Badlands N.P.
On the western side of grass prairie land of southwestern South Dakota, the buttes, spires, and pinnacles of Badlands National Park jut into the horizon. The national park seems to appear out of nothing and is a popular stop for travelers cruising along Interstate 90. Badlands National Park is known for its significant geological history and extensive fossil collection. more info
The sedimentary rock here is constantly changing due to both wind and water erosion. On average the rock erodes about one inch a year so its jagged towers and deep ravines may seem slightly different if you return in a year. Because rain is infrequent in these parts, when it does rain, water runoff carries loads and loads of sediment away from rock walls. More and more layers of the White River Badland Range are revealed as wind rips through its canyons and water glissades down its steep ravines. These layers are made up of sand, silt, clay, and intermixed with volcanic ash. This location is home to one of the most extensive fossil groupings of mammals that inhabited the area between 23 and 35 million years ago when there was much more water. It is thought that these mammals died in floods and were preserved in sediments that were washed away. The mammals that existed at that time do not exist today but are similar to todays horses, rhinoceros, pigs, cats, as well as various birds and reptiles. These species are quite different from the mule and white-tail deer, bison, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope that visitors frequently spot today in the national park. By researching these fossils paleontologists have been able to determine what types of climates and landscapes existed in this region, which overtime have been preserved within the many layers of Badlands National Park.
For over 11,000 years, Indians have called this land home, taking advantage of its vast hunting opportunities. The Lakota Indians are one of the larger groups that have inhabited the area around the Badlands. They originally found many of the fossils within the park and made the prediction that the area had once been under water.
It is a relatively new national park, established in 1978, but has many short trails and interactive programs for visitors. The longest trail in the park is Castle Trail. It is a relatively flat 10 mile trail and offers hikers and backpackers solitude as it is not highly used. Hikers can enjoy amazing views of the White River Valley while hiking along the 1/2 mile loop of the Cliff Shelf Nature Trail. Backpackers are allowed to pretty much explore where they would like in the backcountry of Badlands National Park but make sure to check out camping regulations. Other activities in the park include horseback riding, biking on paved roads only, and many ranger programs. Interpretive programs in the national park occur during the summer and cover interesting topics like geology, fossils, and the prairie lands. Find out more about these at one of the two visitor centers.
Badlands National Park is easily accessed if traveling on Interstate 90, the most direct route to or from Cody, WY. From I-90, Hwy 240 heads south to the park on Badlands Loop Road. The closest airports are in Rapid City and Sioux Falls.
Badlands N.p., SD Weather
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