We are logging endless miles in the Jeep as we drive cross country, and amongst the monuments and quirky roadside attractions, we are also taking time to find a few hikes along the way, and add some miles to our sneakers as well.
First up – Wisconsin…
Grandad Bluff Valley Trail
Location: La Crosse, WI
Length: 1.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 104 ft, slopes – no steps
Pros: multiple viewpoints of the town and the valley, hiking and biking trails, good parking area
Cons: trails did not always match my AllTrails app, so we had to do a little backtracking
La Crosse happened to be about halfway through our drive from Madison to Sioux Falls, and when I was researching lunch and activity options, Grandad Bluff Park showed up. It is about 10 minutes outside of town, offering several trails and picnic areas. The trail was not at all busy for a weekday lunchtime and we spent an hour hiking through forests, under rock cliffs, and along the bluff. Barry even found an open geode! If you ever happen to find yourself in La Crosse, I suggest checking this place out! 😊
And then in Wyoming…
Devil’s Tower Trail
Location: Devil’s Tower National Monument, WY
Length: 1.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 164 feet – some steep slopes, some steps
Pros: spectacular views, longer trail or rock scrambling options, benches for resting or to take in the scenery
Cons: fee to enter, unbelievably long line to enter parking area at peak times
The Tower is an astounding geologic feature that protrudes out of the prairie surrounding the Black Hills. It is considered sacred by indigenous people, and was also featured in the movie, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”, so there is some alien mythology surrounding it as well. A height of 867 feet and hundreds of parallel cracks make it popular with climbers – and we did see a few brave souls attempting it while we were there!
The main hike loops around the entire base of the tower, allowing you to see it from all sides. You will wander past fallen boulders, 😳 through a forest of ponderosa pines, and past panoramic views of the Black Hills. The trail is fairly easy -there are a few steep inclines, but they are not too long. Since it is a national monument, the park does get busy. Visitors run the range from international travelers to fitness enthusiasts to young families to retired RV’ers.
Pro Tip: If you go on a weekend, GO EARLY! We arrived midday on a Sunday, and it took about an hour to travel just a few miles into the parking lot. A traffic light regulates entry into the park based on the number of vehicles exiting. The good news is you WILL find a parking spot, once you finally get to the lot. While you’re waiting you will wonder if it’s worth it. Trust me – it is.
My goal for the year was to go 20 miles, and so far, I’ve hit 12.6. It is the middle of September, so I feel I’m going to have to push a little to fit in the remaining 7.4. (I’m still a fair-weather hiker! 😂) But we are only halfway through our epic road trip, so I’m pretty sure I can find a few more places to trek along the way.
Every path I’ve traveled has taught me a little about myself and this big blue marble we live on. God has given us a beautiful and magical world – go explore your part of it! You never know what you’ll discover. 😊
Til next time, shine bright friends!
~Dawn 🌻
Great job!! Get those steps in and connect with nature.
Since Barry is stuck hiking with me, I think I’m wearing him out 😂 but we are certainly connecting with nature!
We Love the life you living…Prayers and peace always!
Thank you my friend! Can’t wait to see you again, and all the new blessings happening in your life!
They were all good hikes and I have enjoyed all the time I have spent with you every day.
I love you.
Brace yourself honey – there are more to come lol!
I love you.