My brother and I are talking about taking a backpacking trip in the Black Elk Wilderness of SD in two weeks. Our plan is to drive straight there (just stopping for gas), camp and hike in the backcountry for 3-4 days, and then drive straight back. We're talking the epitome of social distancing here...the goal is to be out there alone and if we don't see anybody else the whole time we'll be happy.

My concern is I'm not sure what to expect once there, and in between here and there, due to the various states' reactions to the wuhan mess. I know SD never went into lockdown, and I believe the national forest is still open, although all developed campgrounds are closed (not a problem for us). As far as I can tell there are no restrictions on travelling within South Dakota. I know what we are proposing would not have been a problem here in Indiana, even during the lockdown (which has been lifted), as outdoor activities were never restricted, and enforcement was very lax overall.

That said, we also need to go through IL, IA, and NE. Can anybody from any of these states (or SD) speak to the situation there? Are we idiots for even considering this right now (I'd rather not get fined or arrested)? Or is it no big deal, it's still a free country, go forth and enjoy the outdoors?

No idea about the area you're going to but I have heard access to some National Forest are limited by roads/gates not being accessible. The Forest/Wilderness area is fine but some are more difficult to get to are park ou car.

I hike every year in Dolly Sods area of the Monongahela National Forest in WV. They close a gate on a forest service road for winter and open it in April sometime. That gate is currently close. You can still hike the park but getting to the trailheads adds a few miles of hiking and then you left with where to leave you're a car. You can't really leave it at the gates.

I not saying go. Heck sounds like a fun trip. Just do some advanced work and know what your in for.

I don’t see you having any problems through N IL towards Iowa, with an IN plate. There are no road checks or anything, to much to deal with. I would keep scooting until you get to a more open State.

Th main issue is that things are sorta open for you in SD. I think that State is mostly open, Federal properties may be slower to open.

I have a trip to SD mid June, so far still on. Just find a place to park your vehicle that is more on the down low. You will likely have plenty of elbow room.

Iowa never went into official lock down and things are starting to open back up; however, we are now going through several hot spots from meat packing plants in smaller towns. Its not New York or Michigan, but I wouldn't loiter. What interstate(s) would you be taking and would you be planning on staying in any particular area? Its pretty variable here.

Shouldn’t have any issues in Illinois but I should point out that our resident idiot Governor Pritzker has mandated that if you go out in public to anyplace where you can be around other people that a face mask shall be worn. And even though this mandate has no force of law virtually all businesses are making it a requirement to enter their establishments.

So keep that in mind if you need to go into a store, gas station, rest area, etc. Apparently, idiot Pritzker has already said this is going to be in effect until a fucking vaccine is developed.

Typically when I go to SD, we take I-80 to NE 2, and take that NW to the black hills. I've also taken I-80 to I-29 to I-90 and gone across that way. Either way, we're not planning on stopping except for gas...just driving straight through.

No personal experience doing what you plan. That said have you read this?

https://www.travelsouthdakota....black-elk-wilderness

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Originally posted by bald1:
No personal experience doing what you plan. That said have you read this?

https://www.travelsouthdakota....black-elk-wilderness

Yup. I hiked to Black Elk (Harney) peak two years ago, and did a few other shorter day hikes in the area. I really like the area, and my brother was looking for some scenery a little different than what we get here in the eastern midwest, so I suggested the Black Hills. I like the area, and it's a do-able day's drive from here. We're hoping to spend time on some of the more remote trails this trip.

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Originally posted by 92fstech:

quote:

Originally posted by bald1:
No personal experience doing what you plan. That said have you read this?

https://www.travelsouthdakota....black-elk-wilderness

Yup. I hiked to Black Elk (Harney) peak two years ago, and did a few other shorter day hikes in the area. I really like the area, and my brother was looking for some scenery a little different than what we get here in the eastern midwest, so I suggested the Black Hills. I like the area, and it's a do-able day's drive from here. We're hoping to spend time on some of the more remote trails this trip.

Harney Peak provides quite a view. Many here did not favor the renaming of it FWIW.

You might want to consider the Cathedral Spires too.

You will have no issues in Iowa. Our Governor never placed the state into a true "shelter in place", although there was something of a de facto one based on what was closed. Currently 77 of our counties have eased restrictions with the remaining 22 scheduled to follow mid month. The cops will not bother you (I are one).

NE never really went into lock down either. Opening up a lot of places right now. Our county is one of a couple that can’t open things up till May 31st because of a recent uptick in cases. You should be good to go.

If you go up I-29 to go up to I-90 let me know. Meet up for a quick cup of coffee while you are fueling up.

quote:

Originally posted by Largefarva:
Shouldn’t have any issues in Illinois but I should point out that our resident idiot Governor Pritzker has mandated that if you go out in public to anyplace where you can be around other people that a face mask shall be worn. And even though this mandate has no force of law virtually all businesses are making it a requirement to enter their establishments.

So keep that in mind if you need to go into a store, gas station, rest area, etc. Apparently, idiot Pritzker has already said this is going to be in effect until a fucking vaccine is developed.

Plus have all your firearms and ammo separate and locked up tight.

quote:

Originally posted by bald1:
No personal experience doing what you plan. That said have you read this?

https://www.travelsouthdakota....black-elk-wilderness

If you have a valid permit from your state, you can carry in your vehicle in Illinois.

By the way - I am jealous and anxious to get out on the trails myself ! Have fun and enjoy !

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If you go up I-29 to go up to I-90 let me know. Meet up for a quick cup of coffee while you are fueling up.

Thanks I'm not sure which way we're going yet, but if we go that way I may do that!

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Plus have all your firearms and ammo separate and locked up tight.

Thanks...I'm sadly well aware of IL's draconian gun laws. I'm a cop, so covered by LEOSA, but I still try to gas up before I get into IL and not stop till I'm on the other side. Gas tends to be more expensive there, and traffic around Chicago is hell. It's always the worst part of the trip, no matter where the destination is.

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By the way - I am jealous and anxious to get out on the trails myself ! Have fun and enjoy !

I'm pretty excited about it myself. Getting away into the middle of nowhere a few times a year is really how I de-stress and relax. My younger brother had been planning a trip to Europe by himself, had bought tickets and everything, but that got cancelled because of the stupid virus, so when he suggested doing this instead, I was all about it. I really hope it works out. I've got a family vacation with the wife and kids planned for the end of July...we've got campground reservations in the Bighorns in WY....more hiking and fishing on the agenda for that as well. Hopefully things are significantly relaxed by then.