Badlands in March?

I have a week off school the week of March 23. Are there good sights to be seen at Badlands at this time? Will poor weather be an issue?

I%26#39;ll be moving out of the midwest after graduation, so I%26#39;m really interested in seeing Badlands and Mt Rushmore before I leave. Thanks!

Badlands in March?

There is a chance for bad weather. I would plan on arriving back at your home a day or two earlier than you absolutely have to be there. That way if a storm sidetracks your schedule, you%26#39;re OK.

I feel that the Badlands are good to visit any time of year. The loop road will be open unless there%26#39;s a big storm (if so, drive through the Badlands on your way home instead). The visitor center will be open. Obviously, bring winter clothes for any hiking you might try. You probably won%26#39;t spend more than about a half day in the Badlands if you don%26#39;t do a lot of hiking. You%26#39;ll spend most of your time in the North Unit. The South Unit is for backcountry hiking.

The Needles Highway and (probably) Iron Mountain Road will be closed until mid-April. Go to Sylvan Lake, though. A hike of Harney Peak is very common in the winter months so you might try it. If you search for Harney Peak in the SD forum you can get a bunch of information.

The Wildlife Loop of Custer State Park will be open.

All of Mount Rushmore except the Sculptor%26#39;s Studio will be open. There will be no official lighting ceremony but it%26#39;s worth being there at dark when they turn on the lights just after it gets dark. Check with a ranger to see what that time is when you%26#39;re there.

Crazy Horse will be open.

It%26#39;s a great time of year to take a cave tour. Try either Jewell or Wind Cave.

A drive of Spearfish Canyon isn%26#39;t to be missed in the winter. Take the short hike to Spearfish Falls behind the Latchstring Inn. You%26#39;ll see a great ice buildup.

Notice I keep saying ';winter'; even though it will technically be spring. While it will be starting to warm up a little bit, be prepared for cold temps. Bring survival gear in your car. Sleeping bag, shovel, winter clothes, water and food. If you have to stay somewhere because of a snow storm and you%26#39;re able to get a hotel room--appreciate it. Ever since I had to spend the night once stuck in a car in a blizzard a long time ago, I%26#39;ll always appreciate a warm bed even if it messes with my schedule.

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