Harney Peak, S.D.

Getting to the top of Harney Peak was an objective of our trip to South Dakota. Ann and I enjoyed the view from 7,242 feet. (Check out some of the 78 images at the bottom of this link, including views from the top.)

Harney Peak claims to be the highest point east of the Rockies and west of the Pyrenees, both of which range much, much higher.

Despite my best efforts, I did not see a mountain goat or bighorn sheep, although the former is said to be found on the Peak and the latter in the surrounding park (Custer State, S.D.).

Despite many warning signs in other parts of S.D., we also saw no rattlesnakes.

And despite a slight worry as I made my way alone on a darkening trail in Spearfish Canyon shortly after watching for beavers at the end of a long, June day, I did not spot a mountain lion. (It would have been quite the rarity, as recent S.D. sightings peaked in 2004 at just under 400.)