On our last day of vacation out in the Black Hills, we took a day trip to the Badlands National Park.
Right after we entered the park we noticed this group of Bighorn Sheep along a cliff.
A male and female Bighorn
A tagged Bighorn female and an untagged female
Our first overlook of the Badlands upon arrival.
This female Bighorn didn't mind Matthew getting a little closer to take a photo of her.
More "valleys" in the Badlands.
There were many overlooks like this one to take in...
The panoramic feature on the digital camera that I had with me was perfect for capturing landscapes in the Badlands like this one.
Matt getting a little too close to the edge for my liking..
Spectacular views like nothing we've ever seen!
Driving through the Badlands felt like being on another planet.
Geological forces of deposition and erosion over the years left behind sediments, giving the Badlands different layers of color like these.
The different sediment deposits can clearly be seen here.
A lone bison roaming the flat ranges of the Badlands.
A scenic drive through the lands.
A formation by the Ben Reifel Visitor Center
Ben Reifel Visitor Center
Volcanic Ash deposited over 30 million years ago contributed in the formations like this one.
Panoramic views of the rugged spires and deep canyons.
A lot of trail head's were near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Before we took our trip out west, I had read about the Notch Trail in the Badlands. The trail was noted to be strenuous, which included a climb up a steep wooden ladder. It also noted that it was not recommended for those with a fear of heights. I decided to challenge myself by choosing to take this hike first. I snapped this shot of Matthew shortly after we began the trail.
A macro shot of the side of a rock formation in the Badlands.
Cactus in the Badlands
Views from the Notch Trail
Matthew examining the loose rock and its contents while hiking.
Beginning up the wooden ladder on the Notch trail. I thought it was no where near as scary as I thought it was going to be!
Nearing the top
I did it!
Matthew's turn up the ladder.
View from the top of the ladder.
A view of the ladder we climbed, from a distance.
More interesting rock formations. By this point we began to feel like we were on Mars. Ha!
A little cubby hole we squeezed into to snap a photo along the trail.
Even Matthew at 6'5 was able to fit in here!
Matthew pondering...something.
The end of the Notch Trail offers a spectacular view of the valley below.
A zoomed in view of a formation in the valley below.
Matthew enjoying the view.
An unusual formation made over time....
More views from the Badlands Loop drive.
Miles of canyons!
A panoramic view of a formation taken in black and white.
A deep canyon along the Door Trail.
Part of the Door Trail.
More views in Black and White.
Nearing our exit from the park. One more opportunity for a snapshot by an overlook.
Just before leaving, we came along a large herd of bison crossing the road in front of us. We took a few shots of a bison or two before leaving the park.
A buffalo looking out along the landscape.
Part of the herd that crossed in front of us.
