Badlands NP
Badlands ND
BADLANDS SUNRISE
A BRIEF SUMMARY OF BADLANDS SUNRISE
"Wonderland of The Bizarre" - was a term used in an online article I read when researching my first visit to Badlands NP in South Dakota. In some ways, this description fits, but in many ways, I found the Badlands to be one of my favorite parks to visit.
This not-so-well know National Park, located in southwestern South Dakota, is filled with countless zebra-striped buttes, sharp pinnacle spires, and colorful rolling hills, which provide fantastic photographic opportunities in every direction.
The Badlands is a large (244,000 acres) national park by area and is made up of 3 separate units. However, most visitors will stay in the North Unit and drive along the Badlands Loop Road (22 miles drive that runs through the heart of the park). The Badlands is a great place to spend several days or a week taking in all the beautiful hikes, pullouts, and scenic overlooks it offers.
Images and location summary by Tim Wier
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DATA POINTS INCLUDED WITH BADLANDS SUNRISE SUMMARY
I would rate the difficulty of this trail to this specific location as a 1 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult) as it was taken 30ft from a pullout on the side of the road. Most photographic locations are easy to modest if you stay along the Badlands Loop Rd (SD - 240). If you travel off the road into the Badlands, the trails can be more difficult.
The main image above was taken a bit after sunrise when I was just driving around looking for a good composition to take advantage of the early morning light.
I came around a bend in the road and happened to look to my right and saw this incredible opportunity. Luckily, there was a pullout along the road to park and set up. I quickly set up my tripod and captured the image before the light changed. The image is pretty straightforward.
After taking the first shot, I moved around a little, looking for different compositions, but the shot just off the side of the road was my favorite. Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good…
When visiting the Badlands, you will use everything from a standard to a medium telephoto lens. When looking at the images I took from my visits; I used lenses ranging from 50mm - 180mm focal lengths. Most shots were taken with 120 - 180mm. If you are going to venture out into the Badlands to shoot, you would want to take a wide-angle zoom.
The above shot was taken with a 105 mm equivalent lens.
2,626 Ft. Elevation
Other Resources Available with Membership
KMZ Trail File
Directions
Best Time of Day to Shoot
Best Time of Year to Shoot
Equipment Needed
Permits Required
Direction of Shot
Google Maps Birds-Eye-View
Number of Photographers to Expect
Cell Service
Overnight Lodging/Camping
Nearby Restaurants
Area Guides and Workshops
Other Resources
LOCATION SUMMARIES WRITTEN BY PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
