Centennial Trail (SD) Day 4: Miles 41-61

On the Fourth Day

The Slog

Stepping off at 6:45, we were still exhausted from our day previous. And yet, we decided to save a more hefty meal for later, and just eat cheesy trail mix for breakfast… The first section to Flume (5.5 miles) has something like 1200 ft elevation gain. And even still, we pushed 3 miles (500 ft elevation) further to just past Dakota Point in hopes of finding a spigot at Sheridan Lake Campground. It was a 2 mph average pace for the entirety, 4:15 without much of a break. We did see some incredible views from the highest point on the trail (5833 ft.) At one point we thought we were there and took a selfie, but proceeded to keep walking uphill so we had a good laugh there. 

The guidebook said there wasn’t actually water at the campground, so I had planned to run the 1.5 miles to the Marina to fill up. The good news is that there was a spigot at the campsite. There was a tunnel under the road that we could shield ourselves from the new rain and make an actual meal. We proceeded to rest for almost an hour and a half. 

Better Times

The following stretch to Brush Creek (6.5 miles, 1100 ft elevation) was lovely. There was a trail sign lying down, so we took another wrong turn up an ATV trail right before Twin Sisters Peaks. Fortunately, we didn’t end up with too much additional elevation, the weather was nice, and the views were incredible. It was a physically demanding stretch but we were happy after the refuel, so it felt fast.

The last 5 to Rapid creek were also nice. It was a super steady hill (500 ft elevation) over 2 miles, plus 3 of downhill. This was quite easy on the legs for me. Arriving to the creek, it just looked too appealing not to get in (not so for Abby.) This was especially true after a day that was entirely too sweaty. This water, however, was far colder than any of the lakes we had passed up till this point. As a Washingtonian, I was impressed with that temp mid August. 

We set up camp directly at the trailhead. There was a 50/50 chance we were supposed to be hit by a huge thunderstorm. Some projections showed it going North of us, others showed right on top for 8 hours. It ended up only hitting us from around midnight to 4 AM, but it was quite the light-show, and very loud. 

When we thought we were at the highest point on the trail, proceeded to keep hiking upwards

The view without us in it

The actual highest point. Missed opportunity to recreate our selfie from earlier.

All downhill form here!

First views of Sheridan Lake at the top of switchbacks

Lake!

Views from a cool bridge, but so tired

Secret tunnel! This was a much needed resting point

Wrong turn by Twin Sisters!

Beautiful view because of a wrong turn!

Tunnel of flowers <3

A swim in frigid water to end the day!