Botany Canyon Trail
Botany Canyon Trail is a 3 mile hike one way down to a beautiful canyon in Black Hawk, South Dakota. This trail is probably one of the most unique trails we have been on. It starts on a dirt road/ATV trail for about 1.25 miles. You then are on a small pathway down to the canyon which is very rock covered and goes straight down. Next you hit a creek bed for a bit until you hit The Wetlands. Once you descend in there it’s a whole new world which reminds me of the Northwest part of the country. There is a small waterway, moss everywhere, birds chirping, and a stillness about it. You definitely want to bring walking sticks, and use extreme caution in the wetlands not to disturb anything or do any damage. Everything felt so delicate in there. Also be aware of the weather which can sneak up on you.
***My thoughts on this trail is that it is not really suited for kids or pets - at least when you enter The Wetlands. You need to stay on the trail at all times, and going off the trail for any reason could disrupt the beauty of the area for a long time. The trail to me is more for nature lovers, and those who crave adventure. Also it is pretty remote, and there is no cell service. ***
You park near here on the side of the road. Not much parking space, and the ATVs use this trail so you cannot block this road.
In the beginning the trail splits several times - always seem to end up together though.
So many different types of flowers along the road.
Pretty bird.
Passed a lot of muddy waterways along the road. Most ok to get around.
Walk on the road/ATV trail for about 1.25 miles before you go on the trail turn off.
These pretty flowers just in this spot.
The canyon we will be going down into.
Looking back from where we just came.
The trail down to the canyon begins here. We originally missed it and walked another 1/4 mile down the road before we turned around.
Spring.
Summer.
Saw several of these flowers in the canyon on the way down.
Very rocky all the way down - glad we brought our hiking poles.
Opens to some great views.
Goes down quite a ways.
At the caves at the bottom of the trail we took a right to get to The Wetlands.
At the bottom hit a waterway that looks like it turns into a road. Would not want to be here during a rainstorm.
Ate lunch on this rock on the way back - perfect spot.
More trails keep dividing.
Getting close to The Wetlands.
This is the entrance to the Wetlands.
Stay to the right.
Skirt the rock wall.
Feels like you are in the northwest part of the country in here - like Washington State.
Don’t believe the sticks are holding up the rock, but who knows?
Lots of rocks to climb over and through.
Usually you can find some help across the water.
Sometimes we take the harder route by accident.
Storm is coming - want to get out of here fast.
Now for the big climb back to the top.
Can see Bear Butte in the distance.
Getting close - may make it.