Canyon Color Striping & Four-Bottle Water Breaks: Patches Tackles the Badlands

Well hello there, furry friends and human leash-holders! It’s me, Patches!

Today I’m going to tell you all about our big, epic adventure to a super weird and awesome place called the Badlands.

First off, let me clear something up. I thought we were walking down into giant, deep valleys, but my human told me they're actually called canyons and gullies! Whatever you call 'em, they are huge, and they are full of the most amazing colors I've ever seen—stripes of red, orange, tan, and yellow baked right into the rock!

I was so busy taking in all the colors that my paws almost forgot where they were going. Luckily, there was a nice long wooden boardwalk for us to stroll down. It took us all the way from the top cliffs right down into the bottom of the canyon.

The Most Important Rule: IT WAS HOT!

Now, let me tell you the most important rule of the Badlands: IT WAS HOT!

Like, pant-your-tongue-out-to-the-ground hot.

Shadow and I had to take water breaks every few minutes. Between the two of us, we went through four whole bottles of water! We drank every single, last drop out of our special long-walk water dish. You know the dish I’m talking about, right? The one that clips directly onto the leash!

It’s super important to keep that clipped tight so we don't lose our humans. Honestly, if you don't keep them on a short tether during big water breaks, they just wander off into the rocks!

Despite the heat and keeping a close eye on our humans, exploring the canyons was a 10 out of 10 tail-wagging success. Just remember: if you go, bring ALL the water, stick to the boardwalks, and don't let your humans stray too far!

Tail wags and wet nose boops,

🐾 Patches' Badlands Rating: 10/10 Tail-Wags

Unbelievable colors, pristine boardwalks, but bring double the water you think you need!

If you're planning an RV trip or a road stop with pets in Western South Dakota, Badlands National Park offers incredible scenery, but there are some important pet rules and geological facts to keep in mind!

• Strict Pet Rules (BPSI Policy): National Parks are notoriously strict about pets. In the Badlands, pets are only permitted on paved roads, gravel roads, and developed boardwalks (like the Window Trail or Door Trail boardwalks). They are not allowed on dirt trails, hiking paths, or out into the wilderness areas to protect the delicate ecosystem and native wildlife.

• Rapid Erosion: The layered colors Patches noticed are ancient sediment deposits formed over tens of millions of years. The park erodes at a rate of about one inch per year—which is exceptionally fast in geological terms! Scientists estimate the entire Badlands structure will completely erode away in the next 500,000 years.

• Extreme Temperatures: Summer in the Badlands frequently sees temperatures topping 100°F (38°C) with almost no natural shade. Because the dark rock and asphalt retain heat, ground temperatures can quickly burn dog paw pads. Always check the ground with the back of your hand before walking your pups!

• Wildlife Watch: The park is home to free-roaming bison herds, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and rattlesnakes. Keeping dogs on a short, 6-foot leash isn't just park policy—it keeps them safe from unexpected encounters!