Sunday morning and we are headed another 150 miles West to Badlands National Park, South Dakota. Arrival at the gate brings a pleasant surprise when the woman announces it is National Park Week and that all admissions fees to all parks are waived for the week! Wahoo, nothing makes a great day even better =) Driving along the main loop road into the park you are immediately struck by a beautiful display of massive, striped rock structures. A quick stop at the visitors center for a map and 20 minute video on the history of the Indians and buffalo who once roamed the great plains.
The deserted parking lot is a good sign and we head off for a quick juant up the Notch trail, eyes peeled for wildlife including rabbits, rattlers, deer, big horned sheep, prarie dogs an
d a variety of birds. We werent disappointed, deer around the first bend. We were amazed at how soft the rock itself was. More like hardened clay that crumbled under your feet. Areas of mud and other areas that looked like they hadn't seen water for a decade. Cool temps and a neverending wind made hiking comfortable. We later decided a longer 6 mile loop was in order, 3 hours later and only one other person on the trail. Unbelievable!
d a variety of birds. We werent disappointed, deer around the first bend. We were amazed at how soft the rock itself was. More like hardened clay that crumbled under your feet. Areas of mud and other areas that looked like they hadn't seen water for a decade. Cool temps and a neverending wind made hiking comfortable. We later decided a longer 6 mile loop was in order, 3 hours later and only one other person on the trail. Unbelievable!After deeming the campground windy and waterless, we decide to continue up the loop road and hit a campground in the town of Wall for the night. The loop road was spectacular, with endless views of the vast prarie
s and rock formations. We hit a few photo points and kept our eyes peeled for wildlife. Prarie dogs were numerous and we even got the opportunity to see some big horned sheep! Despite the steep grades and winding roads, the Bullet Train performed beautifully and got us safely to the far side of the park.
s and rock formations. We hit a few photo points and kept our eyes peeled for wildlife. Prarie dogs were numerous and we even got the opportunity to see some big horned sheep! Despite the steep grades and winding roads, the Bullet Train performed beautifully and got us safely to the far side of the park. 
Did you go to Wall Drug? With about 1500 sings and free water it is worth a look.
ReplyDeleteRead my most recent post about Wall Drug... They also have 5 cent coffee.
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