Going to Rapid City from Sioux Falls area (Spearfish: ski resorts, cabin) - South Dakota (SD) - City-Data Forum

Chris19 · 12-03-2007, 11:16 PM

I guess than Danny Banany and I are going opposite directions. I am heading to Rapid City for the weekend and will leave Friday and be there until Sunday. Is Spearfish Canyon still nice to drive through currently? How is Mt. Rushmore and Badlands for activity? I will try to make it through those areas during the daytime. I understand that there is less snow there than in the eastern two-thirds of the state.

For those in the Hills, what is being said about the weather this weekend?

traveler73 · 12-04-2007, 02:52 AM

There is no snow on the ground to speak of in much of the hills right now because for the last couple days the weather has been very mild.

Check NOAA's National Weather Service for weather updates as they can change from hour-to-hour.

There is a chance for light snow later in the week and into Saturday, and not as warm with highs only in the mid 30s.

DannyBanany · 12-04-2007, 07:28 AM

Spearfish Canyon is always a beautiful drive, but there aren't any leaves on the trees this time of year, so it won't be as dramatic as it is in the fall. The only place with snow right now is the ski resorts and maybe the summit of Harney Peak. Today it's supposed to be 55-60 degrees in Rapid City, but very windy. Looks like it will cool down this weekend and probably snow.

Drive Safe!

Chris19 · 12-04-2007, 10:50 AM

Danny,

Does the snow this weekend appear to be heavy or severe from what you have heard? If it is a mild event, I do not forsee it being a huge issue.

DannyBanany · 12-04-2007, 07:24 PM

Doesn't seem to be too severe, however it is much more difficult to predict that far ahead in Rapid City than it is East River. Keep an eye on the forecast and you should be fine. At least it's Interstate the whole way. So, what brings you "Out West"?

KOTA Territory NewsWeather

Chris19 · 12-04-2007, 10:55 PM

I am heading out the Wild West to see Mt. Rushmore, Badlands, and to get away for the weekend. If the snow stays on the mild side, the trip will cure my cabin fever. I have two vacation days to use up. I have a mid-sized sedan that handles the snow well and demonstrated that this week (although I am very cautious on snow and ice). Thanks for the tips, Danny.