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The return of spring each year brings the excitement and planning of
the upcoming spring and summer adventures. Too often when we talk
about or think of Jeep trips we associate it with a wheeling
adventure or expedition, some my favorite moments in my Jeeps have
been while traveling to or from a camping or hiking trip, kayaking
excursion and even wintertime ski trips.
It’s that time again and with the spring temperatures melting the
snow caps off of the mountain peaks around the country it is time to
trade the skis for the kayaks and camping gear and decide which
direction to head for some paddling. This spring we headed out the
Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming and the Black Hills of South Dakota
for some paddling. This part of the country has had an enormous
amount of snowfall this winter so we knew we would be able to find
the creeks and rivers full and flowing. It just came down to
rounding up a few friends and deciding which direction to head.
The Black Hills have several great spots in and around the scenic
town of Spearfish. Spearfish is only 20 miles away from the
historical town of Deadwood where many of the famous outlaws of days
gone by would spend their time drinking, gambling and thriving
during the days of the gold rush. Some of the kayaking that can be
found around the area is on the Red Water a class 1-2 waterway about
5 miles north of town, Spearfish Creek runs thru town and depending
on the time of year can provide some good class 2-3 rapids and a
scenic setting. During the spring runoff Spearfish Canyon located
just outside of town also has some short season paddling.
Wyoming also has many places that offer some good water for all
classes of kayakers as well, on the east side of the Big Horns the
areas around Sheridan, Buffalo, Dayton and Story offer class 1-3
paddling along certain areas of the Big and Little Goose, Piney
Creek, Clear Creek and the Tongue River. The west side of the state
has several areas around Cody and the entrance to Yellowstone which
can give kayakers who want class 3-5 rapids a place to play.
White water kayaking is a great way to get out and enjoy natures
surroundings, there is a certain spirituality about being taken
downstream by the force of the water and yet being able to quietly
come upon wildlife in its natural habitat and get the chance to
observe them in their natural surroundings. Being able to see what
millions of years of water flowing thru a canyon creating sheer
cliff walls where the eagles fly or paddling thru a heavily treed
creek creates a timeless sense of tranquility that can’t be found in
any yoga class, book club or self help seminar, it can only be found
outdoors. Sometimes it’s simply being out and enjoying the day or
weekend with friends having some fun.
So the next time you’re looking for an adventure to have in your
Jeep don’t limit yourself to trying to find a trail to go wheeling
on, there are so many destinations and opportunities to enjoy every
season that a Jeep can take you to. Although wheeling in a Jeep is
one of my favorite pastimes I have found that these great vehicles
can provide so much more. So until the next adventure….Happy
wheeling and safe travels.
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