The Badlands National Park is one of the coolest parks in the United States. It is 50 miles east of Rapid City just off the interstate. It encompasses 244,000 acres of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and prairies. Most people just drive through the park, but there is so much to do and see that we recommend taking your time and really enjoying the solitude and vastness when you visit. There are multiple hikes that begin just a few steps outside of your car. A whole different world is easily accessible so you can be running free and climbing the spires within minutes, or you can go visit more remote areas of the park and really experience the solitude. Whatever your plans, you won’t regret taking the time to see the Badlands of South Dakota.

To help you out on your visit, we’ve listed some of our favorite things about the park. Below you’ll find pictures, links to more information, and GPS tracks of the hikes.

HIGHWAY 240 - BADLANDS LOOP

This 31 mile 2 lane highway cuts right though the middle of the Badlands and the loop (Highway 240) takes you past 15 overlooks, 8 trailheads, and the visitors center.

THE ANIMALS

THE HIKES IN THE PARK

The Fossil Exhibit Trail

The Fossil Exhibit trail is a handicapped .4 mile boardwalk trail that talks about the extinct animals that use to live in the area. There are replicas of fossils and informational items along the trail. The trail is short, easy, and a good place to get out and stretch your legs.

Castle Trail

This moderate trail is 5.4 miles one way. If you want to get away from the crowds, this is the trail for you because it is one of the least traveled trails in the park. There are great photo opportunities along the trail so don't forget your camera.  This is a nice trail but a lot of it is in the prairie and it does not give you the climbing capabilities like the other trails. It is also extremely hot and in the open so make sure you bring plenty of water.  The trail starts across the street from the main parking lot where all the other trails are - The Notch Trail, The Door Trail, etc. and ends up at the Fossil Exhibit Trail. I think hiking this trail one way is fine, but turning around and hiking back got a little long and tiring. tHIS IS A GREAT TRAIL TO GO BACKPACKING IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THAT.

Medicine Root Loop/Trail

This is a 2 mile trail that takes you out to the prairie. The trail runs between the Castle Trail and is an option if you are looking in doing a loop trail.

Saddle Pass Trail

Saddle Pass Trail is a .7 mile out and back trail that gives you an awesome view of the Badlands. The hike goes pretty much straight up hill, and can be hard and scary for some. It is one of my favorite hikes because it gets you right in the middle of the Badlands. Even though it is a short hike, bring water, and make sure you wear sturdy shoes.

Cliff Shelf Nature Trail

This moderate half mile loop follows boardwalks and climbs stairs through a juniper forest along the Badlands Wall. The cliff shelf directs water into this area which allows for more vegetation and wildlife to thrive here. Over 100 different species of birds have been identified here.

The Notch Trail

The Notch Trail is a very neat trail and not for the faint of heart. You get to climb a rope ladder - very scary for some people and the trail is close to cliffs at times. The trail is 1.3 miles out and back round trip, and it ends at a window that faces to the south and gives you a view of the valley below. The hike is a must for those who like a little adventure. 

The Window Trail

The Window Trail is a 0.2 mile easy out and back trail that is handicapped accessible and takes you to an opening “window” in the Badlands. The trail starts at the parking lot and can be hiked in about 5 minutes. There are benches at the end of the trail if you want to just sit and enjoy the view.

The Door Trail

The Door Trail is a 0.9 mile out and back trail located in the Badlands near the east side of the Park coming in off of mile marker 131 I-90. This trail is great for the kids because while the parents can walk on the path, younger kids can climb small buttes and pinnacles. This trail is not handicapped accessible once you leave the platform and it can be as hard as you make it. There is a small plateau in the distance to the northeast that I always make a destination every time I go here. 

Great Photo Opportunities

Camping in the Badlands

There are 2 campgrounds within the park, Cedar Pass Campground and Sage Creek Campground. Backpackers may camp anywhere in the park that is at least one-half mile from any road or trail and not visible from park roads. The Cedar Pass Campground, located near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, has 96 level sites with scenic views of the badlands formations. The Sage Creek Campground is a primitive, free of charge, campground that can be accessed off of the Sage Creek Rim Road, an unpaved road that may temporarily close after winter storms and spring rains. The road provides limited turnarounds for large recreational vehicles. 

there is also backpacking anywhere in the park as long as you are .5 miles from a road or trail and can’t be seen from the road. No permit is required, but check the rules of the park before you start your adventure.

Ben Reifel’s Visitor Center and Bookstore

Located in the Cedar Pass Area the center has some very informative displays and a fun bookstore.

Places to get out and read about the history of the park

The Flowers/Plants

The Sunrises and the Sunsets

Badlands National Park is just an awesome place to visit and everyone should visit the park at least once in their lifetime. For more information go to the National Park website below.