Best Hikes in Badlands National Park
Some of the best hikes in Badlands National Park are experienced by getting off the beaten path and wandering through this truly majestic landscape. Badlands National Park is one of my ultimate favorite places that I’ve had the opportunity to explore so far.
This area is comprised of a perfect mix of rugged badland rock formations and beautiful prairie expanses. The two contrast so dramatically causing them to complement each other so unbelievably well. The expansive views of this vast and ruggedly beautiful landscape are amplified by the strong sense of solitude. This combination captures your attention in the moment and creates a serenity that you can feel in your soul.
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At A Glance
Directions: From Wall, South Dakota pass under the I-90 and follow SD-240 E for 7.3 miles.
Cost: There is a $25 entrance fee into the national park.
Hiking: In addition to backcountry hiking opportunities, there are a number of established hikes in Badlands National Park. Click here to read about some of these awesome hikes!
Scenic Drive: The SD-240 is also known as Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway. This is the main road through Badlands National Park and is one of the most impressive scenic drives. The scenic byway is 38 miles one way or can be followed to make a 58 mile loop. It passes through some of the parks most impressive features and showcases the unbelievably beautiful landscape.
Roadside Attractions: Along the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway, you’ll find access to eight of the designated hikes in Badlands National Park. There are also 15 jaw dropping overlooks, fantastic views, opportunities to spot wildlife and the engaging Ben Reifel Visitor Center.
Visitor Centers: There are two visitor centers in Badlands National Park: the White River Visitor Center and the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. The White River Visitor Center is open in Summer only. Both visitor centers have exhibits and can provide information about the park and recommend hikes. They also often have interesting ranger led programs.
Wildlife: Keep an eye out for bison, prairie dogs, black-footed ferrets, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, coyote, deer, chipmunks and rattlesnakes. And even bobcats, badgers, porcupines and more!
Bonus Info:
The Badlands Wilderness is the largest remaining expanse of wild prairie in the national park system. More than 400 different plant species have been identified in the national park. Also, the geologic deposits of the badlands contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Some examples of fossils found in Badlands National Park include: camels, rhinoceros, three-toed horse, fish, marine reptiles, rodents and birds.
Hikes in Badlands National Park
The hikes in Badlands National Park are a great way to experience the areas striking geology and sprawling grasslands. Many of the designated hikes are less than two miles roundtrip but showcase the dramatic landscapes and pass by towering pinnacle formations. Here, minimal effort can be rewarded with magnificent views.
Three Hikes Accessed From One Parking Area
Just one parking area provides access to three short but fun trails. Each of these trails lead among the jagged badlands formations to different overlooks and scenery.
Directions: Just two miles east of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center on SD-240 there is a large parking area. Park here to access these three short trails among the jagged badland formations.
Door Trail
Door Trail is a very easy .75 miles roundtrip hike that passes by cool badlands formations. The hike follows a boardwalk to a wide separation between formations. Once you step through the “door” continue further to the dramatic overlook. From here you can look out over this dense area of interesting layered formations.
Window Trail
Window trail is a very easy hike along a boardwalk for a mere .25 miles roundtrip. The trail enters an area full of jutting badland formations and continues until it reaches an opening in Badlands Wall. This is the “window” that creates a dramatic overlook of the sprawling badlands in this area.
Notch Trail
Notch Trail is a beautiful and exciting hike in Badlands National Park. It is 1.5 miles roundtrip and is easy. The hike is on a dirt path and meanders through lots of cool eroded sediment formations. At some points the trial is faint so along the trail there are poles put in place to help you follow the trail. The path enters a canyon with walls on both sides before reaching a wooden ladder.
Immediately, this trail got more exciting just because of the ladder. From the top of the ladder the trail heads left and hugs the wall of a cliff. The trail follows the cliff edge above a ravine before ending abruptly at a cliff edge. Wow! The view from the Notch was just stunning.
More Designated Hikes in Badlands National Park
Cliff Shelf Trail
Cliff Shelf Trail is another short and easy hike, about .5 mile roundtrip. There are gravel trails and numerous boardwalks. This trail passes through a juniper forest, which was a pleasant addition to the surrounding scenery. Cliff Shelf Trail is in an area below the Badlands Wall that Door, Window and Notch Trails lead to. There is a dramatic view of White River Valley and the vast prairie below. Enjoy the short stroll and take in the views.
To get here, take Badlands Loop Scenic Byway about half a mile east of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Turn into the parking lot where the road curves.
Fossil Exhibit Trail
Fossil Exhibit Trail is an easy .25 mile round trip walk on a boardwalk among some badlands formations. The trail features fossil replicas and exhibits of now extinct creatures that once roamed the area as well as information about the geology.
To get here, from the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, take SD-240 W for about 5 miles and turn left to the parking area.
Castle Trail
Castle Trail is the longest designated hike in Badlands National Park. It is 10 miles round trip and is relatively flat and easy. The trail begins in the same parking area as Notch, Door and Window Trail. Hiking Castle Trail allows for vast prairie views and up close encounters with cool badlands formations. After five miles it reaches Fossil Exhibit Trail.
To get here from the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, take SD-240 east for about 2 miles to the parking area.
Backcountry Hiking in Badlands National Park
The designated trails in the park are very nice, scenic and well maintained. But nothing beats getting off the beaten path and being immersed in such beauty and solitude. According to the national park website, there are no marked trails in the wilderness, but it is entirely open to hiking, camping and backpacking.
Of all the hikes in Badlands National Park that we did, our favorite experience was a wilderness hike in which we just followed our curiosity. As we were travelling along the SD-240 we simply chose a pull off, grabbed the backpack, and set off to nowhere in particular!
We climbed down the buttes, walked among the towering pinnacles and wandered along ravines. We made it down to the contrasting green mixed grass prairie and followed faint animal trails to explore further.
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Along the way we took the time to take in the unique sediment makeup, patterns and textures.
It was also exhilarating being at ground level with the bison that we could see in the distance. We actually were lucky enough to witness a buffalo stampede. It was amazing to see so many large creatures moving so quickly! You can see them running down the steep badlands in the picture below.
As the sun began to set, the adventure went from gorgeous and stimulating to pure euphoria. The colors of the landscape surrounding us began to intensify. It felt as if we had gone back in time, as if it were just us and the animals. Personally, I was so overcome by such a strong appreciation of the beauty before my eyes and of being there in that moment that I was almost moved to tears.
Hiking in the backcountry is a great way to experience Badlands National Park. Each experience is sure to evoke a sense of wonder as you explore the sprawling prairie, unique rock formations and wildlife. You never know what you’ll find as you set off into this dramatic landscape. Feel free to make your own route and get out there and explore!
Thanks for your support!
Thanks for reading about some of the hikes in Badlands National Park! We were really moved by the beauty of the area. While we were spending time near the national park we were lucky enough to find an awesome free camp spot nearby. This spot was peaceful and sat atop an overlook with a great view of the badlands down below. See our rig in the photo below? It’s tiny!
Also while you’re in the area, be sure to check out the notorious Wall Drug.
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