Badlands National Park

From Drop Box

Badlands National Park

If you are one of thousands of Americans who drives across Interstate 90 each year, it is time to stop ignoring the signs and finally take the exit for Badlands National Park. When coming from the north, the Badlands appear suddenly and necessitate a pinch in order to make sure you not dreaming that you are roaming the planets from Star Wars. The erosional formations here jut from the desolate land and seem to be unlivable. If you stop, look, and listen, however, the ecosystem will quickly reveal itself to you. The more time spent here the stronger the desire becomes to explore the incredible Badlands of South Dakota.

If You Go:
-Coming from the West on I-90, drop down through Wall and take HWY240 down to the Pinnacles Entrance. If you have an extra hour, or are coming at sunset or sunrise, take Sage Creek Rim Road for 10 or so miles and enjoy the picturesque colors and shapes off in the distance to the East. Enjoy the colors and sounds of a summer storm rolling through the prairie.

-Heading back East on Badlands Loop, enjoy the many overlooks and take the time for a few small hikes. Saddle Pass is a short, steep hike that will earn you a breathless overlook of the plains and badlands.

-Continue on the loop and discover the visitor center, with plentiful information and history. Also, never go to a National Park without taking advantage of a park ranger! They are a wealth of information and love to discuss their passion for the parks.

-Exit the park at the Northeast Entrance and before you head back on I-90 enjoy the short trails and even climb a few of the structures. Don’t forget water and sunscreen!

-If you are camping here, I recommend the Sage Creek Campground. Although there is no running water, the seclusion and location in between the prairie and badlands allows for a relaxing and intimate (with nature, that is) camping experience. If that was not convincing enough, it is free to camp here!

My Experience:

I came through Wall, SD and had to stop at world famous Wall Drug. There are enough billboards on the way to convince you it is the right thing to do. I drove the Sage Creek Rim Road at dusk and enjoyed a severe storm miles off in the distance. I set up camp at the secluded campground near the dried river. It is a very peaceful place. I woke up around 3 am to a howling pack of coyotes. I decided to get out of the tent, and caught a glimpse of a bright orange full moon amongst thousands of bright stars.

The next morning I woke up early and drove through the Badlands Loop road. Usually I don’t like to stop at all the overlooks, but here it was necessary. Also, there were a few small hikes that allowed you a sense of the structures and just how difficult it would be (or is) for anything to live here year round. The sun was blazing hot and about a mile into a 4 mile hike suddenly a rainstorm came. I have never experienced rain drops like these. I ran back to my car, not before getting drenched.

On the way out of the park I stopped at a visitor center and learned a bit of history. I was shocked to find out nomadic mammoth hunters, Native American tribes, and even some early American Pioneers settled here for extended periods of time. As shown by the fossils of mammoths, turtles, and numerous other animals, this place was not meant to support life for too long.

I left the park and hopped back on I-90, where the land was flat and corn fields started popping up. I couldn’t believe that behind me was a landscape and ecosystem so randomly located, so vast and unimaginable. Bottom line, the Badlands are worth a visit for a night and a day or two.

From Drop Box