I'm going to be hiking in the Black Hills the first week of August, and I just read a note that I should watch out for afternoon t-storms there, similar to the Rockies and such. Is this accurate? I've never read any concern of anyone in any of the trip reports for Harney Peak. I may have to alter my itinerary a bit to accomodate an early-morning hike up Harney instead of an afternoon hike up it. It's fits better in my plans if I can hike it in the afternoon. Anyone have any advice?

I've been there in May, June, and August, and afternoon thunderstorms have been very much a part of the weather. We had some real boomers last May that fouled up our plans.

One storm with gumball-sized hail set off a stampede of 150-200 bison in Custer SP right in front of us; fortunately we were in our car at the time. Quite a sight.

maddie77777 wrote:I'm going to be hiking in the Black Hills the first week of August

I'll be there the SECOND week in August, please disregard my pm and email.

me and hotoven will be there first week of august

me and hotoven would like to try that way. we should hopefully make it out there sometime tues and probally stay wed.

Good times

Did you hit it Doogie?

Yeah! It was intense.

We ended up camping about a mile up the trail. When we got there it was late, and H-O-T so we decided to wait, and just hike a little when it cooled off. Plus with Sturgis Bike Week, all rooms and CG's booked solid. We had an absolutely beautiful (and legal) backcountyr site. It reminded me of the granite spires in Yosemite!
Sylvan Lake was a real treat...plus lotsa biker eye candy there!