We really enjoyed this extensive park, at first glance seemingly desolate, but actually full of life and beauty with a great history. Located in southwestern South Dakota, it is very close to other NPS sites and excellent state parks as well.
We hiked on three trails in the park. The Fossil and the Castle trails were the most scenic. We drove several miles on the loop road with a long stop at Robert’s prairie dog town. Super interesting to watch these cute-at-a-distance critters. We also saw bison, mountain goats, and pronghorn. There was a small area near the campground where water was trapped and the birds were abundant.
We camped in the park at Cedar Pass in the National Park. No services but decent older style where the loop road widens to create a campsite. This kind of site is tight for the larger rigs and slideouts of current RV’s but was not an issue for us.
Our stop here included two visits to the infamous Wall Drug for their 5 cent coffee in a real cup with real cream (and donut - additional charge). We visited the nearby NP Minute Man Missile site. See under Minute Man in South Dakota.
Cadillac’s Viewpoint: There were a lot of minor antlered animals and they clearly looked to me for leadership but a bit too dry and remote for me. The donuts were a plus. Cadillac’s Elevation 2.5 Antlers
Rugged and stunning country
Is anything more iconic than two vultures on a cliff in the Badlands?
Teaching the kids how to hide with her warnings.
Barely visible on the right side near the bottom is a young women counting the Dogs, she was with six other people.
Big Horn Sheep
Waiting for the light
Waiting for sunset
Handy sign when you come to a cliff and see no more trail.
Wall Ddrug coffee and donut