Summary
Only a month from summer solstice, the Sage Creek Wilderness of Badlands National Park feels frigid and inhospitable. But after an hour of pushing west along the edge of the Badlands Wall, a sharply eroded bank of pinnacles, spires and buttes that defines this corner of South Dakota, an amazingly welcoming image emerges to the north: Deer Haven, a lush area of vegetated uplands that ranks as the most popular backcountry destination in the park.
If there's one Badlands National Park backcountry destination that's easy to reach, it's Deer Haven, a wide plateau of grass and sage that hangs beneath a crescent of sandstone pinnacles that bears an uncanny resemblance to the Magic Kingdom at Disney World.ON FOOT: From the trailhead, head vaguely south around the foothills of the Badlands Wall. After rounding these rock formations, head west for a couple of kilometres, keep the Wall to your right. The unmistakable greenspace known as Deer Haven will emerge to the north after you pass several small drainages and jump an old barbed-wire fence. Finally, simply head north to Deer Haven, passing under or around another old wire fence that extends across the drainage entrance. The ascent to your destination is about 70 metres. There are no formal campsites on top but plenty of flat, grassy surfaces for tents. All the views are spectacular.See the full content of this document
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Badlands Oasis
Grassy plateau in South Dakota national park a stunning backcountry destination
11Ravens are having trouble flying. Tumbleweeds -- the real deal, made up of what appear to be desiccated sage bushes -- are spinning across...See the full content of this document
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