The
scenery in the Badlands is almost indescribable. It is
an area that has a unique, desolate and almost freighting
appearance like a desert or canyon. It is something you
will never forget!
Motorcycle
Road Quality:
The
motorcycle quality of the route is not bad. There are sweeping
turns and graceful climbs and descents. By themselves they
would be nothing to really remember yet because they weave
their way through the Badlands you will enjoy the ride.
Motorcycle
Roadside Amenities:
You
will be driving through the Badlands National Park starting
at the northeast entrance (take exit 131 off of I-90 head
south on Rte. 240). As far as stuff to do off the bike,
for this route you can:
- Visit the Badlands National Park (605-433-5361) Visitor
Center where you can read about the history and geology
of the park that explains its extremely unique and strange
appearance.
- Stop at one of the 13 scenic overlooks along Rte. 240:
Make sure you stop at the Big Badlands Overlook to take
in the best Overlook on Rte. 240
- There are multiple pullover spots where you can find
trail heads to many short trails that lead you to some
unique rock structures and fossil beds.
- The town of Wall (at the end of the route just after
you go past I-90) is the home of the National Grassland
Visitor Center. Even if you are not a big nature person,
this place can be very interesting and has some really
neat exhibits
Directions:
The
directions to and through this drive are - take exit #110,
near the town of Wall (Wall
South Dakota should be your starting point), off of
I-90 and go south on SR-240. Follow that till it comes to
a T with Rt-377 and take a right (or go Southwest from there).
Soon you'll pass through Interior South Dakota and the road
will turn in to Rt-44. Stay on this primarily heading west,
then north west through the towns of Scenic and Farmingdale
and you can take it all the way in to Rapid City and grab
a bite to eat.
Additional
Information:
-
View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo
weather.
Do you have any pictures of this area? Contribute a photo and show other riders what they’ll see along the way.
Have you ever filmed video along this ride or in the area? Contribute the video and show riders what the area looks like.
Comments page 1 of 0
Click here to add a rating and/or comment
Rick and Daisy -
Posted 821 days ago
Just did this motorcycle ride a few weeks ago and wow - what a great ride! Scenery description above doesn't do it justice. Rick and I have never been to such an interestingly beautiful place in the US. Lots of amazing formations to drive through but I was amazed at how soft the surface was (some sort of clay when I thought these were rock formations). What surprised us too was how much pretty prairie land sits beneath these strange formations. Don't miss it if you are in the area!!!
