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Kaitlyn Janak

Lover of coffee, beer, forests and all things nature. Just a girl who likes to adventure and take pictures while doing it. You can follow all of my adventures on Instagram @thiswildwanderlust

This hike was absolutely gorgeous! There were already some wildflowers which made everything that much prettier. It's a huge open space so the dogs had a blast as well. Super easy and close to Denver so it made a perfect quick morning hike.

10/10 would recommend this hike to anyone. Thought I was going to die but the view is so worth it. Went in December and the Lakes were totally frozen over which was magical. Definitely need yak tracks or spikes if you do it in winter as the trail is fairly icy!

This hike was perfect for a first timer. The elevation gave me no issues and the scenery was wonderful!

This is a great hike to get out of the city for a few hours and not spend the whole day gone. The lake was great for my dogs and the little cabin is so adorable!

The hike itself is pretty simple. The trail is well marked and it has enough traffic you won't get lost. The view from the tower is absolutely beautiful! The steps up to the tower, not so beautiful if you're not a fan of heights, but I promise it's worth it!

It's a quick and easy hike that makes you feel like you're not on this planet. Only "downside" is the views from the cliff lookouts aren't necessarily of the badlands themselves but more so the prairie.

Hands down the best road to take when wanting to see the best views in the Black Hills! Road can get a little sketchy during tourist season. It's very narrow and when cars don't pay attention to the many turns, it can be a little nerve wracking!

This is hands down my favorite hike in the Black Hills. It's short but the views are breathtaking and you can do this hike in any season. I highly recommend going in winter when everything is covered in snow, it's amazing!

There is maybe a 10% chance that you will not see any animals on this loop. The other 90% of the time you'll get to see buffalo, burrows, prairie dogs, and the occasional elk, antelope, and deer. Please stay in your vehicle when you're near the buffalo, do not put babies in your cars, and respect all wildlife you see. The burrows are very friendly and love snacks such as carrots and other veggies!

Beautiful hike and an easy hike for the whole family. Great views of the spires and the hills when you get to the end. During tourist season, this is a very popular hike and the parking area is a bit difficult to navigate so be careful for people walking in the road and get there early to get a parking spot!

The Hike to Black Elk Peak is one of the most intense hikes in the Black Hills. Just when you think you're finished you get to climb the steepest steps in the state (I swear). Do not give up and turn around because the view from the top is absolutely phenomenal and breathtaking. Remember to take your time and bring a ton of water to ensure you stay cool and hydrated. This is an amazing hike but can be strenuous even for people who hike on a regular basis!