Leaving the Bison & Badlands National Park Behind

Rainbow rocks in Badlands National Park.

The Black Hills treated us well. We discovered new trails and hiked throughout the Black Elk Wilderness, where mountain goats, bears, elk, deer, coyotes, and mountain lions roam freely—and safely. At the same time, we were close to Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park (more on this remarkable place soon).

At this time of year, when hardly anything is open, it was the perfect time for us to be in the Black Hills. After all, we aren’t your usual tourists, choosing the quieter corners of nature during the shoulder hours between night and day when we have a better chance of encountering wildlife.