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Southwestern South Dakota

Wormhole sandstone up-close-and-personal. Some scientists theorize the holes were formed by ancient wormlike creatures whose decayed bodies left pockets in the rock. A more popular theory is the holes were formed by trapped gas when the rock was formed eons ago. Personally I think it's the work of aliens.

As I hike onward I encounter higher and higher spires. Near the top of these peaks you can see a couple layers of wormhole sandstone.

More magnificent spires.

I finally reach the end of the trail. Trail's end provides a nice view of the park's lower prairie in its westward stretch.

On my way back to the trailhead I run acoss this ribbon-like structure. Formed by plate-tectonics, these structures repeatedly crisscross this portion of the trail.