Blue Cat’s summers always include an epic road trip, mixing camping and hiking with visits to some of America’s iconic locations. This year’s South Dakota road trip included 4 days exploring Badlands National Park and the neighboring town of Wall. Buckle your seatbelts for a journey that involved intense heat, stars and satellites, quick-moving storms, the resulting mud, and a close encounter with the rarest of all beasts, the illusive jackalope.
The Heat Hits Hard: Camping in 105 Degrees
Blue Cat got to his campsite at about 5pm – and it was still over 100 degrees (105 to be exact). Since none of the campsites at Badlands have shade, the main concern was protection from the sun. Even though his tent has a large vestibule, the rainfly cuts down airflow, so he decided to put up a canopy instead over the front of the tent. A little less privacy than Blue Cat likes, but a lot more air – and shade. This was a great choice until night 2 – but for the first night it was a great idea.
Stars, Satellites, and Surprises in the Night Sky
Badlands is almost a certified Dark Sky Park, so the nighttime stargazing was great. The lack of clouds that made it so hot during the day was a real boon at night, and the rangers knew it: they hosted ranger-led astronomy programs every evening.
The program Blue Cat attended included telescopes to see a double star up close, a tour of the constellations, and a glorious view of the Milky Way. Blue Cat also spotted a Starlink satellite train and a rare satellite flare – things he can’t see from his (light-polluted) neighborhood. And all part of what you get when you camp at Badlands National Park.
The Notch Trail: Rope Ladders and Sharp Drop-Offs in Badlands National Park
There are a lot of trails to hike at Badlands, and the one Blue Cat almost didn’t make was the Notch Trail. Why? Because the park guide description was “moderate to strenuous” (as you can imagine, being crocheted limits Blue Cat’s stamina and upper body strength) and “not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights” (which describes Blue Cat to a tee).
The trail features a “rope ladder” and a narrow cliffside walk with steep drop-offs – not something a novice like Blue Cat sees as practical (or safe). But he braved the ladder (more like logs connected by heavy metal cable) and the narrow clifftop walk, and was only “mostly” out of breath by the time he got to the top. The view was spectacular, and Blue Cat got the pleasure of pushing past his so-called limits. One of the most thrilling hikes in Badlands National Park.
When the Skies Open – Thunderstorms at 2 A.M.
That night Blue Cat awoke at 2 am with the sounds of thunder, a stiff breeze, and the hint of rain. Camping in storms is always exciting, but remember that Blue Cat only had his mesh tent top between him and the sky. His first thought was to run for the car – and his second thought was that the waterproof floor of his tent, so great at keeping out ground water, would also keep any rainwater inside to soak his sleeping bag. Time for the rainfly!
Here’s a tip for camping at Badlands (or anywhere storms can roll in fast): practice putting your tent up (and down) before your trip. Luckily, Blue Cat had practiced, and with help from his family, the rainfly was on in under 10 minutes. (Pro tip – get reflective guy lines so you can see them during a stormy night.)
Blue Cat Slips Up: Mud, Mishaps, and One Very Dirty Blue Cat
The storm cooled the park down into the 80s, but it also created some mud – slippery, sticky mud over the packed earth. The rangers warned, “let the ground dry a few hours before hiking.” Did Blue Cat listen? No.
On the first trail, his scribe couldn’t get traction on the slope and ended up sliding down on his front – muddy from head to toe, while Blue Cat stayed safely on the backpack. There may have been some chuckling.
But the real disaster came later on a flat trail with just an 8-inch-wide stream of water. It looked harmless, but the film of water concealed slick mud over loose dirt. One step later, Blue Cat’s scribe landed flat on his back — perfectly aligned with the stream, maximizing the mud. And this time Blue Cat shared in the mess.
Cool Relief: Visitor Center, Fossil Lab, and the Lodge
Salvation came in the form of air conditioning and running water. The Ben Reifel Visitor Center had sinks, a gift shop, a small museum, and the working Fossil Preparation Lab. Blue Cat loved watching paleontologists clean and study fossils under cameras that projected their work in real-time. And yes — he confirmed the fossil lab has excellent air conditioning.
The park lodge (operated by a contractor) was another welcome stop. With a camp store, souvenirs, and a restaurant that served surprisingly good food despite the park’s remoteness, it was the perfect place to cool off. Blue Cat especially enjoyed the flatbread taco.
The Town of Wall: Jackalopes and Tourist Oddities
Blue Cat also made it to Wall Drug, the tourist stop turned attraction. With shops, a café, and even an 80-foot brontosaurus, it was quirky but crowded. Instead, he ate at the Red Rock Restaurant & Lounge, where he was treated to broasted chicken.
Right next door was Dahl’s Chainsaw Art Studio, where massive wooden sculptures (including mythical creatures) are carved from tree trunks. There, Blue Cat met the largest jackalope statue he had ever seen.
In Conclusion: “Badlands – A Place to Sweat, Slip, and Stare at the Stars”
Blue Cat left the Badlands with sore stitches, dusty paws, and a strong suspicion that jackalopes might just be real. It’s a land where the absurd and the beautiful collide: scorching days, sudden storms, starry skies, and muddy missteps. Overall, a great place to visit if you’re a crocheted cat or an ordinary human.
Blue Cat’s Tips for Visiting Badlands National Park
For those planning their own adventure, Blue Cat stitched together a few tips:
- Check the expected weather before choosing dates – 105° days might not be your style.
- Don’t miss the ranger presentations – the stargazing program is a must.
- Carry plenty of water – outside the campsites and visitor center, refills are scarce.
- Bring your own shade – there are no shaded campsites.
- Be ready for sudden Plains storms – practice putting up your rainfly fast.
- Believe the rangers about mud – a half-inch of it can send you flying.
- Try things that seem intimidating – the Notch Trail is worth the nerves.
(c) William P Doyle, 2025
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