Friendship Tower, Deadwood, SD

On our last trip home we made a plan to hike the Friendship Tower with some of our family members. Nestled in the hills above Deadwood, SD the 1 mile balloon loop features panoramic views of the surrounding area. The tower was built in 1919 by the Society of the Black Hills Pioneers at the the insistence Seth Bullock. It was the first monument dedicated to President Theodore Roosevelt following his death earlier that year. Roosevelt and Bullock first met when Roosevelt and his entourage passed through Bullocks property somewhere near the Belle Fourche River Valley. Bullock chose the spot for the tower because this piece of land can be seen from the top of the tower. Two months after the dedication of the tower Bullock passed away. At his request his gravesite sits above Mount Moriah; high enough so that he has a view of Mount Roosevelt.

The trail begins on the northwest side of the parking lot, a wooden sign marks the path. I would rate this as an easy hike suitable for almost everyone. My sister, who has cerebral palsy, did this hike along with a 2, 4 and 8 year old. At the split we took the southern trail, this is actually the more difficult route. Along this part of the trail are views of Custer Peak, Deer Mountain and Terry Peak. Upon reaching the tower make sure you take the side trail to the observation deck. From this vantage point you can see the northern range lands where Bullock and Roosevelt first met, as well as, Spearfish Peak. Take the northern trail down for a magnificent view of Bear Butte. I have done this hike numerous times and it never gets old. Although it is a short, easy hike the history and views keep brining me back.