Badlands National Park

About Badlands National Park

Founded in 1939 as Badlands National Monument, the area was renamed a national park in 1978 and a national park in 1979. It consists of heavily eroded headlands, tin towers, mixed with protected grassland. The fortification unit is managed jointly with the Oglala Sioux tribe and includes a place of ghost dances from the 1890s. Ferrets - on foot: The Badland Wilderness Area covers 64,000 hectares and is one of the largest wilderness areas in the US and the second largest in North America.

Badlands National Park is the largest national park in the United States and the second largest in North America after Yellowstone Park.

Badlands National Park is located on the western edge of mixed grasslands and prairies and is considered characteristic for its large number of badlands formations. Scientists can study the effects of climate change, climate variability and other environmental factors on soil formation.

Badlands are actually more than 2,500 km long and can be studied by scientists due to their large size and diversity of vegetation types.

With warm and cool planting seasons, grasses efficiently use seasonal trends for seasonal trends. Cool in early season, they grow and reach their maximum growth in the winter months, while the species come alive in the warm season in the hot summer months.

The 56 different grasses found in the badlands are all native and have evolved over millions of years. They are constantly distributed from east to west, dominate low humid areas and decrease in height due to a general decrease in the available humidity.

Strange shapes have been carved into the soft sediments and volcanic ash of the plateau, revealing colorful bands of flat, lying layers. These layers connect the different parts of the scene and contribute immeasurably to the beauty of the scenes. A number of exotic grasses were introduced when settlers migrated to this country.

Geological history is written in the rocks of Badlands National Park as a result of periodic periods of erosion that began when the Rocky Mountains piled up from the west and spread sediment over large parts of the plains. When the buoyancy stopped, the white ash rained down and finished the construction phase, which piled up into heaps several thousand meters deep.

The Oligocene bed is one of the richest vertebrate fossils in the world, although it represents only a short period in the history of the Earth. The region, which is now the White River Badlands, was home to many animal species and the conservation conditions were excellent. Animals, mainly mammals, roamed the floodplains, but many died during the floods and were quickly buried in river sediments. Then as now, this land was lush and harbored many species of birds, reptiles, mammals and amphibians.

A broad regional upswing lifted the country and initiated the erosion that created the badlands. The White River has eroded the so-called "wall" of the Badlands, a 1,000-mile stretch of land between the Colorado River and the Missouri River.

Numerous small streams and gullies broke through the steep wall and finally created the topography of the badlands. The Lakota, who are based on traditional Indian knowledge of the area, have found fossilized bones, petrified tanks and turtle shells. It is rightly assumed that the area was once submerged and that the bones came from living things that no longer exist.

Paleontological interest in the area began in the 1840s, and fossils were occasionally collected. In 1843, a fossilized fragment of jaw collected by Alexander Culbertson of the American Fur Company found its way to a St. Louis physician named Dr. Hiram A. Prout. He published an article on the jaw in the American Journal of Science in 1846, claiming that it came from a creature he called
Paleotherium. Trappers and traders regularly traveled from Fort Pierre to Fort Peck along the path that runs through Badlands National Park.

Shortly after their publication, the White River Badlands became a popular fossil hunting area. In the 1870s, Yale professor O.C. Marsh visited the region and developed a method to extract fossils and assemble them into almost complete skeletons. Within a few decades, numerous new fossil species were discovered in the badlands of the White River. By the end of the 20th century, 84 different species had been discovered, most of them from the area.

In the late 19th century, scientists and institutions around the world benefited from the fossil resources of the White River Badlands. From 1899 to the present day, the South Dakota School of Mines has sent people there almost every year and remains the largest private mining company in the USA. The fossils of animals, plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians and other animals have helped to paint a picture of life on Earth millions of years ago.

Homeowners and fossil hunters have also left their mark on the country, and the Stronghold District of Badlands National Park offers more scenic loss and spectacular views. Co - managed by the U.S.

Geological Survey, the South Dakota Department of Natural Resources and the South Dakota School of Mines, this 133,300-acre area is also steeped in history. Tells the story of the White River Badland and its role in the development of America's fossil resources.

The area also includes the Badlands National Monument, which covers 337 acres and is home to the U.S. Geological Survey and the South Dakota Department of Natural Resources. The land was extensively used as an air, air and ground base from 1942 to 1945. In the course of the war efforts, the US Air Force (USAF) took over this shooting range, which was extensively used by the country as an air, air and ground base. This remote and sparsely populated area is reminiscent of a more recent role that these remote, sparsely populated areas have played in US history.

The targets were 55-gallon barrels painted light yellow, ploughed into the ground in the shape of a porthole two meters in diameter and used by bombers for target bombing. Precision drills were also common, and the target was a 55-gallon barrel painted in bright red and yellow.

During the war, part of the bombing was used by the South Dakota National Guard as artillery positions. In 1968, the USAF declared most of that route a surplus area, and today the ground is littered with discarded shells and unexploded ordnance.

The Sage Creek Campground is a free facility and reservations are not accepted. The availability of campsites is based on the principle of "first come, first served" with a limited number of pitches per reservation and at least two per campsite.

While there is no pit toilet for visitors, some campsites have running water and are often used by riders. When driving on Sage Creek Rim Road, it is recommended that vehicles have a high ground clearance on the uneven road surface. The campsite is located about 1.5 miles from the entrance to Badlands National Park.

Since only the castle path deviates far from the main road, most backpackers make their own way through the park, and fires are allowed. Backpackers can camp anywhere in Badlands National Park, even if it is not visible from park roads and is only a few miles from Sage Creek Rim Road and the entrance to Badland Park.

Topographic maps are highly recommended, but not essential, and a car leaves the primitive campsite and follows Sage Creek into the wilderness. In the north, the ideal backpacker is ideal for backpackers if you follow the Sage Creek Rim Road from the entrance to Badlands National Park to the campsites.

This largely undeveloped area of the park is a rugged and isolated landscape, but well-developed roads allow access to deep fortifications. Elsewhere in the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, the Stronghold and Palmer Creek Units offer variety in the topography of the Badlands.

The best time to camp is autumn, the warmest time of the year, but also the driest and wettest. April and May can be rainy, although storms are possible all year round, so always bring rain gear and extra clothing. In the summer months, the days are generally pleasant, with only a few short periods of heavy rain and snow.

Q There can be serious health risks, so drink water and avoid heat illness and don't stay out in the sun after noon. Be aware of the dangers of sunburn and heat stroke, as well as other health risks such as dehydration and high blood pressure.

Hot summer weather is often interrupted by severe thunderstorms with heavy hail and lightning. If you are caught in a sudden storm, seek shelter from strong winds and avoid exposed areas where lightning can strike. Only the most hardened hikers undertake backpacker tours in winter, and only in extreme weather conditions.

The weather is at best unpredictable, but some days can be sunny, with temperatures around 30 degrees, and at worst cloudy and rainy.

Combined with strong winds, severe winter temperatures make it difficult for the unprepared to survive in the hinterland. Hypothermia is a very real threat, and after a sudden snowstorm, the mercury can occasionally drop well below zero. Winter holidaymakers should speak to a ranger before leaving, especially during the coldest months of the year, as the risk of frostbite is high.

From April to the end of October, air-conditioned huts and catering are offered, as well as a gift shop, toilets and a public telephone.

A fossil path from the parking lot leads through windows and doors, and there is water at the picnic area at Cedar Pass Campground, south of the park entrance. Picnic tables are available at Cedar Pass Campgrounds and picnic areas are also set up at Journey Overlook and Conata Road.

Remember that open campfires are allowed as well as open fireplaces and campsite fireplaces.

First, this path runs parallel to the steep badland formations and along the east side of the Badlands National Park.

This 0.8 km long circular trail winds through a wooded prairie oasis surrounded by parched badlands. Walkers walk through small trees - shady areas and use promenades and stairs to protect sensitive resources. This not - very - used castle path offers the opportunity to enjoy solitude and wildlife observation. The trail leads about 200 feet high and is located on the east side of Badlands National Park on a steep hill, about 1,500 feet above sea level.

The view over the White River Valley is incomparable, with views of the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains and the Black Hills of South Dakota.

The parking lot is small and does not have space for long vehicles or trailers, so good hiking boots are recommended. From the window of the car park door, the Door Trail penetrates through a gap in the Badlands Wall, known as the "Door," which has been wildly eroded by the desert. The first 150 metres of the trail lead along an even more rugged footpath, which then leads 300 metres long on yellow markings through rough terrain. It starts at the entrance to the White River Valley on the west side of Badland Park and starts in a small parking lot just outside the park entrance.

During the summer months, naturalists give lectures on the park's rich fossil history, and under the clear dome are fossils of the now-extinct creatures that once inhabited the badlands. The trail is within walking distance and is located just outside the entrance to the White River Valley on the west side of Badland Park.

The 2.4 km round trip is not recommended for fear of heights, but those who do will be rewarded with a fantastic view of the White River Valley from the top of Notch Cliff Shelf. The trail requires sturdy hiking boots and starts at the foot of the notched rocks and then leads to the ledge above. It winds through the gorge and offers hikers the opportunity to climb up a steep ladder and then down a ledge on the other side.

Hats and sunglasses are also recommended, as well as a good pair of hiking shoes and a hat or sunglasses for the best view of the gorge.

The path starts in the middle of the parking lot in front of the door - to the window and leads to a natural window on the Badlands Wall, which overlooks the elaborately eroded gorge. The Sattelpass path is connected to the Sattelpass path, which stretches for 2.5 km from the entrance to the park. It is the longest trail in Badland National Park and the only one of its kind in North America.

Cycling is allowed on the Sattelpass path from the parking lot to the entrance to Badlands National Park. Bicycles are allowed in the mixed area, which is slightly impaired by cycling. The terrain in the Badland National Park, the terrain of the park is not allowed due to its high altitude and the high altitude differences.

The badlands are over a century old and very fragile, centuries old and still very vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and landslides.

Bike racks are available at Cedar Pass Lodge and selected trailheads, as well as at the trailhead in the parking lot of Badlands National Park.

For safety, you should wear a helmet and appropriate clothing, and depending on the season, you will need sunglasses, cap, sunscreen and gloves. Water is only available in the visitor centre in the park, so take plenty of water with you at this time of year.

There are no cycle lanes and all park roads are extremely cautious, so check the road conditions before driving. Gravel and gravel roads can be extremely muddy and often impassable, causing serious damage to your vehicle.

Recreational and agricultural vehicles are on the roads, especially in the summer months, and motorists will not pay attention to cyclists.

There are two ways to become a Junior Ranger in Badlands National Park, and the first is to join the official "Junior Ranger" program during the summer season (June to August). The activities and themes of the daily summer program vary according to the ranger who composes the program. At the end of each programme, participants will receive a certificate of completion and an identification card with their name, address and telephone number, as well as a copy of their application.

Check the park newspaper for program items and locations and visit the Cedar Pass Contact Station to learn more about the Junior Ranger program and other activities.

A potential junior ranger must fill out a form, participate in one of the many ranger programs offered daily in the summer, and watch a video about the park such as "Buried Prairie" and "Living Prairie" and other activities. These ranger run programs are aimed at visitors of all ages and are free for the public. A Junior Ranger booklet is available at the Cedar Pass Contact Station and Badlands National Park.

Another possibility is to carry out the necessary activities and return the finished booklet to the park. The finished booklet can be returned to a contact station, and rangers will check and monitor your work, issue you with an ID, check in and check in, return your booklet and ID, and ready.

Badlands National Park 2 can also be reached from the main entrance of the park or from one of the contact points in the area.

Highway 240 (Badlands Loop Road) can be reached from Rapid City, South Dakota, or from Sioux Falls, North Dakota. Highway 44 west of Rapid City offers an alternative scenic route into the park.

Planes from both cities and Sioux Falls have an airport with several daily flights.

Buses and tourists provide access to Badlands National Park and the Rapid City, South Dakota, and Sioux Falls, North Dakota area.