Have you ever visited any of America’s western badlands?  Some of my travels have allowed me the privilege to experience these wonders of nature.

A panoramic view of the Painted Canyon Overlook off of Interstate 94 near Medora, North Dakota and Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Hidden beauty, waiting to be found

Western badlands, ready to be crowned

Nature proclaims its rugged features

Wildlife views from its austere bleachers

Kaleidoscope of creatures around

Falcons, eagles, deer, bison abound

Barren environment, a wasteland

Native tribes nicknaming this “bad land”

Slippery clay gumbo, sinking sand

Fur trappers evade these harsh badlands

Timely erosion unearths treasures

Fossil beds offering up pleasures

Late spring rains transform the quiet view

Green velvet covers buttes, right on cue

Sleeping landscape erupts with color

Prairie flowers dazzle and holler

Brilliant colors reflect morning’s light

Ravines, gullies paint prismatic sights

Another view of the North Dakota badlands.  If one looks closely, there is an American Bison in the center of this photo.

My journeys out West have offered opportunities to visit three of America’s treasured badlands:  Makoshika State Park (near Glendive, Montana), Theodore Roosevelt National Park (near Medora, North Dakota), and Badlands National Park (near Rapid City, South Dakota).

Originally published May, 2020.