Continuing west we spent two days in South Dakota travelling through the Badlands, Custer State Park, and Spearfish Canyon.
Badlands National Park spans over 240,000 acres of rugged terrain and dramatic landscapes. Known for its sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires, the park offers an awe-inspiring vista at every turn. Surrounded by sprawling grasslands, this destination feels both otherworldly and profoundly connected to nature. Badlands National Park is not just a haven for breathtaking landscapes; it’s also a paleontological goldmine. The park’s eroded cliffs uncover a rich array of fossils, including ancient mammals like rhinoceroses and sabretooth cats.
Badlands Loop Road: Driving this road is the park’s most popular activity going through the north unit – it provides stops to get out and explore the major highlights and trails.
We explored a few standout sites:
- Panorama Point: Offers sweeping views of the vast landscape.
- Yellow Mounds Overlook: Features colorful geological formations that are a photographer’s dream. (YES)
- Fossil Show Trail: Provides a glimpse into the past with fossil displays.
- Door, Window and Notch Trails: These three short hikes, give you an overall sense of the terrain.
- Pinnacles Overlook: Is a scenic overlook on the west side of the park offers one of the best views of that area.
Custer State Park:
One of the few remaining wild places in the country. An area of tall pines, rolling hills, grasslands, and massive granite spires. You can see bison from the Wildlife Loop Road. We experienced pigtail bridges, views of Mount Rushmore, tunnels and giant granite formations from The Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, a 70 mile loop via the Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway.
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
The 20-mile byway follows the pine and spruce-covered banks of Spearfish Creek. Highlighted by Bridal Veil Falls.
Travelling Photographer 