A hike to Lovers Leap and Buffalo Buffalo and more Buffalo

It was supposed to be a rainy day so we had planned on going to Rapid City for shopping but the Sun was shining so we headed to the Park instead.   We missed the Gold Panning demonstration so we did a hike to Lover's Leap a 3 mile moderate/strenuous loop.

It starts out mildly enough but then becomes a steady hike uphill (Lover's Leap should have been our first clue)

I thought we'd reached the highest point here - but I was wrong the trail continued in a rolling up and down 

We got here - hey no short cuts back! 

The trail finally started its' descent and crossed a stream several times

We were just beginning to wonder if we hadn't made a wrong turn onto another trail when we reached the end.  It was a short hike back to the car and we found our path blocked by a half dozen very large Buffalo.  We ended up getting a ride to the car from some guys in a Jeep Buffalo Safari vehicle. 

We had planned on horseback riding but the skies were getting darker and I was too beat so we did the wild life loop drive. Had to get past the Begging Burros.

We had heard earlier that there were 3 large herds of Buffalo completely stopping traffic on the Iron Mountain Road, so we headed in that direction and found 1 large herd on a dirt road just off the loop.  There were over 100 and there were a lot of young ones.  This one was fun to watch storm past Mom.

A South Dakota Traffic Jam 

This one was very curious and watching us - he/she started walking up to our window so we moved on in case Mom wasn't too happy about it. 

The double mint Twins 

What are you lookin at!? 

We turned around and continued up the Loop road and found this herd 

I can't believe someone had their kid outside the car within 20 feet of these guys.  The weigh 2000 pounds and can sprint up to 37 mph faster that you can get back in the car.  I am glad we have the sunroof so I don't have to get out - even so I get nervous even driving by so close.   The guy at the Gate told us a VW bug had been overturned by a Buffalo a few days prior and one Buffalo chased a guy on a Motorcycle. 

We were happy that these guys were so laid back and pretty non-chalant about our presence.  They are just such beautiful and majestic animals! 



Till Later!

Meanwhile, we keep on Trek'n

Melissa and Gary