Nestled in South Dakota, Badlands National Park showcases some of the most stunning badlands in the United States. However, while the park preserves these unique landscapes, they aren’t exclusive to this region or even the country. Badlands are characterized by dry, rocky, and steep terrains that have been eroded over time. These areas generally lack water, have poor soil quality for agriculture or habitation, and are, therefore, often considered uninviting.
Other states also feature badlands, including North Dakota (Theodore Roosevelt National Park) and Arizona (Petrified Forest National Park). These areas, though harsh, boast spectacular formations, fossils, and intriguing histories.
Badlands National Park offers incredible exploration opportunities, scenic overlooks, and diverse hikes. We’re here to help you plan your visit with suggestions for the park’s best trails and sights. Don’t forget to pack plenty of water; it’s very dry out there.
Top Hikes in Badlands National Park
Explore some of the most popular trails in the park, catering to various difficulty levels and lengths.
# Door Trail
– Distance: 1 mile | Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Easy | Average Time: 30 minutes
– Trailhead Location: Located at a central trailhead that also accesses Window, Notch, and Castle Trails.
– Description: This easy trail starts on a boardwalk, transitioning to rougher terrain after roughly 100 meters. It’s family-friendly and accessible initially but becomes rougher as it leads into the badlands landscape.
# Window Trail
– Distance: 0.3 miles | Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Easy | Average Time: 5-10 minutes
– Trailhead Location: Near the Notch Trail trailhead.
– Description: A quick, accessible trail offering stunning views of the canyon and badlands. Perfect for families and those with limited time.
# Cliff Shelf Nature Trail
– Distance: 0.5 miles | Type: Loop | Difficulty: Easy | Average Time: 15 minutes
– Trailhead Location: Close to the park’s Interior entrance.
– Description: This popular trail weaves through mixed-grass prairie and offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including bison and bighorn sheep. It features boardwalks, cement paths, and stairs, providing beautiful views of the Badlands Wall.
# Notch Trail
– Distance: 1.5 miles | Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Moderate | Average Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
– Trailhead Location: Shared with Door, Window, and Castle Trails.
– Description: A favorite for its adventurous path through a desert canyon and a precarious wooden log bridge. Offers fantastic views from a cliff ledge and ends at “the notch,” which gives a dramatic but somewhat underwhelming final view.
# Saddle Pass Trail
– Distance: 0.7 miles | Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Moderate | Average Time: 30 minutes
– Trailhead Location: Limited parking available.
– Description: Short but steep, climbing the Badlands Wall for stunning views of the White River Valley. Good footwear is essential due to the uneven terrain.
# Medicine Root Trail
– Distance: 4 miles | Type: Out & Back or Loop | Difficulty: Moderate | Average Time: 1.5 hours
– Trailhead Location: Off Old Northeast Road.
– Description: Offers scenic views of mixed-grasslands and badlands terrain. Often paired with the Castle Trail for a longer hike. Can be muddy and tricky at times.
# Fossil Exhibit Trail
– Distance: 0.4 miles | Type: Out & Back | Difficulty: Easy | Average Time: 10 minutes
– Trailhead Location: Features a large parking area.
– Description: An educational trail with fossil replicas and historical information. Short, accessible, and informative.
Scenic Overlooks
Drive along the Badlands Loop Road (Route 240) for breathtaking views at several overlooks:
– Pinnacles Overlook: Highest elevation in the north unit. Ideal for sunset views and often visited by bighorn sheep.
– Yellow Mounds Overlook: Notable for its colorful ground formations.
– Big Badlands Overlook: Near the Northeast Entrance, offers a great view of the layered badlands formations.
– Panorama Point: Provides expansive, panoramic views of the badlands landscape.
Best Times to Visit
The park is open year-round, with distinct seasonal experiences:
– Summer: Hot with extreme heat; essential to bring plenty of water.
– Spring and Fall: Both seasons offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, with fall being particularly ideal from late September to early November.
– Winter: Cold but quiet, with limited visitor center hours.
Visitor Centers
– Ben Reifel Visitor Center: The main visitor center for the north unit, open year-round, providing exhibits, maps, water, and restrooms. Don’t miss the Fossil Preparation Lab.
– White River Visitor Center: Servicing the south unit, open only during the summer, co-managed with the Oglala Lakota Tribe.
Entrance Fees
– Private Vehicle: $30
– Motorcycle: $25
– Individual (walk-in, bike, etc.): $15
– Badlands Annual Pass: $55
– America the Beautiful Pass: A great deal for visiting multiple parks.
Nearby Attractions
– Mount Rushmore: Iconic and steeped in history.
– Wall Drug: A famous roadside attraction offering a slice of Americana.
– Minuteman Missile National Historic Site: Exploring Cold War history; book tickets in advance.
– Wind Cave National Park: Known for its unique cave formations and above-ground hiking trails.
– Custer State Park: Home to one of the largest bison herds.
Badlands National Park offers a rugged yet captivating landscape, perfect for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re planning a short visit or an extended stay, there’s plenty to explore and admire.
