Our 4th National Park was Badlands in South Dakota. We had a 5+ hour drive from the previous stop, so when we arrived, we were ready to get out and explore!
We started at the Pinnacles Entrance and drove the Badlands Loop, stopping at several overlooks to check out the view. Brian wanted to get an up close and personal view of the mud, haha. (Those are the RV keys in his hand.)
After driving most of the loop, we chose a couple of hikes, starting with Saddle Pass Trail hike, which was rated moderate/strenuous. It was a short but steep hike with incredible views at the top.
Here they are at the top (I climbed down to take the pic):
This is what it looks like from the bottom, we climbed to that little peak! It was about an hour round trip.
It was a really fun little hike and the perfect way to get acquainted with Badlands. Here are a few more pics from Saddle Pass hike:
After Saddle Pass, we went to Notch Trail, which was another moderate/strenuous rated hike. Overall, it seemed more mild than Saddle Pass, but it was definitely fun!
We saw a bunch of these big horn rams which was really exciting.
The best part of this hike is the ladder! I had seen pictures of it, but it was a lot taller/longer than I expected. Luckily, it was no match for the boys; they climbed it and then descended like champs!
After the ladder, there was more hiking to the end of the trail and the view point.
I really didn’t know what to expect from Badlands National Park, so I was pleasantly surprised by the sheer beauty and colors of the landscape. We had a phenomenal day exploring this beautiful part of South Dakota!
Good morning! You are doing such an amazing job with the blog….pictures are fantastic,
and the descriptions of each day are so interesting. I know how much effort
goes in to this, and we all appreciate it. First thing I do every morning is to look at the blog!
Glad you are all well and having such a “grand” time!
Awww, thanks for sticking with us on our journey! Thanks for reading!