Family Nature Summits: Black Hills Summit: Full Schedule

If you would like to join a class that is frozen, please send us a message or email, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

The Summit Handbook and our pick-a-hike guide are helpful resources! Email [email protected] with additional questions or message us in Sched!

Session availability is subject to change due to weather, availability, and interest. Classes with fewer than 5 participants are subject to cancellation. You are only able to sign up for one class during a time period (including waitlists). We do our best to accommodate waitlists.

Add/Dropping Classes: All classes with an additional cost have a final add/drop date of July 13. After July 13th, you will be responsible for the cost of the class unless we can fill the spot. Classes with no additional cost can be added/dropped at any time.

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8:30am MDT

Ramble - Sylvan Lake Ramble

Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:30am - 12:00pm MDT

This popular spot in Custer State Park gives us the chance to see awesome rock formations that line much of the shore of Sylvan Lake. It’s a sunny and pleasant level path, which we’ll do as an out & back ramble (close to 1 mile) due to a difficult section at the far end of the lake, which would not be suitable for a ramble. If time allows, we’ll explore the other side of the lake. We’ll drive via Needles Highway with a couple of stops along the way.

Faculty

Betty Trummel

Rambles, Faculty

Betty Trummel is retired from a 35-year career of elementary teaching and 10 years as an adjunct professor at the university level. She's taught at over 40 Summits since 1983 and loves to reach out to learners of all ages to teach about the natural world and create a sense of wonder... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:30am - 12:00pm MDT

Ramble, Difficulty- Easy

1:00pm MDT

Ramble- Coolidge Ponds

Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 3:45pm MDT

The park's #1 oasis, we'll hit most of all six ponds dammed in the 1930s by the CCC. Our ramble will be at a relaxed pace through this beautiful shaded valley named not after President Coolidge but for his wife, Grace. Poison ivy is rampant, but presents no threat as this popular trail is wide enough. The entire hike is in one of Custer State Park's two designated natural areas (horses prohibited).

The ramble will be 1-2 miles, to be determined by the group's pace, as this is an out-and-back trail.

Faculty

Chris Estes

Faculty

Chris is Lakota from the Lower Brulé Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. He is known for his work as a traditional dancer, singer, and performer with Brulé. The Brulé Music Group, based in South Dakota, has traveled the world showcasing contemporary Native American culture, and with millions... Read More →