Saturday, July 24, 2010

Little Devils Tower Trail, Custer State Park

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These are not very good photos today, as our resident photographer forgot to bring the camera (and I forgot to remind him). We did have the cell phone, so he got a few shots but they aren’t great.

The trail description said this was a difficult hike up to the top of Little Devils Tower, and they weren’t kidding. It was only 1.5 miles but since we gained 1000 feet in altitude, it was pretty steep the entire way, especially near the top where we had to do a lot of rock scrambling. Aside from that, it was our favorite hike so far in the park.

This is part of the actual trail.

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You can see the blue blaze painted on the rocks to the right. Had it not been for these, we wouldn’t have found our way up..

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We had beautiful views all the way up the trail, and spectacular scenery from the top.. Even better than Harney Peak.

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The Cathedral Spires in the background. Our next hike.

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When we finished, we decided to drive a little farther down the road, along Needles Highway. There are these huge pointed rocks jutting up along the road. This is the Eye of the Needle.

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We did get some cheap entertainment watching an RV and a tour bus slowly drive through this tunnel in the rock. They had quite an audience, and both appeared to make it without scraping the sides, but it sure looked close. The bus driver got a big round of applause.

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3 comments:

  1. That was one tight squeeze...I think I held my breath just looking at the bus trying to get through that tiny crack!


    Nellie

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  2. We happened to be at this same spot today and the same bus came through. The width of this tunnel is 100". I spoke with the bus driver and the bus is 96". He says that he just touches the edge of his mirrors as he goes through in one spot.

    Our rig is 99" wide without the mirrors out so no danger of us ever trying this tunnel.

    Jim

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  3. Oh wow! You would need nerves of steel to drive through that tight squeeze. Glad he made it but I bet he has had lots of practice!!

    What a beautiful hike...well worth the hike for the views!! :) Thanks for sharing.

    Mike & Gerri (happytrails)

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