After overnight thunderstorms lingered in the area, we weren't really sure what to expect for sunrise at Big Badlands Overlook in Badlands National Park. The clouds filtered out most of the red light, leaving us in a bluish twilight for about 30 minutes.
To reach the Big Badlands Overlook from Wall, South Dakota, head east on I-90 for 20 miles to exit 131. After exiting the interstate highway, turn south onto South Dakota route 240. Drive 3.7 miles on SD-240, entering the park and passing the entrance station, before arriving at the overlook parking area on the left. A walkway with a composite surface leads to the actual overlook. Note that the walkway is extremely slippery when wet. We visited in August 2017.
 |
| Big Badlands |
 |
| A closer view |
 |
| Looking southwest at SD-240 |
 |
| More of the Badlands |
 |
| Sunrise? |
 |
| Storm clouds |
 |
| A bit more light on the Badlands |
 |
| Big Badlands again |
 |
| Clouds darkening the landscape |
 |
| Rain in the distance |
 |
| Looking northeast |
 |
| Deep ravines are revealed in the light |
 |
| Clouds above the Castle |
 |
| Upper Prairie and Badlands |
 |
| Steep edges and deep ravines |
 |
| Storm clouds begin to dissipate |
 |
| Rain revitalized the colors of the badlands |
 |
| A photographer sets up a daylight shot |
An entrance fee of $20 admits all the passengers of a single vehicle for seven consecutive days to Badlands National Park. A fee of $10 applies to motorcyclists. Other entrance fee options include a Badlands National Park Annual Pass for $40, an Every Kid in a Park 4th Grade Pass for free, and a variety of America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes providing access to most national park, national forest, and BLM fee areas
- Annual Pass for $80
- Military Pass for free
- Lifetime Senior Pass for $80 or $20 annually for those age 62 and older
- Access Pass for free for visitors with a permanent disability
The park website is
https://www.nps.gov/badl.
No comments:
Post a Comment