N O T C H   T R A I L

Badlands National Park
Southwestern South Dakota

This ribbon-like structure was formed by plate-tectonics. These structures are running all over the hiking trail.

On my way back to the trailhead I decide to do a little climbing off trail. The first photo shows my pathway up through a formation. The second photo shows a downward view of the path I climbed up. I climb as far as I can but I'm stopped by the vertical surfaces. It's just as well, I'm hiking alone, plus climbing steep, unstable surfaces is a really stupid idea.

Back at the trailhead and across the road I discover this castle-like formation. It's probably about 30 feet tall.

This hike was a very unique experience for me, never had I hiked through geography quite like this. The formations along the trail are incredible. I especially liked hiking off-trail and exploring the formation's deep folds and fissures that were well hidden from the main trail. Too bad I'm running low on film, I wish I could have taken more pictures.

I rate my hike of Notch Trail 4.5 thumbs-up out of a possible 5 thumbs.