An Unexpected Wrench in My Travel Plans! (SUV Camping/Vanlife Adventures)

[@NancyfromCanada]

Thanks for no music on your hikes, I love to hear the trees, the water and the crunching under your feet! Great views and love the hikes, thanks! Nancy from Canada

[@escapeartist8581]

I go to the Hills as often as I can to recharge my soul.

[@SUVRVing]

It's a great place for that! Thanks for watching.

[@gbro8822]

Outstanding. I wish some teacher would show your videos to the kids. It would teach them how beautiful our country is and how to respect it. Thank you.

[@anthonyvisor8880]

I did not know how beautiful your videos are until recently. I have a lot of catching up to do. Thanks for posting'

[@susanshaver912]

I kept expecting buffalo/bison to appear behind you in the meadows! I saw so many of them when I was there. I am in total shock that there are multilevel parking garages there!! And bleachers!! I am 74, you can tell it has been many years since I have been there. What beautiful country! Amazing rock formations and views:) So glad you got to do all of the hikes:)

[@ggebhard1]

When my Father was 16, he had come to live with his father in Lemmon SD, but living in a log cabin and with 4 little ones, they couldn’t afford to feed him, so he joined the CCC camp and worked on the President’s heads, cleaning up rocks and planting trees. So, the mountain is very special to me. I go to Lemmon and Sioux Falls every July and stay with cousins. Thank you, Tristin!!!

[@deborahm6036]

Great video! I live in beautiful Hot Springs, SD, next to Custer. Needles and the Spires are my personal Black Hills favorites. So otherworldly. I hope you made it to Sylvan Lake, by Needles Hwy. Really unusual to see the monolithic rock formations reflected in the water. All you showed, very iconic Black Hills and worth visiting. Thank you!

[@DanielWiley]

Reminds me of my motorcycle trips. They never go as planned. Just part of the Adventure!

[@windmillcancersurvivor2568]

I live in the northern Black Hills and am slightly biased but this is in my opinion your finest work. Gorgeous views and thanks for hanging around for Black Elk. We did the trail from Sylvan Lake years ago after a wind storm having to climb over many downed mature pine trees.Windy as hell at the summit and at the see through walkway or steps at the top I got vertigo and had to lay down just shy of the top while my gal toughed it out to the summit. Long day. We are blessed here in the Hills, no traffic, few people, world class mountain biking, great golf, good weather, Devils Tower, Spearfish, etc. Come back soon Tristan!

[@teslah2997]

another great vid, Tristan, showing us the beauty of our land.....thanks for doing what you do. I have to say that, although Mt. Rushmore and (going to be) Crazy Horse sculptures are an amazing accomplishment, it makes me sad to see the mountains being carved up that way.....I just so love the NATURAL beauty of our planet, I’d rather see it stay that way

[@SUVRVing]

Maybe at this point I've seen enough natural mountains that seeing the odd one carved up didn't affect me 😄

[@KathleenMcCormickLCSWMPH]

You are tenacious, Tristan!

[@SUVRVing]

I think that "obsessed" is also appropriate 😄

[@susie9893]

Because every good video should have a polka interlude 😁 I actually PREFERRED the Cathedral Spires trail. Glad the other place being closed meant we got to see that 😊

[@SUVRVing]

The Cathedral Spires Trail was great. No complaints there! Thanks Susie.

[@NilDreams]

Yes, I thought the same.

[@jonathanhansen3709]

I learn things watching your videos. I didn’t know there was anyplace in South Dakota that went up 7000 feet!

[@adavell]

You are one of the best videographers on youtube, you show details that no one else bothers to show and that add realism to the surroundings, like showing the parking lot at Mount Rushmore... it is almost like being there, the whole experience, every detail counts! thank you!

[@SUVRVing]

That's very kind of you to say, Adriana! 😁

[@lilysgma2852]

I love all of the history that you share, not to mention the scenery!

[@kellyjohnson3617]

I was there in 1990. It was pretty amazing to think how mt Rushmore was carved with dynamite blasts and hundreds of workers. Crazy horse looks more or less the same. It’s so massive that it will take forever to do. The rock formations in the black hills alone are pretty beautiful.

[@GregDinAZ]

Mt Rushmore is awe inspiring, but the Crazy Horse Monument will be remarkable when it’s completed in about 150 years! 😁

[@MaxZomboni]

Or 1,500 years. LOL.

[@GregDinAZ]

😂

[@davidbones8947]

Thanks little brother for taking us along

[@BrendaHaltom-cs6ck]

I love the outline of the Native America Lakota!❤️😀🇺🇸🌏

[@perfectlylonely]

Rushmore. Great morning light.

[@carlosnajera65]

I'm number 4! You're living a great life, I never knew South Dakota was so beautiful.

[@SUVRVing]

It's a pretty place, for sure! Thanks for watching.

[@dsims868]

We were there two weeks ago. First time in SD. It snowed several time on our 10 day holiday. My favorites were Wind Cave National Park especially, NPS 5 and 6. It is what I imagine hiking days out in the back country to look like, untouched. We didn't see another human. The rolling hills and prairie are beautiful and peaceful . We photographed several coyotes and a badger and herds of buffalo. Bad lands national park was great too with wild horses, rams, pronghorn and the largest herd of buffalo I have ever seen, as far as the eye could see at least a thousand easily. It was magestic and we treasure the memories. We are already planning to return next year.

[@alineradventureswithsimons79]

One of my favorite places in our country. I was hoping to see the needles and glad you gave us a glimpse.

[@SUVRVing]

It's a beautiful place, for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@jamesrichardson1326]

Visiting the sculpture is free, but you have to pay like~$20 to park. Lovely. It is a great thing to see. The Crazy Horse sculpture is in progress. When completed Crazy Horse's face will be the size of the entire Rushmore craving. The Native American museum at Crazy Horse is great.

[@SUVRVing]

Parking was $10 at Mt. Rushmore, and entrance at Crazy Horse was $12. Thanks for watching!

[@jamesrichardson1326]

@@SUVRVing Its been almost 12 years. I forgot the exact price. Thanks

[@terryrosenthal3692]

We visited Crazy Horse maybe, 20 years ago, and it still looks the same. :)

[@MaxZomboni]

@@terryrosenthal3692 I visited it 25 years ago and it still looks the same. I'm starting to think it's just a scam to keep collecting that $12 gate fee. They sure don't have much to show for it, at least in recent years.

[@bastiat2450]

@@MaxZomboni I think it is. I went there and paid the fee and regret it. I think mostly the family of the sculptor benefits. It most likely will never be completed.

[@ia3767]

Thank you for sharing this. The Black Hills is our favorite place to visit. Especially Sylvan Lake. Thanks again. Made my day.

[@SUVRVing]

Sylvan Lake was beautiful. That's where the trailhead for Black Elk Peak was, but I didn't spend a ton of time at the lake itself. Thanks for watching!

[@mariaesparza8895]

I was there two years ago, and all I can say is that when I saw the monument I wanted to cry, it’s so beautiful , I would visit it again if I ever have another chance,,,

[@richardb.7054]

I get a chuckle every time you mention avoiding people. I understand, I'm exactly the same. It's not that I don't like people, not at all, it's just that when I'm in these places, I'm seeking solitude. Love the Black Hills. Hope to revisit soon.

[@dixxebell]

The Dakotas are beautiful....I spent time camping and exploring there and was surprised by all the fall color I saw...Great summit hike!! Wind Cave is awesome hope you have it on your list of places to visit...

[@SUVRVing]

I visited Wind Cave National Park, but the cave itself was closed due to both COVID and the elevator not working.

[@dixxebell]

@@SUVRVing Oh my, well it's still a beautiful park...I keep forgetting about the possibilities of closures.

[@billbranson1370]

Patience truly is a virtue - thanks as always.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching, Bill.

[@kimsargeant8126]

I love the Dakotas and the Black Hills. I saw my first rattle snake while driving through there on a camping trip. I’m sorry you were so bummed about the trail closure. I felt the same way when I finally made it to Four Corners National Monument and it was closed. I will have to try again.

[@SUVRVing]

Yeah, the closures really can affect morale, especially when you've driven thousands of miles to get there!

[@karentapia888]

That's so cool! I didnt know there was a mountain peak named Black Elk peak. My grandchildren are descendants of Black Elk through their father's side. Just a little tidbit I'm proud of. Haha!! Stay healthy and well!

[@SUVRVing]

Whoa, cool! Thanks Karen 😄

[@TonyBar323]

Seeing the faces right after it rains is really neat.

[@itchingtogo7362]

Planned to see in early 2020 but now postponed to 2021. Thanks for giving me some tips and special places to see!!

[@SUVRVing]

It'll be worth the visit whenever you make it there. Thanks for watching!

[@vanguardvaluist2614]

"It looks smaller than you think it would". That's what she said. Check out 11:03 on the video. There is a beautiful natural eagle carving in the spires. WOW!

[@kevinshepler2314]

I’ve been to Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse but not Custer State Park. I didn’t realize how much was there. Thank you for showing it , I will definitely be going back now

[@SUVRVing]

Custer SP was great! Very narrow roads and fun driving 👍

[@beachcomberkt]

Another great hiking video. I love the Crazy Horse statue and the views from the summits. Thank you for making these videos. : )

[@virginiaallen4723]

Your videos are a bright spot in this crazy time. People ask me why we keep going on short trips during the pandemic, and I don't see a problem as long as you stay away from people and wear masks when you can't.

[@SUVRVing]

Agreed. I figure that I'm rarely around people on my trips, so it's not a huge issue.

[@peggy011]

Thank you for a wonderful video. Seeing the view from Black Elk Peak is spectacular.

[@monicaturner3967]

We went to Cathedral Spires and Watchtower this spring! Great videos! We love your content, please keep exploring! It’s giving us more places we want to visit

[@cruzbeckham2504]

Hi iam a fan an a subscriber of your channel & í really enjoy your channel. Iam part Native my dad is Cherokee . FYI I don't know if have knowledge of this or read about it but Mount Rushmore was built on land that belonged to the Lakota tribe & sculpted by a man named Gutzon Borglum's who had strong bonds with the Ku Klux Klan. It features the faces of 2 U.S. presidents who were slaveholders. The Lakota Sioux in North & South Dakota have long said the land Mount Rushmore occupies was stolen from them. “To Natives, Mount Rushmore is not a poke in the eye. It's a poke in the heart,” As a native its sad & hurts 2 see people loving mount Rushmore & celebrating it knowing what other native tribes went through by loosing there land the fought so hard for with their blood, sweat & tears 2 keep.... I hope your able 2 understand & see where I'm coming from... Hope 2 hear a response from yall Takecare have a great day...

[@SUVRVing]

Literally everything built by people of European descent in the United States is on what was once native land, but yes, I'm familiar with how the Black Hills in particular were stolen after repeated assurances. Thanks for watching.

[@cruzbeckham2504]

@@SUVRVing thanks for getting back 2 me appreciate it.... Glad U know

[@tomsdroneshots]

Nice episode, I love that area. I see you traveled the Needles Hwy. The Iron Mountain Rd is a nice drive too. It goes from Keystone to Custer State Park, on HWY 16A. All 3 tunnels on Iron Mt road show Mt. Rushmore at the end as you come out. Then, there's the wildlife loop inside Custer State Park. Another good POI in SD is the Badlands, a couple hours East of Custer State Park. That's a great travel area, lots to see. Deadwood is also an interesting town North of Custer State park with lots of history, not to mention Devils Tower just across the border in Wyoming. Lots to see and do! We were there last month.

[@glamperjan]

Liked the spires hike.

[@MaxZomboni]

I'm happy you were finally able to get to the place you wanted to see. 2:11 It may not have been done, but at least they finished off Mount Rushmore. Unlike the work on Crazy Horse, which is never ending, and doesn't ever seem to show much progress. Crazy Horse looks almost exactly as it did 25 years ago, when I was last there. At this rate it will take, literally forever to finish it.

[@kenheraty373]

Enjoying your finds; the land we live on, history and stories less known. Thanks

[@dianecampbell184]

The Needles at the 10:00mark are so cool. Fun to see on a Harley, but I’m too old now, so these videos are great. 🌈🐲💖

[@Simonofcalifornia]

Try to avoid covid outbreak and take a tour around deadwood - awesome high hills and falls.

[@bertkelly7650]

Yea!You did the hike anyway!

[@SUVRVing]

Gotta climb every state high point! I wasn't going to go all the way to SD and not do it 😁

[@cindynichols27]

Another awesome video, somewhat close to my current stomping grounds on the Upper Plains. The Black Hills are just beautiful, and the whole area packs a punch with Wind Cave, the Badlands, the Very Large Faces, lol, and much more. That forest plus rock colors/shapes are distinctive; I've never seen anything quite precisely like them. Incredibly sad history there, of course, since the US "gave" the Black Hills to the Sioux to be their home forever and ever--until, of course, gold was discovered. Then all our promises turned out to be air and the US government a lying, dishonorable fill-in-the-blank. Of 500 treaties made over a hundred years, we broke basically all of them. I find it hard to look at the Crazy Horse statue for that reason. So strange, Tristan, to see you occasionally in a crowded or indoor space. Just hearing a few voices behind you in one of the shots was kind of jarring (they were loud) and also annoying! Normally it's just you and the wind, a gurgling creek here and there. Much better. (You looked genuinely uncomfortable in that tower on Black Elk Peak until you got outside!) So much fun watching this channel. Can't thank you enough. It's practically been my summer project.

[@ytubechannel997]

Tristan I really enjoyed this video. Great mix of cultural and natural beauty. The needles were awesome to see. I learned so many new things!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@bastiat2450]

The Black Hills seem more beautiful than I remember. And that's saying something! I had the same experience with Rushmore. Saw some photos that made it seem small. But no doubt, one of the most spectacular man made monuments I've seen.

[@glamperjan]

Awsome shots! Never been there! Thanks for sharing!

[@bambihargrove6499]

Well your video was still beautiful,I never knew what a spire was TYSM👍♥️👍

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching, Bambi!

[@nanchesca3950]

I remember those rock formations on a drive from Toronto to Vancouver many years ago, amazing!!

[@SUVRVing]

Definitely worth a visit!

[@helenvwalker7919]

We took our kids to both of these places on a big USA trip about 17 years ago. Well worth visiting both and seeing the bison nearby. We were privileged to be able to do a helicopter journey up to the faces, thanks to a gift from a lovely aunt. Thanks for reminding me of some very happy memories Tristan.😊

[@SUVRVing]

I was actually considering doing a helicopter tour while there but decided against it. Maybe next time. Thanks Helen!

[@ednapuckett1042]

I always thought it was finished, I must have been thinking of the other sculpture.

[@johnrambo7630]

I enjoyed seeing Custer State Park, unique scenery. Did you pass through the town of Custer? Thanks for taking us along on your first visit to South Dakota!

[@SUVRVing]

Yes, I went though Custer several times on this trip.

[@goldcountryruss7035]

In the late 1950's I found a perfect obsidian arrowhead directly across the road from what was then the Mt. Rushmore parking lot.

[@mikemanjo2458]

Beautiful video! Thanks for bringing us along! Love your channel. ❤️🙏🏻Jane from SC. I really want to see Crazy Horse. We read about it 20 years ago when my kids were small and the gentleman was working alone. I’m glad others have come along to help. It’s going to be phenomenal when complete.

[@SUVRVing]

It was definitely worth seeing. I enjoyed it. Thanks Mike!

[@leonidaslantz5249]

Awesome!

[@luxuriousfir]

Another fantastic video! You rock Tristan! Happy trails buddy!

[@TheJBirch]

The Black Elk Peak hike is incredible! On a clearer day you should have been able to tell which of those other mountains is the back of Mount Rushmore. You can just see the top of someone's head if I remember correctly.

[@gringo3009]

Another beautiful spot, thanks for sharing.

[@MausMasher54]

Next trip, visit Deadwood, Sturgis, Ft. Meade and Bear Butte....but I do recommend you fuel up 100 miles before you hit the Tourist Trap(aka the Black Hills).

[@SUVRVing]

I went to Sturgis but didn't find it interesting enough to be in a video, and Deadwood will be in a future video in a couple weeks. Thanks for watching.

[@MausMasher54]

@@SUVRVing After 14 yrs in the area, it was pretty boring after a while...LOL

[@fognnorway6471]

Awesome hike, even mountain biked it a few times. when it was legal.

[@craiglenhard-rvrguyd]

I've been to the Crazy Horse monument twice in 15 years and I don't think they've chipped one bucket of stones from the mountain.

[@crazymema23]

First on my list would be Crazy Horse monument then the trail you did on Friday.

[@vanvorst1999]

😎👍 Mount Rushmore is on my bucket list!

[@SUVRVing]

As it should be! Everyone should see it at least once. Thanks Scott.

[@shcaskey]

@@SUVRVing its fairly spectacular, isn't it?

[@johngalt5968]

Glad to see no windmills at mt Rushmore

[@thomasdreke1698]

I like the early morning start to your adventures.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Thomas!

[@cowboyscoffee]

Been there to Harney peak twice, love the area.

[@rm8679]

Got to say I loved the hike and, I found it very relaxing from my easy chair.

[@codyhubbeling]

Glad you get to enjoy our beautiful backyard in the hills. I live in Lead

[@deanbrown3763]

Tristan, I really enjoyed this video! Historical and beautiful.😄 Hopefully we can make it to Custer State Park in the future. Thanks!

[@ShawnVanden]

Gorgeous showcase of the South Dakota sites Tristan, the Black Hills & Historic Sites of SD have been on my list for too many years !

[@rachescakes]

I really enjoyed seeing my home state, you do such a good job of capturing the beauty and educating your viewers. Black Elk Peak is a wonderful hike, when I was there 3 years ago I saw mountain goats which was a first for me.

[@SUVRVing]

It's a great hike, for sure! Thanks Rachel

[@jtwanderer6328]

Favorite part: the unique Cathedral Spires. Different than any rock formation I've seen in the US. Glad to know there are still surprises in my country's topography! Great alternative to your original plan. Thanks!

[@SUVRVing]

The spires really were wonderful to see. Thanks JT!

[@Deanna52ish]

I go early as well to avoid people so I can relate. Thank you for bringing Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse to us. The spires remind me of Chirachua State Monument in South East Arizona. Very cool. Thank you for hanging out to bring all this to us.

[@SUVRVing]

Yes, they do kind of look like the ones at Chiricahua (which is also a great place). Thanks Deanna!

[@NilDreams]

Wow! I never had any urge to visit South Dakota but it looks beautiful! I might put it on my list when I start my long term road tripping so thanks so much for sharing! I thought the first hike had much more beautiful and dramatic scenery. Glad you got to do both. How many days in between since you had to wait for the second hike? What did you do during those days?

[@shcaskey]

you drove right past Oregon trail wagon wheel ruts in Guernsey, wyoming!!! very accessible! very cool!

[@SUVRVing]

"Right by" is a bit of an overstatement, but yes, there are things I don't see on trips lol. Thanks for watching.

[@helenvwalker7919]

Makes me want to come back and hike up Black Elk.🏞️

[@SUVRVing]

It's definitely worth doing!

[@christianburrell5564]

Beautiful area. I was hoping you’d go try the Thimble.

[@stephenheard8520]

You mentioned that Black Elk Peak at 7,244 feet in South Dakota is the highest summit in the US east of the Rocky Mountains and some articles support that, but most descriptions I found show that the Guadalupe Mountains in west Texas are not considered part of the Rockies. And since Guadalupe Peak sits at 8,751 feet, I think the distinction for highest summit east of the Rockies rests with the Great State of Texas. Just saying. Love your videos going to places I would never have thought of going. Keep them coming.

[@hopeandgracetompkins3707]

Thank you. I really enjoyed that.

[@tdhawk167]

Gorgeous hike!

[@richardleach1706]

Nice place, also there's gold in dem dar hills. PEACE and Good Health

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Richard!

[@ManivanAdventures]

Wow, crazy horse still looks about the same as it did when I saw it 20 years ago. Lol

[@CandycaneBeyond]

Great goal to do these hikes!

[@cherylmccall9391]

I live southeast of Black Hills in Mission, SD. Wellcome to our state! So sorry they had it shut down for a bit.

[@SUVRVing]

Not a bad place to call home!

[@jobabs]

I’m from Northeast Nebraska originally and visited The Hills several times as a kid. Of course, I appreciate it so much more as an adult. I’m surprised you didn’t take the hike at Mt Rushmore to go down closer to the faces and look up at them.

[@scottm8914]

Im 32 and remember going to mt rushmore and crazy horse when i was 16, crazy horse looks exactly the same to me as it did then build wise ha

[@davidbones8947]

Great videos brother I have ridden through all of the Dakotas freaking awesome country these great states of the USA each offering something different to cast our eyes on they stir the soul, start with your state people we all have but one life enjoy. If you aren't able to travel yourself then we have people who post vids like this awesome.

[@carriep3962]

I absolutely loved South Dakota 😍

[@hansolo7205]

I rode my scooter from Toronto to Black Hills, SD years ago. Really nice place to visit, so much to do Mt. Rushmore, caves, Custer State Park. Best part was Elk Vacations Cabins, thanks Jim(owner) for the fond memories. Go have dinner there, may be he will let you use the shower next to the restaurant.

[@SUVRVing]

That must have been a lot of fun on a scooter! Sounds like you had a great time. Thanks for watching.

[@valerie4286]

My favorite SD! I was there in September 2020 it was a great trip!

[@foreststewart1968]

I've been in that area, summiting both spire 2 & 4. I know that from spire 4 you can see the back of Rushmore, & a little of the parking area too, just barely. I couldn't tell from the (very cool) panorama from Little Devil's Tower, but that might all be visible from there too, off in the distance (or from Black Elk Peak). Enjoyed your take on the place. Thx.

[@mykirbs2002]

I loved this thank you!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Maryann!

[@chrismclaughlin7671]

What was that pole with colorful dangles meant to signify near the top of Black Elk Mtn? Beautiful video!

[@MaxZomboni]

I could be wrong, but I believe they were Native American prayer ribbons.

[@elenasabo1002]

@@MaxZomboni could be . that's still a sacred spot to them, I believe.

[@jimchristensen965]

The Spires are a popular spot for rock climbers. I met two young lads from New Orleans last year that were doing just that. Hope you were able to visit Devils Towers on the way back. Not too far from the Hills.

[@bobross9623]

Hi Tristan...boy am I jealous! I wanted to check out the Black Hills this autumn but cancelled due to the epidemic...oh well. Everything you did was on my potential list. Thanks for great tour. I agree with your take on museums; I must admit a couple that I really enjoyed were the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody Wyoming (especially the art section) & another terrific art gallery in Roswell NM. Look forward to your next effort!

[@SUVRVing]

Museums can be great, but I don't enjoy making videos about them. Thanks Bob!

[@debicaron6046]

Thanks for the video..going there next year.

[@SUVRVing]

You'll love it!