Badlands {Trekking through the Yellow Mounds}

The last time I was in Rapid City, I dropped down into the Badlands on my way home. I hadn't been through there all summer and was needing the refuge of solitude and rugged landscape. The evening started off cloudy and I wasn't sure what kind of color I would get at sunset.

I parked near one of my favorite spots showcasing the yellow mounds on the west side of the park. 

 Venturing down in the the canyons I followed the dried up creek bed. 

Just as the sun set, it passed through a sliver in the clouds and exploded the area in color. It was amazing!

I stayed out past visible light, wanting to try some long exposure in the clouds.

ISO 200, f/22, 63"

ISO 100, F/22, 91"

I was glad I'd prepared for shooting late and brought my headlamp. The trek back to the car through dark Badlands was interesting. Though I've lived in SoDak for a total of 17 years, I'm still not used to the deep darkness of night.

The adventure was so worth it!