Good Problem

“I have this good problem in that I need to take some time off of work in April. I would like to do a short (3-4 day) backpacking trip but I am not sure where to go. I live where Iowa meets South Dakota and anything within a days drive is an option. I've been thinking Colorado but I'm not sure what the conditions would be like in April. I'm still fairly new and would be a little shy of wintery-type conditions. Any suggestions? Thanks!”

“The Black Hills are gorgeous!!”

“Hmmmm... I thought of the Black Hills. What should I expect from the weather?”

“I've worked up in the Black Hills in April. You could get anything from 60 degrees to a howling Blizzard. You might go around on the southeastern side of the Hills over by Custer and Hot Springs where it's drier and warmer than the north side. we camped at a State campground there once and went caving. But there's a lot of trails in the National forest as well as Custer State Park. Drive to Rapid City and take hwy 79 south and cut over to Custer. That'd be your best bet for good weather!”

“Try this link!
Custer State Forest Maps”

“Thanks for the link aero! The black hills are a great idea!”

“BLACK HILLS!
Harney Peak area!”

“The black hills dude!!!!

8)”

“Thanks all, that sounds great. Just found out the friend I'm trying to drag with me can't go till May. But I don't know if I can wait that long... I'm having this bizarre craving-type-thing that feels like if I don't get on a trail soon I might implode. Is that normal?”

“GO! What is more important, backpacking or having a friend with you? If you wait for people to go with you, you may never go.

Have a good time.”

“I've figured out the solution. I go now by myself...and then again later with friend!”