Although reluctant to share, I absolutely enjoy visiting this area. June through August are it's most popular season for visitors. There's a bathroom and base camp available at the start of the trailhead. What goods you pack in with you must go out with you. There is no access to dumping trash. It's a 2.5 mile hike to the first lake. It inclines all the way up. You are treated with beautiful back country views, met with several switch backs before reaching the first lake. There are 3 lakes and past the 3rd lake you are able to hike up to the top towards the cliff rocks where you can see the view down the lakes where ot loops back down to the 2nd lake. I have not hiked up that part, but I hear it's challenging, so be sure to have good hiking shoes. Based off my experience, the hike up to the lakes is dog friendly and baby carrying friendly. Fishing is also available as they refill the lakes every year.

This was an easy access over night stay for my family to be able to drive to Mt. Rushmore the following morning.