Photography

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?! I’ve always thought so and have been curious about this spot on the globe for years. I finally made my way over to it last year. It was wild. Such a bizarre, stunning landscape. And, in my opinion, aptly named.

This was pretty much my first view of it and my jaw just dropped.

It seemed to go on forever.
It was formed in the simplest of ways, really – deposition and erosion. Over millions and millions of years inland seas, rivers and wind all deposited layer after layer of rock, sand and silt. Today many of these layers contain mammalian fossils. Around a half million years ago, the Cheyenne and White rivers began carving their way through the landscape and it continues to erode at a fairly fast rate (geologically speaking, anyway). It’s estimated that the Badlands will have eroded completely in 500,00 years.

Gotta watch out for them rattlers.

One of the cool things about being there is that you can walk down into it and have these beautiful layers of rock surrounding you.

I was there in the Spring so there was more greenery than I expected….

….way more.

Then, of course, there was the wildlife. Big Horn Sheep on the left (these two are youngsters so their horns aren’t quite curled around yet) and on the right, a cute little prairie dog.

But, the biggest thrill for me was seeing bison. I’ve seen them before, but it’s a thrill every time. I just think they’re one of the coolest looking creatures. And, to think, we (humans) almost wiped them out completely.

One last sighting of a bison – as I exited the Park, I looked in my rear view mirror and saw this. Just a bison strolling along, blocking the entrance!
Again, National Park pass – get one! This was an incredible place to be.

10 thoughts on “Badlands National Park, South Dakota”

  5. Good morning, Ziggyseamstress ~

    Although I haven’t met you in person, you may remember I was “introduced” to your blog by way of a very kind and touching comment you left on The Refashionista — when we lost Jillian. I am still missing her and I’m sure you are too.

    I ended up following your blog and now I get to go on all your wonderful “adventures” with your regular readers. I’m really enjoying what you share and I love to see the photos of places I’ve always wanted to see — you seem to have a real eye for what’s interesting and I look forward to every post.

    Thanks for adding fun and interest to a rather gloomy morning here in southern Missouri! I love it here too, but today I needed a little pick-me-up and your trip to the Badlands was just the ticket!!

    Warmly,

    Cathy in Missouri

    P.S. I grew up in Colorado and loved your post on Leadville, too!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi Cathy,
      I am so happy to hear from you! You’ve really touched my heart and brought a tear to my eye. Of course, as you said, I still miss Jillian, as I know you do. How could anyone not miss her? What a constant delight she was. So funny, talented and inspirational.
      I’m thrilled you’re following my blog and I’m happy to bring a little sunshine to a gloomy morning. Thank you soooo much for reaching out. ❤

      Like

      Reply

Leave a comment