The Amazing Badlands
I admittedly didn’t know what to expect of the Badlands. I read enough to know there were some short trails that we could take, but that most of the exploration would be in the car driving and stopping at overlooks. I knew it would likely be hot as well. Although I did not anticipate 107 degrees. We took no proper hikes, just 5-10 minute stints out of the car to check things out or for a photo or two. The kids got out twice, for very short walks, but man that heat just zapped us. We plowed through the water we brought with us despite not being out of the car much.
Despite all of that…this was an outstanding adventure. The kids really loved that first trek out of the car, the first 5-7 minutes, before they realized it was too hot to exist. We climbed up the hill a bit, but then scampered back down - to the comfort of the AC in the car for the kids, me with my camera trying to figure out how to photograph this insane landscape.
The second 10 minute jaunt out of the car was for an interpretive “trail” - with lots of facts about the fossils that have been found here. A little science for the little Walters. Then more “PULL OVER!” from the resident photographer.
But just as we were losing them completely, the animals starting showing up as we moved into the prairie lands. The big horn sheep. Then the prairie dogs - oh the prairie dogs. Nothing has made my kids happier than these little weasel cousins - popping up and chattering to alert the rest of the hundreds that there were humans afoot! And finally the coup de grase - the old bison bull. Just slowly limping along on the side of the road. He was a magnificent creature, and so very close (to my photographer friends: all I have is a 135, and it is not zoomed, he is close!).
We left with two very happy children, saying they loved this park and that they want to rename it greatlands or animallands…anything but “bad” lands because it was awesome.
