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Badlands
National Park

BADL-3.jpg

Deer Haven

trail details

Type of Trip: Out and Back

Where: Badlands National Park

Permits Required: No

Miles: 5.8

Net Elevation Change: 403 ft

Trailhead: Conata Picnic Area

Description: Off-trail out and back across grasslands, following game trails to a small alcove of trees known as Deer Haven 

logistics & itinerary

Wilderness Area : Badlands National Park

When to apply? No permit required but it is good to check in with the rangers at the visitor's Center and be sure to sign the Backcountry Register at the trailhead

Permit Style: None

Permit Application: None

When did we do this hike? June 2022

Transportation: We parked at the Conata Picnic Area

Itinerary:

Day

Miles

Camp

1

2

2.9

2.9

Deer Haven

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Water: Do not assume you will find water anywhere on the trail. We carried all the water we needed for the out and back. We did not see any water anywhere except for a few mud holes.

Leave-No-Trace: Follow Leave No Trace principles. Camp on flat surfaces and not vegetation. All human waste must be buried at least 6 inches deep at at least 150 feet from water sources, camp areas, and trails. Carry out all trash. Do not burn or bury toilet paper or trash. No fires.

Flora Considerations: Tall grasses, brush and the occasional cactus

Fauna Considerations: Give all animals a wide berth. This area is frequented by bison, coyote, big horn sheep, deer, prairie dogs, rattle snakes and a variety of birds. Know the signs of an aggravated bison and do not get too close.

Trail Specific Considerations: Temperatures and weather can range drastically in this area depending on the time of year. There is full exposure to the elements with little to no tree cover. It can be incredibly hot or it could dip below freezing. There can be thunderstorms or a pure cloudless day. This is not a maintained trail. These are well worn game trails that crisscross across the grassland. Understand how to use a map and compass and how to navigate off-trail. Like any wilderness trip, you accept a certain amount of risk when going on your hike. You are responsible for assessing how comfortable you feel with that risk and understanding your own physical abilities.

#South Dakota #Badlands #Grassland

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