We had a great time in the Badlands. First of all, it was our first National Park of the trip, so it will always have that! Second, it’s one of the only parks that literally allows you to go anywhere. Hiking and climbing is encouraged, and not just on the trail. Our two monkeys took full advantage!
There is something spectacular about driving over the plains of mid South Dakota, and coming upon this desolate place… As our cousin Vincent said “it’s like the surface of the moon”. Weather was beautiful, park rangers were friendly, and scenery incredible.
Sun setting on our first day. This was a quick hike in the area just north of our campground, just killing time waiting for our ranger program to start (Black-footed ferrets)
Kat working on the junior ranger program book.
Kane working hard on his Junior Ranger program. The kids really love getting their badges or patches.
“Who Pooped” Ranger program… with real samples (in ziplocks)
A little “high desert” vegetation managed to grow here. Some really pretty little flowers here and there.
Requisite “sign” pic… we’re trying to get most of these that we can. Really nice visitor center, and fun junior ranger program.
Ladder required during the notch trail climb. Kat did great. Kane found another way down.
These kids are SOOO happy when we are outside exploring.
This sign was top of mind for Kat the rest of the hike… it really left an impression on her.
Kane wanted to pull over the jeep to take a pick of this valley. We ended up climbing up on a pretty steep hill to get this shot.
Mountain goats hanging out across a small canyon from southern lookout.
Kids taking photos and videos of prairie dog… unbelievably close. (see Kane’s video in another post)
Kat using DS and Kane using Sony Bloggie to capture prairie dog in Badlands, South Dakota.
I love this picture of the kids chasing down the prairie dogs with cameras. They are so excited to see any type of wildlife, and to be able to document their trip!
