Review of Exploring the Black Hills and Badlands: A Guide for Hikers, Cross-Country Skiers, & Mountain Bikers

Exploring the Black Hills and Badlands: A Guide for Hikers, Cross-Country Skiers, & Mountain Bikers
Average Rating: 4.5 Total Reviews: 7
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Best single guide

On: 2005-08-23

I used this book as well as the Falcon Press "Hiking South Dakotas Black Hills country", by the Gildarts, on a recent trip to the Black Hills, Badlands, Bear Lodge Mtns & the Devils Tower.
Both books were useful, but Id give the edge to this one:
1) Hiram Rogers book includes photocopies of topographic maps. Reproduction quality isnt high, but is frequently sufficient for the purpose. The Geldarts book has only handdrawn schematic maps.
2) "Exploring the Black Hills & Badlands" has more material. As you can see from the info provided by Amazon, there are more pages, but this understates how much further Rogers goes. Descriptions of particular trails are a bit more detailed, usually, and there is more historical and natural history material given in most cases. You will find more material, especially, on the Badlands (eg. a section on off-trail travel in the Sage Creek Wilderness).
The Geldarts do touch on locales and details not mentioned in Hiram Rogers book, so those planning to spend any appreciable time in the area might want to get both.
I see that there appear to be restrictions in availability through Amazon as I type this. If you arent comfortable dealing with secondary dealers, I would note that I saw new copies of Rogers book in the bookstores at Wind Cave National Park and elsewhere. Try the websites for WCNP, the Badlands NP or Custer State Park.

Not a book for mountain bikers

On: 2003-11-02

This book focuses mainly on hiking trails, so if thats your thing this is the book for you. It would benefit greatly if each trail entry was _clearly_ listed with its approved uses. The index also needs a section under each activity, that way you can look up mountain biking and find references to every trail they review where biking is allowed. Some of the reviews of the trails are questionable ... the trail from French Creek Horse Camp to Iron Creek is not ridable at all for mountain bikers, in my opinion, not even close, yet its listed as an exciting mountain bike ride through the parks remote northern end. I have no idea what they were thinking. Like I said, probably a better book for hikers than bikers, but still a good resource just to give you a hint as to whats available in the area and get you started. If biking is your thing, stick to the trails listed as having cross country ski access as well as for biking and youll get some nice single track love.

Best Guide Ever

by: Anonymous On: 2002-11-27

This is an awesome book that is well written and an excellent guidebook for the outdoorsman. The photographs are outstanding. The trail maps are very helpful.

one of the best books.

On: 2001-07-31

This book is one of the best books ever written. It is very easy to read and there are many illustrations to help understand. I really enjoyed this book then Im planning to give a present to my nephew. If you think you are a biker, Hirams book is a must. Thanks.

Handy Reference

On: 2001-05-07

Great reference for someone new to BH. Includes topo maps and clear directions on how to get to the trails. Also has good writeups on each area, with details on the specific trail to follow. When checking ratings, keep in mind these are experienced hikers... you may have a hard time if youre new or out of shape. I take it with me every time I head out.

Great Book1

On: 1999-10-15

Scintillating, great read, if you are hiking the Black Hills read this book!