road despite our 20 MPH rate. Travel Tip: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TAKE RT 16A through Keystone with your horse trailer or camper. There is a better way. Keep on Rt 16, east of Custer look for The American Center Highway. It is a link between Rt 16 and Rt 87, the road to Iron Creek. It's faster and safer.
We pulled into Iron Creek Horse Camp well after 1 AM for our planned overnight. The Horses were real troopers and faired the trip well. Weed Free Hay (Required)and a bucket of water for each in their paddock served the trick. They were able lay down and rest. We hit the sack, beat and thankful.
The morning revealed a nice horse camping area with only 8 camp sites. We were in #1 next to the Accessable Site for handicapped. If you go, seriously, pay for both sites 1 and 2 and stay a week. It is a great place to camp. Clean pit privies and a nice system of water. We were met by the Camp Host Chuck Hodgins. He suggested we take the Centennial Trail up to Mt Rushmore. Riding looked promising so, we decided to stay another day.
The ride was wonderful. It was a bit rocky but the views of Mt. Rushmore were unique and memorable. We were able to tie Thunder and Beene out of sight of the park access road. We entered the National Park and enjoy the views and services. The Black Cows we drank were delicious. Pictures of our adventure are above.
Vanessa wanted to visit the Crazy Horse Memorial. That will be the subject of our next posting.