The Badlands and Yellowstone National Park are two of nature’s wonders, both offering unparalleled natural beauty and adventure. While Yellowstone is the world’s first national park, the Badlands have been designated a national park in 2019. Although both locations share many similarities in terms of attractions, they differ widely in terms of location. How far are the Badlands from Yellowstone National Park?
The Badlands are located in South Dakota, while Yellowstone National Park is located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Specifically, the Badlands is located south of Wall, South Dakota, and Yellowstone National Park is located in Northwestern Wyoming. Measured from Badlands National Park to Yellowstone’s southern entrance, the two locations are 605 miles apart, nearly a 10 hour drive without stops.
The two landscapes feature unique geological features. The Badlands is composed of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the large, mixed-grass prairie and stunning vistas. It is well-known for its fossil beds and long events of erosion and climate that created the dramatic cliff formations. Yellowstone, situated on a high plateau, is known for its geothermal features such as the world-famous Old Faithful geyser, and its spectacular waterfalls.
Wildlife abounds at both locations. The Badlands contain diverse habitats for rare and endangered wildlife, such as bobcats, badgers, and prairie dogs. Bison, elk, bighorn sheep, and bears are also commonly seen. At Yellowstone, wildlife watching opportunities abound, from the herds of bison that roam the park to the grizzly bears that can often be seen near riverside areas.
Visitor activities differ for the two parks. At the Badlands, visitors can explore the terrain on foot along the various trails, or take at guided tour. There are also multiple scenic drives through the park, to enjoy the many views from the comfort of a vehicle. Yellowstone offers similar activities, like guided tours and hikes, but emphasizes the geothermal attractions, for which there are various ranger-led programs.
The Badlands and Yellowstone National Park are two amazing national parks with many similarities and differences in terms of location, geology, wildlife, and activities. While the Badlands and Yellowstone are 605 miles apart in distance, the memories of visiting either of these beautiful locations will stay in the hearts of travelers forever.
Famous Landmarks in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is full of natural, American-style famous landmarks that make a great draw for tourists near and far. From Old Faithful Geyser and its spectacular show, to the vast Mammoth Hot Springs and their towers of travertine, to the towering Cascade and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, these are only some of what the park has to offer. The views from these points are remarkable due to their extreme magnitude and beauty. The inspiring wildlife of the park, such as the herds of bison, can also be spotted from these famous sites, making the experience that much more special.
The Yellowstone Grand Canyon is another of the park’s iconic features. It is a 30-mile-long canyon, with a depth of up to 2,000 feet, and features the Yellowstone River at its base as it passes through the park. This is one of the world’s largest canyons, and its varied colors and walls are truly a sight to behold. The canyon’s southern border is also home to an abundance of wildlife, making wildlife viewing an exciting activity here.
The park’s many hot springs and geysers are also world-renowned features that are a must-see. These hydrothermal features are created by the movement of magma below the surface. They can come in the form of hot springs, mud pots, or geysers, and some of the most well-known geysers include Old Faithful, Castle, Daisy, and Giantess Geyser.
Yellowstone National Park truly offers a little bit of everything. From the beautiful wildlife and geysers, to the sheer scale of the canyon and majestic waterfalls, these features make Yellowstone one of the most famous landmarks in the United States.
Types of Accommodation in Yellowstone
The landscape at Yellowstone National Park makes it a perfect destination for an unforgettable trip or vacation. But with its vastness and beauty, a trip to Yellowstone can require a lot of planning. One of these considerations is finding a place to stay. Whether you’re looking for a campground, cabin, lodge, or hotel, there are plenty of accommodations to fit any budget and style.
Camping is one of the most popular ways to experience Yellowstone. The park contains 12 campgrounds (six of which take reservations) with around 2,000 individual sites. During peak season, these campgrounds fill up quickly, so it’s best to book ahead of time. Campgrounds are also equipped with drinking water and bathrooms with flush toilets.
Cabins are also available to rent throughout the park and its surrounding areas. These are perfect for those looking to experience the park on a more luxurious level. These cabins come in different sizes and most cabins include basic amenities such as heating, air conditioning, kitchens, and bathrooms. These cabins usually come with an additional fee.
Lodging is available throughout Yellowstone in the form of lodges and hotels. Most of these are available within the park itself, such as Old Faithful Inn and Yellowstone Canyon Lodge and Cabins, or near the park such as Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Yellowstone Gateway Hotel. Hotels and lodges usually come with amenities such as dining, laundry, swimming pools, and Internet access.
Yellowstone National Park has many different accommodations to choose from, no matter what sort of experience you’re looking for. Whether you’re seeking the camping experience, a cabin in the woods, or a hotel in the city, Yellowstone has something to offer.
Types of Wildlife in Yellowstone
Yellowtsone National Park is home to North America’s most diverse wildlife. From wolves to bison, birds to lions, and bears to bighorn sheep, the park’s rich and varied habitats provide homes for many of the continent’s most spectacular animal species. Yellowstone is also home to one of the United States’ greatest fish populations; five species of trout and numerous other fish species reside in the park’s lakes, rivers, and streams.
Bison are by far the park’s most iconic species, and you’d be hard-pressed not to spot a few of these majestic animals during a visit to Yellowstone. Not to be outdone, elk and pronghorn antelope are also common sightseers, often seen grazing in the valley bottoms of the park, especially in the winter months. Bighorn sheep are also fairly common in Yellowstone, known to dotted the cliffsides in search of food. The park also plays host to one of the few remaining grizzly bear populations in the contiguous United States.
Though Yellowstone’s large mammals tend to get the most attention, the park’s many smaller mammals are just as plentiful. Mule deer, bobcat, and gray wolves are all present, as are beavers and numerous species of rodents. What’s more, there are six different species of bats living in the park, who can be spotted flying around in late summer evenings.
In addition to mammals, the park’s bird population is also quite varied. Large birds of prey such as golden and bald eagles can be spotted, along with a healthy population of ospreys, swans, and numerous songbirds such as the common raven.
No visit to Yellowstone would be complete without a glimpse of one of its magnificent wildlife species. Whether you’re lucky enough to spot a bear, or catch a glimpse of an elk in the distant hills, Yellowstone is sure to provide a wildlife experience like no other.
Hiking Trails in Yellowstone
There are numerous hiking trails throughout Yellowstone National Park, ranging from short day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips. All of these trails provide stunning views and opportunities to experience some of the park’s iconic wildlife. With a wide range of terrains, from the lowland valleys to the towering peaks of the Absaroka Range, there’s no shortage of breathtaking sights.
Little Firehole Trail is a great option for those looking for a short, easy hike. This short, two mile loop provides numerous views of the geothermal features around Firehole River. The loop also passes by the Black Salamander Pool, a deep pool of highly concentrated sulfuric acid.
The North Rim Trail is a great option for those looking for a longer hike in Yellowstone. This nine-mile stretch of trail winds along the north rim of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, with highlights along the trail being the Tower Falls, Undine Falls, and the Brink of the Lower Falls trail. This trail offers both breathtaking views and opportunities for wildlife
