Nancy and I recently discovered the Badlands, South Dakota. During a business trip to South Dakota, Nancy and I decided to take a road trip into the Badlands and we are sure happy that we did!
Did You Know
The Badlands, South Dakota is one of over 400 parks in the National Park system. Here, you can find many hiking trails which are easy to moderately difficult. Most park roads are paved, however, they are steep in places. Always use caution, many unpaved roads may be slippery in the winter or during thunderstorms.
Many travelers come to the Badlands National Park for many different reasons. Some travelers are lured by the unusual rock formations. Some travel here for the camping, photograph wildlife, or search for many different bird species or flowers.
Nancy and I enjoyed a relaxing scenic drive through the Badlands National Park. The landscape scenic views were simply awesome. We quickly fell in love with our new encounter at the Badlands National Park.
The Amazing Badlands Wilderness Area
Are you looking for a wilderness area? The Badlands Wilderness Area is approximately 64,000 acres. This area includes the Badlands Loop Road with scenic overlooks, trail heads, and Cedar Pass.
As discussed early there is much to do in the Badlands. When driving through the Badlands Loop Road, you will find many amazing overlooks and signage explaining the landscape. You can take a walk on a self-guiding trail, set off cross-country with a backpack, or attend a summer evening amphitheater program.
Remember to bring your binoculars! If you are lucky, you may spot bison or pronghorn grazing, spot a coyote stalking rodents, or simply catch a glimpse of bighorn sheep delicately picking their way across a steep slope.
During our most enjoyable travels through the Badlands, Nancy and I had many exciting photograph opportunities. Once again, use caution and do not approach these wild animals. The photographs will be a great family lifetime vacation keepsake.
More than one million visitors come to the Badlands National Park each year. It is important to follow a few simple rules to preserve the park’s wonders. Your care and thoughtfulness will help preserve the park for you and future generations.
Good Reasons To Respect This Beautiful Park
Be advised that all plants, animals, rocks, minerals, and fossils within the Badlands National Park are protected by federal law. You may observe, photograph, and admire everything you see. Please do not collect, pick, or disturb anything you find here.
Do not feed the wildlife. They can become dependent on human food and lose their ability to provide for themselves. Please respect the animals way of life.
Remember, seeing Bison up close, which you will most likely do, may be a new and exciting experience but it is also extremely dangerous. This is not a zoo. The animals are wild-and they can attack. Never approach a bison. The bison can run faster than 30 miles per hour.
Important Badlands Hiking Tips
Are you considering a Badlands hike? Hikers must be aware that there are Rattlesnakes, spiders, and stinging insects which live here. You should carry maps, a compass, extra clothing, and lots of water. There is no potable water in the back country.
The sun is extremely strong here. You will find it very strong in the winter months as well. Be sure to use sunscreen and wear a hat. The Badlands rock is soft and rockfalls are common. Admire the rock formations at a distance and do not climb on them. Again, simply be respectful.
An Amazing South Dakota Destination
In closing, we were absolutely thrilled that we took the time to experience the Badlands National Park. Stay awhile if you can, and let the Badlands reveal themselves to you. The so-called emptiness of the plains is full of ancient life. Here, eagles hunt, wings outstretched over grasslands which seem to go on forever.
Above all, you will experience a sense of quietness, with the near absence of human noise. Approached with curiosity and care, the Badlands will provide you with endless pleasure and fascinations. Simply discover and enjoy this South Dakota treasure.
For more information, visit the Badlands National Park website @ https://www.nps.gov/bad/index.htm
Looking for other beautiful USA National Parks? Click here to learn more about South Dakota Beautiful Places and the amazing Utah Arches National Park:
https://lifeoftheemptynesters.com/2018/11/05/epic-arches-national-park/
You are so awesome! I do not suppose I have read through anything like that before.
So great to discover somebody with some genuine thoughts
on this subject. Really.. thanks for starting this up. This site is
one thing that is needed on the internet, someone with a bit of originality!
Thanks so much for commenting! Nancy and I always do our best to publish quality blog articles for our worldwide readers. Here at Life Of The Empty Nesters, we currently have 130 countries worldwide who visit our website. Best Regards and Happy Travels!!
It’s very effortless to find out any matter on net as compared to textbooks, as I found this article at this site.
Great to hear Chau. Nancy and I will continue to publish informative worldwide travel blog articles for all of our travel lovers around the world. We enjoy sharing all of our experiences and beautiful destinations with the world. Happy Travels!!
I was extremely pleased to find this web site.
I need to to thank you for your time due to this wonderful read!!
I definitely savored every bit of it and i also have you book marked to check
out new stuff in your blog.
Welcome to Life Of The Empty Nesters Latanya. We are thrilled you are pleased with our website and blog articles. Soon, we will be sharing Florida, USA travel blog articles with you and all of our readers.
Follow us at the following social media channels: Facebook Life Of The Empty Nesters, Instagram Life Of The Empty Nesters, Twitter LifeNesters and YouTube LifeOfTheEmptyNesters.
Happy Travels!!