Badlands National Park, South Dakota @ February 2017 Photo: Huseyin Karadeniz

Badlands…

Badlands National Park is in southwest South Dakota about 65 miles east of Rapid City. With its splendid beauty, appealing landscape, sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires, it is without any doubt one of must-see spots in Dakotas. The park hosts various animals from black-footed ferret, the most endangered land mammal in North America, to bighorn sheep, coyote, elk, bison… During your visit, take an advantage of some of the gorgeous hiking trails, such as “Castle Trail” and follow the footsteps of innumerable people that have taken this route with passion in their hearts, while savoring the breathtaking scenery and creating positive memories in your mind. In the meanwhile, don’t forget to take a look at “Fossil Exhibit Trail” which is located right across “Castle Trailhead”. Keep in mind that driving in the park is pretty much very entertaining. I would also suggest you to take “Sagecreek Rim Road” and stop by at the very first overlook to enjoy one of the most magnificent views that the park offers. (You may also visit Pinnacle Overlook too)

While driving toward the east side of the park, I noticed this astonishing view and asked my friend to pull over. It looked like the nature was giving an unforgettable feast to the eyes of its guests. Once you have your camera with you, usually it feels awful to miss the combination of wonderful lights and superb view which every amateur or professional photographer longs for. However sometimes, if and when you like the moment, you may want to ignore the distraction of the camera. So you just want to stay in the moment, experience it, instead of finding the settings and pushing the shutter button. I sat there without having any tedious thoughts in mind for couple of minutes and watched this fascinating banquet of the colors…