The Black Hills and Badlands region of South Dakota is a uniquely diverse and geologically rich area that holds immense natural, cultural, and historical significance. The Black Hills, named for the dark appearance of their pine-covered slopes, rise dramatically from the surrounding plains, offering a striking contrast in the landscape. This mountain range includes the highest peak east of the Rocky Mountains, Black Elk Peak, standing at 7,244 feet. The nearby Badlands, characterized by rugged terrain, layered rock formations, and steep canyons, present a stark and otherworldly landscape formed through millions of years of erosion. Together, these regions showcase a powerful juxtaposition of lush forested hills and arid, eroded lands that illustrate the geological complexity of the Great Plains... read more
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Devil's Tower National Monument, Wyoming
