Hike the Sacred Steps of Bear Mountain

Bear Mountain or Mathó Pahá as it's called by the Lakota peoples, is the leftover remnants of an ancient volcanic plug. The mountain weathered away, to leave the harder igneous formation, for which plains tribes have been coming to for sacred communication with their Creator for 10,000 years. This place is akin to Uluru in Australia in terms of sacredness. You can feel that the moment you see the mountain in the landscape. With that said, approach this area with the utmost respect for the land, and worshippers who have travelled far to be here.

From Sturgis, head 10 minutes north on route 79. It's $4 a person, or $6 a vehicle at the gate on the way in. You'll drive through a herd of wild Bison, unless they've moved up onto the mountain. Leave them be as well.

From the parking lot, it's a 3.5 mile loop to the summit over narrow switchbacks and ridge trains. It's loose volcanic rock, so watch your footing. You can run the trail up and back in 90 minutes if you want a great workout. In the morning, the mountain is covered in low clouds, making for an epic view at the top as they dissipate late morning. Remember to watch the noise that you're making so as to not disturb those in meditation.

Spend time at the top doing yoga or mediating. If you want to pray, cut a piece of yellow, blue, green, or red cloth and tie to a tree. Say a prayer, and do not disturb other cloths, as each is an important prayer. The colors represent the four quadrants of the Great Compass. This is the best place for meditation in the region, and a short trip from Deadwood and Mount Rushmore.

In Sturgis after the hike is the Knuckle Saloon. The burgers are hot, and go best with a Crow Peak Brewery beer!