Of course, while youre at Badlands National Park, you wont want to miss the other awesome trails here. . Watch for drop-offs. we walked up the little trail, learned that the chisos mountains used to be one large volcano, then watched the sun set behind them. You can improve or add to this guidebook entry! Thanks for the support of Western Washington Honda Dealers and our other corporate sponsors. Quite robust for a forest blown away by a volcano just a few decades ago! However it has an exhibit This is a very popular area for birding and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. //]]>-->, Enter for a chance to win atrip to the Black Hills, Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association(605) 355-3700 (Information Center)(888) 945-7676 (Booking Information). Not much in terms of insects but there are signs to be aware of rattle snakes. This 1.2 mile (2 km), one-way trail cuts through several tilted rock layers which expose a variety of rocks and three fossil areas as offshoots of the main trail. Cellular telephones can generally get reception at the site. Fossil Exhibits was started on the premise that in todays fast-paced world environment there is still a need for old fashioned service and attention to detail. App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead. Fun little trail that peaked with a cool history lesson at the top about the mountains that were once a volcano. There is a small paved trail to an overlook and then the exhibit hall. Continue reading, 7 Take a look! Four miles in, a ruggedbridge (built in September of 2018 thanks to funding acquiredby Back Country Horsemen of Washington) spans Cold Springs Creek. Interesting panels on fossils, animal evolution, and rock strata. Theres lots of fossil information. Great view from the top though. Good elevation gain for such a small hike. Very very short. A short trail also leads to a panoramic view of nearby geologic points of interest, and highlights the sediments that protect Big Bend's fossils. Its about protecting what sustains us. Interpretive signs discuss the Badlands' unique pre-historic inhabitants, and a few actual fossils are showcased along the trail. Along the way, northeast of the trail looms 4965-foot Goat Mountain. The new bridge is where some choose to make this their turnaround point. The trail is comprised of ash and pumice mixed in with clay soil and no standing water.