Sundance, WY, September 11, 2024 — The Black Hills National Forest is hosting its final Moon Walk for the season on Saturday, September 14, at 7:00 p.m. at Cook Lake Recreation Area near Sundance, Wyoming.
Cook Lake’s recreational origins stem from when the first dam was constructed in the 1940s, but the site had long ago hosted one of a series of small lakes and ponds that were situated like a string of pearls along the Beaver Creek drainage. The current lake and dam are situated adjacent to one of the most recent and active landslides in the area and one which is being continuously monitored for safety. This guided hike will talk about the area’s special geology, why it is continuously in motion, and how and why the monitoring system was put in place.
To reach Cook Lake Recreation Area travel on I-90 and take exit 199. Follow WY-111 N for approx. 4.5 miles. Turn left/west onto Farrall County Rd, continue onto Taylor’s Eastward County Rd. Stay on this road for approx. 6 miles. Turn right into Cook Lake Recreation 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. Late season night hikes often provide great opportunities for pictures of the full moon. Participants are also encouraged to bring their cameras for some night-time images of the natural scenery.
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 at each event for $5.00 each. 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.
Learn more about the Black Hills National Forest Moon Walk program.
Caption: The Black Hills National Forest has hosted Moon
Walks for nearly 25 years.
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