Makoshika State ParkMakoshika State Park

On my way back from Billings, I decided to take the long route home and check out Makoshika State Park.  Its just south of Glendive Montana.  It added a couple hours to my journey home as I then would have to go through North Dakota and more of Minnesota.

It was worth it.  This State Park in the Montana Badlands is an awesome journey through time!  There are so many different layers and colors of rocks, and not to mention TONS of cactus and yucca!  

I first stopped at the Cap Rock trail head, but saw some rednecks climbing around, so I kept on driving and ended up at the Kinney Coulee Trail head.  I had no idea how long the trail was, but figured I couldn't get too lost, so off I went. 

There is a pretty big hill to climb in your car on the way, so make sure to stop and take it all in.  The park is really impressive.

Pullout in Makoshika State ParkPullout in Makoshika State Park

Then I hit the trail.  I didn't see another person on the trail, which is always nice(and  a benefit to going places in the middle of the week).  This is one of those places where you may as well leave your camera attached to your tripod as you walk around, because you will be seeing 'photograph worthy' scenes around every bend.  I didn't have the best of conditions, but the somewhat ominous looking clouds were good enough.

Looking into Kinney Couley Trail, Makoshika State ParkLooking into Kinney Couley Trail, Makoshika State Park

Looking into Kinney Couley Trail, Makoshika State ParkLooking into Kinney Couley Trail, Makoshika State Park

As you hike through Kinney Coulee, the scenery is constantly changing.  Around every bend is a new layer of rock with a different texture or color. 

Looking into Kinney Couley Trail, Makoshika State ParkLooking into Kinney Couley Trail, Makoshika State Park   Looking into Kinney Couley Trail, Makoshika State ParkLooking into Kinney Couley Trail, Makoshika State Park

I loved seeing all the cacti and Yucca plants holding on for dear life as the rocks erode around them.

Looking into Kinney Couley Trail, Makoshika State ParkLooking into Kinney Couley Trail, Makoshika State Park

Looking into Kinney Couley Trail, Makoshika State ParkLooking into Kinney Couley Trail, Makoshika State Park

The park has it's section of Barren areas too..

Kinney Coulee Trail in Makoshika State ParkKinney Coulee Trail in Makoshika State Park

Kinney Coulee Trail in Makoshika State ParkKinney Coulee Trail in Makoshika State Park

Kinney Coulee Trail in Makoshika State ParkKinney Coulee Trail in Makoshika State Park

Kinney Coulee Trail in Makoshika State ParkKinney Coulee Trail in Makoshika State Park

As the sun went down, I did get some nice light for a brief few moments.  I went from a leisurely stroll taking photos to running around like a madman trying to find a spot where I could take advantage of the changing light.  Having never been here before, I didn't know what was ahead to I just had to chance it!

Kinney Coulee Trail in Makoshika State ParkKinney Coulee Trail in Makoshika State Park

Kinney Coulee Trail in Makoshika State ParkKinney Coulee Trail in Makoshika State Park

Kinney Coulee Trail in Makoshika State ParkKinney Coulee Trail in Makoshika State Park

The trail ends up right where you come in, being a loop and all.  I made a quick stop at the cactus from before and shot a photo using the 10 stop B+W filter.  The blue tone is attributed to me compensating for the strong magenta that the filter causes.

And then one more shot of a yucca before leaving Montana...  

Kinney Coulee Trail in Makoshika State ParkKinney Coulee Trail in Makoshika State Park

See you all next time, MTers.  :)