Moon walk with mountain goats

The Black Hills National Forest will conduct its first Moon Walk of the year on Saturday, June 22 at 7 p.m. The activity will start at the Spearfish Canyon public parking area, located at the mouth of the canyon.

Please join Black Hills National Forest staff for a Moon “Drive” through Spearfish Canyon to learn more about the wildlife you may see, specifically on a cliff edge or foraging along the byway. Mountain goats are charismatic creatures, photogenic and fun to watch.

They are also wild animals that will protect themselves if they feel threatened. This Moon Walk program will focus on how to safely enjoy wildlife without creating problems for them, yourself and others.

The program will begin with a presentation at the mouth of the canyon, followed by a drive through the canyon to Spearfish Canyon Lodge. We will reconvene in the parking lot behind the Lodge to share our experience and discuss how to make the drive safer and more enjoyable for all.

To reach the Spearfish Canyon public parking area from Spearfish, SD, travel 1.2 miles south on US-14A (Spearfish Canyon). Turn right into the parking area. Event signs will also be posted to help guide participants to the parking area.

Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars, flashlights, water and bug repellant and dress for cooler evening temperatures. Long pants and sturdy footwear (hiking boots or athletic shoes) are recommended for your comfort and safety while hiking on uneven terrain. Please arrive early to aid in parking vehicles.

The program may be canceled unexpectedly due to unforeseen reasons such as lightning, high fire danger, wildfire, and other safety reasons beyond control. The program will not be canceled due to rain unless lightning is spotted.

If the Moon Walk is canceled in advance due to severe weather forecasted, the notice of cancelation will be placed on the Black Hills National Forest Facebook and Twitter pages. The public is encouraged to check online before heading out to the event.

The Black Hills National Forest, in partnership with Black Hills Parks & Forests Association (BHPFA), is offering Moon Walk Collector’s Pins for sale at each event. The sale of lapel pins supports the interpretive and educational efforts across the Forest.

The Moon Walk Programs are supported by BHPFA through financial assistance and staffing. BHPFA is a non- profit partner with the U.S. Forest Service.