Toadstool Geologic Park Backcountry Loop

The Toadstool Geologic Park sits in Nebraska’s forgotten northwest corner, where 30-million-year-old fossil beds have eroded into alien mushroom-shaped rocks that look like they belong on Mars. This sandy two-track loop winds through the Oglala National Grassland badlands, passing massive toadstools, fossil exhibits, and the occasional wild turkey. The main challenge comes from deep sand pockets that’ll bog down street tires faster than you can say ‘differential lock’ — especially around Toadstool Rock itself.

Any stock 4WD with decent ground clearance handles this moderate route fine, though aired-down tires help in the sand. Spring through fall works best when the grassland isn’t muddy from snowmelt. No permits needed, and dispersed camping is allowed throughout the national grassland. It’s a solid half-day adventure that gives you a taste of Nebraska’s geological weirdness without the crowds of more famous fossil sites.