The Badlands were a big change from the Black Hills. Less than 100 miles due east the scenery changes from the lush, Ponderosa Pine covered hills to a dry, arid, almost alien moonscape.
We arrived at our campground (Cedar Pass CG) around noon and the temperature was already in the low 90’s.
After setting up we explored the park a little, stopping at the visitors center to get info on hiking. Even though it was brutally hot we did the short Cliff Shelve Trail.
Everywhere you look the views are stunning. But, at least in August, it is hot, hot, hot. We decided to forgo anymore hiking until the next morning when the temperatures would be more reasonable.
The Notch Trail
We had planned to stay for two nights but both because there really aren’t that many trails (we did almost all of them in one afternoon and one morning) and because of the heat we decided to leave after one night.
We were up early (5:15 AM) and making coffee and packing up. We wanted to do the Notch Trail while it was cool(ish). The trail is “not recommended for people with a fear of heights” so it sounded perfect! Roberta was VERY excited.
The trail is less than two miles round trip but the sign warns that it is difficult and can take up to 1.5 hours to complete. We did it in 40 minutes with lots of stops for pictures but it was a lot of fun and…. there was a ladder to climb!
Medicine Root/Castle Trail Loop
After finishing the Notch Trail we headed over to the Medicine Root trail to get in another 5 miles before it got too hot. On the way over we ran into some wildlife.
We did a loop, 2.5 miles out the Medicine Loop trail to Saddle Pass and then back along part of the Castle Trail.
On the way back on the Castle Trail we saw some very strange formations.
After finishing up our hike (and just as it was starting to get hot) we drove out the Badlands Loop Road which has some of the most stunning scenery in the park.
Our Adventures 