Text and Photography By Salvatore Vasapolli

Makoshika State Park, located in eastern Montana, is one of the most photogenic wilderness sites in the country. Makoshika is made up of some of the finest badlands in America. In fact, to the Sioux Indians, Ma-ko-shi-ka meant "bad earth" or "bad land." From the eye-catching mesa, which looms 500 feet above the surrounding prairies, to the large concentration of capstone formations, visitors will find numerous interesting subjects to photograph, and a welcome stop on a long, sometimes tedious drive across the Great Plains. These pine-and-juniper-studded badland formations even house the fossil remains of dinosaurs.

The Great Plains is a land of extremes. Summer highs can reach 110 degrees and winter lows can drop to minus 40. In winter, bring clothing suitable for sub-zero wind-chill conditions of minus-80 degrees or more. You also can expect difficulties on the roads—snowdrifts often make roads impassable. While a desert summer high of 110 degrees is rare, it does happen (the mesa-top breezes can help you cool down). More typical are daytime highs in the 90s and cool nights in the 40s or 50s (so keep a sweater or light jacket close). Just as snows can close the roads in winter, a thunderstorm can do the same in summer.

Rain gear is always a must. And beware the Gumbo Mud. Good, sturdy hiking shoes are recommended for walking on the slippery, hard clay surfaces. Also remember to carry plenty of water, sun-protective hats, sunscreen and lip balm—even in winter, the sun can be very intense.

Think of Makoshika as an 11,020-acre island that rises above the prairies, with long sunrises and sunsets. This "island" habitat consists of badlands, grasslands and pine forests in a topography of mesas, buttes, steep-sided gullies, breaks and flatlands. Winds are common, but a quick move to the other side of the mesa will provide shelter. A good work strategy here is to scout your locations early, then work with the sun as it sets. Shoot, climb, shoot, climb—always moving ahead of the shadows. Your day hopefully will end with the crimson-purple skies for which the high prairies are known.

The open grasslands provide subjects ranging from flowers to Ponderosa pine forests. Spring and summer blooms of lupines, locoweed, larkspur, prickly pear, onion, sego lilies, yucca, paintbrush and echinacea color the meadows. Along the north face and sandstone outcrops look for deer, rabbit, bobcat, mountain lion, porcupine, skunk, coyote and fox. Birds such as the turkey vulture, prairie falcon, red-tailed hawk and golden eagle soar at eye-level. Turkeys and grouse run through trees and grass. Also look for the numerous fossils of prehistoric animals, petrified wood and plants.

Contact: Makoshika State Park, (406) 377-6256, http://www.fwp.state.mt.us/parks/parksreport.asp?mapnum=5; Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, www.nps.gov/lecl/welcome.htm.

The "best" time is anytime in any season that's dry. There's typically a dry spell from late spring to the second week of July. In July, the evening thunderstorms and lightning can be dramatic. Flowers are best in spring and early summer through the last week of July. Clear conditions are best during early-morning hours, with clouds peaking during late afternoons and evenings.