Everyone in South Dakota is familiar with Badlands National Park, and most of us have visited at least once. But here's a more remote part of the park that you might have missed. If you're looking to get far away from people and be surrounded by prairie, big sky and lots of wildlife, this is the place to be.
Take Sage Creek Road to access the Sage Creek Wilderness Area. It's a dirt road, but most cars can handle it just fine, as long as it hasn't rained hard recently.
You'll see fields of sunflowers alongside the road...
...and you'll wind through some of the prettiest country in South Dakota on this road.
If you really want to get out into nature, take a three-day backpacking trip. You can make a 22-mile loop. Backpacker.com has created a backpacking trip with full directions. Check it out.
Or, plan a camping trip. The Sage Creek Campground is accessible right off Sage Creek Road. The best part? It's free to camp here! The Park Service notes that this campground is rarely filled to capacity.
Take a five minute walk from the campground and you'll find pretty Sage Creek, with its grassy banks.
Keep an eye out for wildlife during your visit.
Herds of bison roam this country, and they are everywhere.
In fact, you might find yourself getting a little more up close and personal with the wildlife than you'd planned!
You'll likely see some bighorn sheep during your visit, too.
Prairie dog towns are sprinkled throughout this wilderness area. Is there anything more adorable than a prairie dog?
Snakes live on this prairie as well. Most are non-venomous, but you should watch for rattlesnakes.
If you're looking for peace and solitude, this is the place to find it.
The sunset is gorgeous here.
Have you ever camped or backpacked in the Sage Creek Wilderness Area? Tell us what you thought about the experience.
Are you ready for a really cool hike? Take a look at this trail!
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