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Southwestern South Dakota

Here's another interesting geological feature we encounter on the tour. These interesting ribbon-like structures frequently form a single, continuous thread that can be traced for miles and miles along the eroding wallface. Scientists theorize they were created when the Rocky Mountains were forming. Plate-tectonics caused the Badlands to literally crack open in places. Volcanic ash, originating from the cataclysmic eruptions to the west, slowly filled the cracks as it fell like snow from a stormy, ash-filled sky. Over time the ash deposits solidified and caused the phenomena we see here today.

After conclusion of the Discovery Tour I decide to do some hiking. My first hike is Notch Trail. It's a short hike but the trail's description within the Badland Visitor's Guide promises a steep climb.

As I hike uphill, evidence of water erosion is everywhere. This small trough helps carry water and silt out of the formations.

A nearby spire. Too much weight on this formation would surely cause it to crumble. In general there is no rock climbing in the Badlands, the formations are just too unstable. That's too bad. If they were hard as granite, the area would certainly be a world-class climbing mecca.

One part of the trail is so steep the Park Service provides a ladder to help traverse upward and over.