Several South Dakota attractions were on my “must see list”. Deciding to stick to the western part of the state I wanted to visit the Black Hills, a mountain range with forests, waterfalls and the famous Mount Rushmore. Then on to the Badlands National Park to see the rugged terrain and canyons that I had read about.
Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
I entered the state from western North Dakota along highway 85 into the Black Hills. My first scenic roadtrip was through Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway and a stop at the historic Deadwood in the northern park of the hills.
This canyon is a 22 mile route with breathtaking panaoramic views, scenic overlooks and known for it’s beautiful fall foliage. There are three water falls along the Scenic Byway. I was a bit late in the year to see the spectacular colours but I enjoyed the historic drive and walks to see the waterfalls. Deadwood is a city in the area and known for its gold rush history.
South Dakota Weather Warning
Black Hills is an area in western South Dakota and eastern Wyoming. It is an area rich in natural resources providing food, medicine, fuel and materials for manufacturing. This area also has great spiritual significance to local indigenous tribes.
The highest point in the United States east of the Rockies is Black Elk Peak in Custer State Park. As I was arriving at the next attraction on my list, Crazy Horse Monument it began to snow. High on a mountainous road with an unexpected snow storm warning, I was feeling a bit nervous.
I reached Custer after a harrowing drive through a snow blizzard and felt it was becoming unsafe to drive. Finding a safe roadside pullout I decided it was best to stay put for the rest of the day. I wasn’t sure what I would wake up to but I had my heater and was safe for the time being.
Crazy Horse Memorial
The next morning there was still some snow on the ground but the main roads looked pretty good. I headed to Crazy Horse Memorial but the road to the site was not cleared. All I got this trip was a picture from the highway.
Crazy Horse Memorial is a mountain monument that has been under construction since 1948. As of 2022 there was still no timelime for when it would be finished. It is the world’s largest mountain carving at nearly 90 feet with just the head of Crazy Horse completed. When finished it will be 563 feet high and 641 feet wide. It will depict the Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse riding and pointing to his tribal land.
Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore was also nearby but I had visited this famous attraction in 2015 so decided I could miss it on this trip. For those of you that do not know Mount Rushmore is a massive granite sculpture completed in 1941 which depicts four United States presidents. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. The four presidents were chosen to represent the nation’s birth, growth, development and prreservation. It is quite spectacular to learn the history of how it was made.
After more snow warnings I decided that touring the Black Hills would have to be done on another trip. I headed towards Rapid City and the badlands to hopefully warmer weather.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
The Badlands National Park has dramatic landscapes with massive rock formations, deep canyons and towering spires. It got its name from French traders who called it “bad land to travel” and I can definitely see why. As far as you can see there are huge rocks and deep canyons, I cannot image travelling by foot or horse in this terrain.
The badlands also have some of the richest fossil beds in the world. There is wildlife such as bison, big horn sheep and praire dogs living in the massive grassland areas.
When I arrived in the area the first thing I went looking for was a place to park for the night. There were a few sites listed on ioverlander with scenic views but when I arrived these areas were really muddy and windy. I did not want to get stuck or blown away so decided to look for something else.
At the end of Sage Creek Basin Overlook scenic drive, which is the less popular drive in the park was a free campground. The campsite was nothing overly specatular but firstly, I could not beat the price and secondly, the drive into it was stunning. Expansive views with buttes, huge rock masses shaped into cones and grasslands mixed in. I saw a few bison which is always great in my books.
The Next Day
The next morning I drove the Badlands Loop Road which is also Highway 240 through the park. There are several scenic lookouts, lots of differnt trails too walk, a boardwalk to the Fossil Exhibit Trail and stunning views at every turn along the windy road.
It was a cloudy day when I drove through and the shades of brown and red clay of the buttes and spires was gorgeous. I would have loved to see these colours against a bright blue sky, they would be even more stunning I am sure. Anyone driving Highway 90 I suggest do a small detour and travel the Badlands National Park scenic road knowing the couple hours it takes will be so worth it, trust me.
After a visit to the Visitor Center I headed back to Highway 83 along rural Highway 44 to White River where I camped and rested for a few day. Even though the weather was not cooperative during my week in South Dakota I did see some beautiful areas. Next time I will have to plan and explore in the warmer months.