Sublime Snowshoeing in Spearfish: Interview with an Expert
03/04/2010
Walk through the winter wonderland in style by strapping on some snowshoes! It’s great fun, good exercise and a fantastic way to take in the sites. If snowshoeing is something you’ve always wanted to try but just weren’t sure how to start, than read what Dana Garry, Trails Manager and snowshoeing guide, has to say on the subject. You’ll be sure to have avalanches of fun!
Where are the best places/trails to snowshoe in the Spearfish area?
Spearfish is a beautiful area. A general rule with snowshoes is that if you can walk it, you can snowshoe it. I personally really think that Spearfish Canyon is a lot of fun to snowshoe and Roughlock Falls is amazing right now.
Describe the snowshoeing experience?
Snowshoeing is really easy. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. The snowshoes that are available at the Black Hills Trails Office, in Lead, strap right over your shoes and are narrower than the old ones, so you don't have to duck-walk. The snowshoes feel like you have extra large flip- flop sandals on.
What makes snowshoeing in the Spearfish area a unique experience?
Spearfish is close to everywhere in the Black Hills. The scenery is breath taking whether you are in the Northern Hills or head further south towards Hill City. Everywhere you will see things that will amaze you and make great memories. The great thing about the Spearfish area is that you can get out and feel like you are completely alone and yet be only a few minutes’ drive away from civilization.
Would you describe snowshoeing as being a family friendly activity?
Snowshoeing is a very family friendly activity. I have kids as young as three and four learning how to snowshoe, and they love it. If the kids are too small for snowshoes, bring along a sled and they can go for a ride. You can go as far as you want and bring snacks along for a picnic before coming back. Snowshoes allow you to climb up hills and keep your balance on slippery surfaces because of the cleats on the bottom of the shoe. Your imagination is your only limit when it comes to where and what you can do with snowshoes.
Where should interested people go to get snowshoes?
Snowshoes can be checked out from the Black Hills Trails Office in Lead, the phone number is 605-584-3896. All snowshoes run by the weight of the person, the Trails Office has shoes to fit 40-pound (or four year olds) to 280-pound individuals. There is no cost to borrow the snowshoes all we require is a name and phone number. The snowshoes can go anywhere and you can have them for a few days at a time. Please call ahead to reserve your snowshoes. Some weekends there are programs and snowshoes go fast! The Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
How much snow is needed to go snowshoeing?
There isn't a set amount of snow needed for snowshoeing. I would recommend 6-12 inches at least, just so you can get the feel of what it is really like. However, the most fun is when you get into the really deep snow (3+ feet). It will really make you work and give you an appreciation for the snowshoes.
Where are the best places/trails to snowshoe in the Spearfish area?
Spearfish is a beautiful area. A general rule with snowshoes is that if you can walk it, you can snowshoe it. I personally really think that Spearfish Canyon is a lot of fun to snowshoe and Roughlock Falls is amazing right now.
Describe the snowshoeing experience?
Snowshoeing is really easy. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. The snowshoes that are available at the Black Hills Trails Office, in Lead, strap right over your shoes and are narrower than the old ones, so you don't have to duck-walk. The snowshoes feel like you have extra large flip- flop sandals on.
What makes snowshoeing in the Spearfish area a unique experience?
Spearfish is close to everywhere in the Black Hills. The scenery is breath taking whether you are in the Northern Hills or head further south towards Hill City. Everywhere you will see things that will amaze you and make great memories. The great thing about the Spearfish area is that you can get out and feel like you are completely alone and yet be only a few minutes’ drive away from civilization.
Would you describe snowshoeing as being a family friendly activity?
Snowshoeing is a very family friendly activity. I have kids as young as three and four learning how to snowshoe, and they love it. If the kids are too small for snowshoes, bring along a sled and they can go for a ride. You can go as far as you want and bring snacks along for a picnic before coming back. Snowshoes allow you to climb up hills and keep your balance on slippery surfaces because of the cleats on the bottom of the shoe. Your imagination is your only limit when it comes to where and what you can do with snowshoes.
Where should interested people go to get snowshoes?
Snowshoes can be checked out from the Black Hills Trails Office in Lead, the phone number is 605-584-3896. All snowshoes run by the weight of the person, the Trails Office has shoes to fit 40-pound (or four year olds) to 280-pound individuals. There is no cost to borrow the snowshoes all we require is a name and phone number. The snowshoes can go anywhere and you can have them for a few days at a time. Please call ahead to reserve your snowshoes. Some weekends there are programs and snowshoes go fast! The Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
How much snow is needed to go snowshoeing?
There isn't a set amount of snow needed for snowshoeing. I would recommend 6-12 inches at least, just so you can get the feel of what it is really like. However, the most fun is when you get into the really deep snow (3+ feet). It will really make you work and give you an appreciation for the snowshoes.
