Exploring Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park is most definitely an underrated rated National Park based on the number of visitors it gets each year, but that just means you and I get to enjoy it that much more in peace! Badlands National Park has one of the coolest unique landscapes we have seen thus far in our journey!
Vast Grasslands Around Badlands National Park
For pretty much most of the drive to Badlands National Park we were wondering…sooo, when exactly does the landscape start to change? The entire area is surrounded by vast grasslands that seem to be endless in nature. It is no wonder that many people driving through the area don’t think much to explore the nearby AMAZING Badlands National Park.
However, once you make that turn through Wall, SD it becomes quite evident that not only is this place really special…it almost seems like you landed on a totally different planet.
The Many Overlooks of Badlands National Park
Honestly, most of Badlands National Park is a road with incredible overlooks down into the ever-eroding canyons below. None of the photos we put in here can really do it justice just how amazing this area is. No, there are towering mountains around visitors of the park, but the unique landscape really took our breath away.
We entered in through the Pinnacles Entrance which IMMEDIATELY opens up to an amazing canyon below driving just down the road from the Badlands National Park gate. We honestly didn’t do nearly enough research before heading into the park, but decided to start off towards the visitor center. Turns out, Badlands National Park is absolutely HUGE.
It took us quite a long time to get to the visitor center from Pinnacles Entrance and honestly the only thing we were battling was the urge to stop at every overlook along the way. There were certainly people visiting Badlands National Park along with us, but traffic was never really an issue at all.
Abundant Wildlife
Although we didn’t hit up many trails while visiting, we still got to see TONS of wildlife throughout the area. The first thing we noticed when heading into the park were the Bison off in the distance (please keep your distance) in the grasslands. Once entering the more jagged terrain, Big Horned Sheep were there to greet us and baaaaa at us. Those things can actually be quite loud, not going to lie.
I don’t see any photos Deanna took of any Prairie dogs, but they were actually EVERYWHERE. Kind of surprised we didn’t end up running over one accidentally as they really have taken over many parts of Badlands National Park. Although they are cute, I’m sure glad they aren’t destroying any land I own! (Then again we don’t own any land currently).
EVEN MORE VISTAS
All of the photos above were on the way to the visitor center on the east side of Badlands National Park. I have no idea how many overlooks there were, but if one is absolutely crowded, just head to next one and park there instead. Some are more impressive than others, but all of them have unique views that are photo worthy.
Trail Numero Uno – Window Trail
We had Blaze (our dog) with us, so we couldn’t take him on any trails while we were visiting. So we just hit up a couple shorter trails along our visit…but honestly the visit still took most of the day just with two short trails.
This .25 mile trail is just north of the Park Headquarters on the east side of Badlands National Park. It boasts an epic view of the muddy canyon below once making your way down the trail. One thing to note, is that although there are nice marked trails with boardwalks…there were A TON of people heading off on their own paths. I did hop off the path myself, although if you do that be sure to watch out for wildlife such as Rattlesnakes. They do have plenty of signs in the area warning of their presence.
Trail # 2 – Fossil Exhibit Trail
I don’t see any photos of this particular trail that Deanna took, but this was also a very short .25 mile trail (this one a loop). There was a ranger nearby that helped explain some of the history of the area and evidence points to this area being under water at one point in time.
It is crazy to think that alligators once roamed this desert like muddy landscape that it is today. Turns out a lot of things can change in 75 million years though. A few jobs changes, diet changes, and the earth may just change a sea to a desert in its spare time.
Tips and Extra Info
I recommend bringing plenty of water in this area, but they do have a lodging area near the east visitor center that does have a camp store and dining restaurant if you forget. There is also very little to no shade throughout all of Badlands National Park, so be sure to keep that in mind as you enjoy your visit.
The terrain is truly a bunch of muddy mountains (especially after a recent rain) so bring some footwear with some traction that you don’t mind getting some packed on mud. Also watch your step as you climb any sort of incline as you may end up sliding around a bit on your adventures.
Bonus Tip: Coffee at Wall Drug is more that 5 cents. How about that for FALSE advertising! It was only 35 cents though, so I didn’t sue. 🙂
OTHER “NEARBY” ADVENTURES
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Favorite Hike at Rocky Mountain National Park
Alluvial Fan Rocky Mountain National Park
NOTE FROM WRITER
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Also be sure to check out Deanna’s food blog, The Harvest Skillet, when you get the chance! A lot of awesome and healthy recipes to use there!
Adventure On!
