Welcome to another day of exploring the Badlands! This time, our journey takes us to the rugged terrains of the Southern Unit of Badlands National Park (A.K.A The Stronghold Unit), where the unexpected becomes the norm, and every corner holds a new surprise. As we set out from Rapid City to Sheep Mountain Table, little did we know that we’d encounter one of the park’s most elusive residents in a game of hide and seek that would leave us both amused and amazed.
The Journey to Sheep Mountain Table
Our adventure began with the drive to the little town of Wall, South Dakota. Famous for Wall Drug. We weren’t here to visit this time, but stopping in before heading into the park is always a good idea. Today, two people are interested in photography of the Badlands: a new friend, Dan, and me. We were a little early and had some time to kill so we made our way directly into the main entrance, greeting the rangers as we arrived. I don’t believe they get a lot of visitors during the winter, so I made sure to stop and pay a visit. I’m glad we did. The conditions over the last few months have been cold, cold, cold.
Today, though, we noticed something interesting. It’s the end of February, and a tinge of green is spread out over large portions of the landscape. Upon looking closer, we noticed the grasses were beginning to grow. Usually, it’s a welcome sight, but not today. We’ve had very little snow this winter; today, the temperature rose to 60 degrees. It seems to be the inverse of last year, and the plant kingdom is awakening early. As we look up close at the grasses, there are hopes of rain in the springtime. If not, we may be in for a year of wildfires.
The Northern Unit of Badlands National Park isn’t our destination. Today, we get to know one another and visit a place we all enjoy. It’s a bit like having the cake before the icing. Our goal is to catch a great sunset and see some wildlife of the Badlands before heading home.
Making our way north to south, we exited the little town of Interior before stopping at Scenic, SD. Here, it’s half ghost town, half failed tourist town, and a sprinkle of interesting residents. Bombing range road begins here, a reminder of the not-so-distant past, when this entire area was used as target practice by the Army in WWII and well into the 1970s. Usually, the name alone is a deterrent for tourists exploring the Badlands.
Soon, a little brown sign on the east side of the road says Sheep Mountain Table. It was just the place we were looking to go to. Sheep Mountain Table is a hidden gem within the Badlands that offers some of the most stunning views of the park. It’s also a place we visit for sunset in the Badlands. The road, rugged and untamed, is yet another reason to turn many visitors back. With a few clouds in the sky, the stage was set for what was to become a beautiful winter evening in the Badlands.
We visited both sides of the table and had to exercise a little patience. Anyone who loves photography of the Badlands knows that it’s about timing, angle, and luck. As the sun began its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple, we were reminded why this spot is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Badlands.
An Unexpected Wildlife Encounter
Just when we thought the evening couldn’t get any more picturesque, nature decided to surprise us. Somehow I can’t make it out of the Southern Unit without pulling the vehicle over to explore on foot. All kinds of toadstools from ancient riverbeds, mounts, and other strange formations dot the land. We get out and begin to walk around these objects, noticing some relics of the past.
Amid the vast landscape, where the eye meets layers of geological history, we stumbled upon a rabbit. It took us a moment to realize that curious eyes were watching us because the rabbit was so expertly camouflaged. It was the desert cottontail, one of the many species of wildlife in the Badlands.
There, in the midst of the Badlands’ strange formations, this little creature reminded us of the park’s essence: a place of survival, adaptability, and unexpected encounters. The rabbit, seemingly aware of its role in this impromptu game of hide and seek, allowed us to glimpse its world before hopping into the wilderness, leaving us with smiles and a story to tell.
The Photo That Almost Wasn’t
In our excitement, we captured a photo of our furry friend, though you might have to squint a bit to spot him in his natural hideout. This image, which you’ll find subtly placed in this post, is a testament to the unexpected wonders that await in the Badlands. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable moments come from the most unanticipated encounters.
Embracing the Unexpected
Our visit to Sheep Mountain Table and the surprise meeting with the rabbit underscore a larger message about travel and exploration: the beauty of finding the unexpected in plain sight. Badlands National Park, with its dramatic landscapes and hidden residents, invites us to look closer, to explore not just with our feet but with our hearts and minds. History and the present come together epically.
So, the next time you wander through the Badlands or any other corner of the world, keep your eyes open for those small, unexpected encounters year-round. You never know what hidden gems you might discover, waiting just out of sight, ready to transform a beautiful view into an unforgettable experience.
Until our next adventure, keep exploring, wondering, and finding joy in the unexpected corners of the world. For more stories of adventure and discovery, stay tuned to Badlands Tour Company!
Please help preserve Badlands National Park by following the “Leave No Trace” practice. We love South Dakota and all of its natural wonders.
