Stop At: Sheep Mountain Table Road, South Dakota
Sheep Mountain Table is located on the border of the North and South Unit of Badlands National Park. Sheep Mountain Table Road is a dirt road that is not in great repair . . . but our 4x4 Jeeps can handle it. This road begins just a short distance from the ghost town Scenic. We drive the 5 miles up to the top of the table and stop at an overlook which at one time was a US bombing range observation post.
The landscape around this Table was only recently cleared of unexploded ordinances. Fantastic views that not many get to see.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Scenic, Scenic, South Dakota
Once upon a time upcoming railroad stop - hotels, banks and bars . . . now an empty ghost town.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Sage Creek Wilderness Area, South Dakota
This is a less traveled area of Badlands National Park with unusual scenery and wildlife such as bighorn sheep, bison, black-footed ferrets and prairie dogs. This area is one of the oldest in the Park and most of the badlands formations have eroded away, and the underlying Cretaceous sediments are more suitable for soil development for the grasslands. Because of this and the Sage Creek running through it, you will find wildlife. Bison, sheep, antelope, deer and more (this is the water hole). The roads are less developed but no problem for our Jeep Gladiators.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Roberts Prairie Dog Town, Sage Creek Rim Road, South Dakota
First we stop at the Sage Creek Overlook, looking back at the path we have just traveled . . . many think this is the best of all the Park views.
We then stop to view the largest prairie-dog town in the accessible areas of Badlands National Park. Other than the mounds of dirt where the prairie dogs have made their homes, the first thing you will likely notice is the high-pitched squeaks and noises coming from the Prairie dogs. Prairie dogs provide habitat for approximately 200 animal and plant species, so keep your eyes open for other wildlife at this pulloff.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Pinnacles Overlook, Vista Point, South Dakota
This is the highest overlook on the Badlands Loop Road, and it offers some of the most panoramic views. This view displays the expanse of the Sage Creek Wilderness area from which you just came. On clear days, the Black Hills are visible on the horizon. Bison might be visible in the distance. This overlook is also a popular spot for Bighorn sheep to gather. This is also a lambing area for Bighorn sheep in late April to early May, so it’s not unusual to see lambs traversing the rocky slopes of the Badlands.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Yellow Mounds Overlook, Badlands Loop Road, South Dakota
These strangely colored mounds are the result of an ancient sea draining away and the chemicals from decaying plants turning the soil yellow. They make for a great photo opportunity.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Fossil Exhibit Trail, South Dakota
The Fossil Exhibit Trail is a fully accessible boardwalk featuring fossil replicas and exhibits of extinct creatures that once lived in the area. Just .25 miles long the trail takes you past 75 million years of history and the animals that once inhabited this land.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Ben Reifel Visitor Center, Cedar Pass Badlands Loop Road Hwy 240, South Dakota
This is the main facility in the North Unit of the park. You can talk with rangers, explore museum exhibits, check out the Fossil Preparation Lab and there is time to visit the Badlands Natural History Association bookstore.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Wall Drug, 510 Main Street, Wall, South Dakota 57790
Wall Drug has grown from its humble beginnings in 1931 to a thriving oasis. Many road-worn travelers stop at Wall Drug and leave awake and refreshed, just like they did more than 80 years ago. It wasn't always a thriving business but today it attracts 2 million visitors each year.
Duration: 15 minutes
