Much of this volcanic ash comes from the Great Basin, a geographic area within which the states of Utah and Nevada lie today.

While South Dakota and Utah's badlands might be better known, New Mexico's colorful rock formations and remote badland wilderness is worth a visit.

The closest major airport to Badlands National Park is in Rapid City, South Dakota. From there ... This scenic road takes you up to the Cathedral Spires, beautiful rock formations with rugged hikes to ...

A "Homecooking" sign, perched on the side of a gravel road in southwestern South Dakota, stops me ... Benton explains: The Badlands formation consists mostly of claystone, hundreds of feet ...

With a vast expanse of natural splendor, South Dakota ... and stunning rock formations make it a popular wedding destination. About 60 miles southeast of Rapid City sits Badlands National Park ...