2013.06.30 - The Door Trail:
Coming in from Pierre, SD on Highway 240, The Door trail is the first of three originating from the same long parking lot in the Badlands National Park. Named after a break in the Badlands wall, the trail took us into another world. It was a great introduction into the Badlands.
Beware of Rattlesnakes, the sign reads as we start down the boardwalk trail. Which makes sense considering the temperatures the Badlands can reach and the shade and space the boardwalk provides. However, this year, the heat had not quite arrived and the square cubes looked to have green grassy hair blowing in the wind.
The trek to the end of the boardwalk is not long, but the overlooks goes on for miles. Because of our elevation, it feels like we are high off the ground as we look over the Badlands and into another world. We learn that the Oreodonts lived here million of years ago and I wonder if they appreciated their surroundings.
Beware of Rattlesnakes, the sign reads as we start down the boardwalk trail. Which makes sense considering the temperatures the Badlands can reach and the shade and space the boardwalk provides. However, this year, the heat had not quite arrived and the square cubes looked to have green grassy hair blowing in the wind.
The trek to the end of the boardwalk is not long, but the overlooks goes on for miles. Because of our elevation, it feels like we are high off the ground as we look over the Badlands and into another world. We learn that the Oreodonts lived here million of years ago and I wonder if they appreciated their surroundings.
Walking back there are steps that entice one to go beyond the boardwalk. From here yellow posts lead us into another perspective of the Badlands. Between Post # 4 and # 5, it felt like we were walking on the moon. At Post # 8, there is a peep hole into the badlands and just past Post #9, the trail ends. What an amazing excursion.
Trek distance: 0.75 miles
2013.06.30 - The Window Trail:
The second trail is another boardwalk trail and leads to a Window looking out into the Badlands. Here, as well as everywhere in the park, people go off trail and climb the geological formations in search of their own window. Caution needs to be taken as one false step can lead to a fast downhill slide.
At the Window, the wind blows cool air unto the warm land. We admire how the Sun's ray brighten the distant peaks while setting. Looking down we appreciate the safety precautions one needs to take while in the park.
Standing here with the night soon coming, I ponder how different the Badlands must be at night. While we are resting, many residents come out in search of food. I wish I had their night vision, honestly. I am pleased this place is being preserved for them and for us.
Standing here with the night soon coming, I ponder how different the Badlands must be at night. While we are resting, many residents come out in search of food. I wish I had their night vision, honestly. I am pleased this place is being preserved for them and for us.
Trek distance: 0.25 miles
2013.07.01 - The Notch Trail:
After resting for the night at the campgrounds, we take on this highly anticipated trail. Unpaved and filled with loose rocks, I misstep and get my first injury of the trip. A mere scrape, it is nothing to worry about, I am just glad it was not closer to the edge. From here on, I become a bit more sure footed.
After a quarter mile or so, we were entrenched with the surrounding Badlands. At not even 90 degrees, it felt a little warmer for this hot weather man. Maybe I should have brought more water, always bring more water. 
A fun part of the trail is the rope ladder. Using the arch of my feet, I walked straight up most of the way until safety dictated the 'Three points of contact' rule. It is a good rule when a slip would hurt, just remember to always have three points of contact with your surroundings, two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot. Getting to the top is a minor accomplishment. The way down will be interesting.
The next level up is great! While walking we see a line that rides the Badlands, possibly marked by years of draining water. Up here, it also looks like a different planet and we became extra-terrestrial explorers overcoming small obstacles along the trail.
Where the trail ends, an overlook looks over the Cliff Shelf Trail and far beyond. Standing in the 'Notch' of the Badlands, we saw Earthlings, they were close yet far far away. I yelled, 'Hello, World. I come in Peace!'
Where the trail ends, an overlook looks over the Cliff Shelf Trail and far beyond. Standing in the 'Notch' of the Badlands, we saw Earthlings, they were close yet far far away. I yelled, 'Hello, World. I come in Peace!'
Trek distance: 1.5 miles
2013.07.01 - Cliff Shelf Trail:
A 300 foot climb is what the trail head sign advertised with a view of the White River Valley. Turns out this places has been in use for more than 11,000 years. Generations after generations of people have been here with many more to come. I felt pretty small and insignificant while this places is the exact opposite to me.
Looking up we saw where The Notch trail opening and those there seem bigger than usual. Aliens!
A boardwalk and stairs help with the climb. It is amazing what the forces of nature a million years ago created. For one, postcard perfect pictures. Awesome memories is another. At one point, people walked here, found shelter here, today it is an attraction. Very different times.
At the top, we learn how this area is a resource of water in comparison to the rest of the Badlands. This is a popular place for people to camp and beat the heat. I am sure the nice breeze didn't hurt. What more can one ask for?
We passed a survey marker on our decent. Even here people go off trail and to get closer to the Badlands. There is so much to see with and every discovery enhances the experience. It turned out to be the best venue on our Dakotas trip.
Trek distance: 0.50 miles
2013.07.01 - Fossil Exhibit Trail:
Before we left, we came across this trail mainly because of the Earthcache here. As we were starting our trek, a class was underway about the Fossils in the Badlands. This was treat because we got to learn a little more about the animals that lived and died in the area. At one point, there were camels, three-toed horses, oreodonts, antelope-like animals, rhinoceroses, deer-like mammals, rabbits, beavers, land turtles, rodents, and birds. My favorite is the Mesohippus horse that went from three toes to one hoof. Even alligators swam around here at one point, but that really doesn't surprise me considering the temperature.
Trek distance: 0.25 miles
Total Blogged Miles: 100.81. Major achievement to get over 100 miles.
Trek distance: 0.25 miles
Total Blogged Miles: 100.81. Major achievement to get over 100 miles.
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