South Dakota is so underrated! That’s exactly what I thought as I began exploring this wildly beautiful state.
Badlands National Park is one of the most scenic places I’ve ever been to. You can take a quick drive or spend the whole weekend exploring. The jagged buttes and colourful rock layers will absolutely take your breath away.
In this post, you’ll discover 17 of the best things to do in Badlands National Park with insider tips on hikes, viewpoints, wildlife and how to make the most of your time.
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Things to do in Badlands National Parks
I remember an acquaintance who always talked about their summer trips to South Dakota. At the time, I didn’t quite get the hype until I went myself. And let me tell you, they were onto something.
This state has plenty of natural wonders. As we pieced together our itinerary, I couldn’t help but notice how many incredible places in South Dakota fly completely under the radar.
One that absolutely stole the show? Badlands National Park.
Not sure what to do when you get there? Don’t worry, I’ve listed below the activities you can do while visiting the Badlands.
Best Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park
Hiking is hands-down one of the best ways to explore the Badlands. The park’s trails range from short and sweet to long and rugged.
1. Notch Trail
Distance: 1.5 miles / 2.4 kms roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
This trail takes you through a canyon, up a log ladder, and along cliff edges to a stunning overlook of the White River Valley.
Just be warned, it can get slippery and treacherous after heavy rain and it’s definitely not the best pick if you’re uncomfortable with heights. But if conditions are good and you’re feeling brave, the view at the end is totally worth it.
2. Door Trail
Distance: 0.75 miles / 1.2 kms round trip
Difficulty: Easy
This short, easy hike takes you through landscapes that resemble the moon’s surface. It’s a perfect trail for those looking for a quick yet impactful experience.
3. Window Trail
Distance: 0.25 miles / 0.40 kms round trip
Difficulty: Easy
If you’re short on time but still want a taste of the Badlands’ beauty, the Window Trail is your go-to. This quick hike leads you to a scenic viewpoint to see the iconic Badlands formations.
🚗 Exploring beyond the park? Renting a car gives you the freedom to see more at your own pace. Compare deals with Discover Cars below and hit the road stress-free.
4. Cliff Shelf Nature Trail
Distance: 0.5 miles / 0.80 kms round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
The Cliff Shelf Nature Trail offers a different kind of beauty with its elevated views of the White River Valley. It’s an easy hike and accessible for almost anyone. Perfect for those who want to enjoy the Badlands from a higher vantage point.
A small pond occasionally exists in the area and draws wildlife such as deer or bighorn sheep. Watch out for those.
5. Fossil Exhibit Trail
Distance: 0.25 miles / 0.40 kms round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Equal parts hike and museum. As you walk, you’ll encounter educational signs and fossil replicas that bring prehistoric South Dakota to life.
This trilogy of trails below provides a well-rounded Badlands experience that you won’t want to miss!
6. Saddle Pass Trail
Distance: 0.25 miles / 0.40 kms round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Short, steep and a serious thigh-burner. You’ll scramble up a rugged trail to a viewpoint with panoramic views. Perfect for golden hour.
7. Castle Trail
Distance: 10 miles / 16 km round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
The longest trail in the park. Best done in cooler temps. Flat terrain but the length makes it a challenge. Connects with Saddle Pass and Medicine Root trails if you want to mix it up.
8. Medicine Root Trail
Distance: 4 miles / 6.4 kms round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Less trafficked and peaceful, with open views. Combine it with Castle Trail for a fuller loop.
| A Quick Note on Open Hike Policy: |
|---|
| Badlands allows off-trail hiking (‘open hike’ policy). You can explore backcountry areas like Deer Haven or Sage Creek Wilderness, as long as you remain at least 0.5 miles (0.8 km) from any road or trail and stay out of sight from main areas. Always check conditions and bring navigation tools. There’s very limited cell service. Keep at least 100 feet from wildlife. |
Take a Scenic Drive
If you’re someone who loves to explore natural wonders from the comfort of your car, Badlands is a park you can enjoy from the comfort of your car. The scenic drives are full of pullouts, wildlife sightings and Instagrammable moments.
And honestly, not all of us are built for steep hikes, just ask my legs after the Diamond Head adventure in Oahu.
Scenic drives are the easiest way to enjoy the park’s beauty.
9. Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240)
The most popular drive in the park is about 39 miles / 63 kms through the North Unit. Must-see overlooks include:
- Big Badlands Overlook
- White River Valley
- Panorama Point
- Yellow Mounds
- Pinnacles Overlook
Driving Tips:
The road has some steep sections and lower speed limits, so take it slow and enjoy the ride. Wildlife sightings are common. Keep your camera ready and your eyes on the road. Use the designated overlooks and pull-offs for the best photo opportunities and safest stops.
Additional overlooks worth checking out:
- Bigfoot Pass Overlook (picnic area available)
- Prairie Wind Overlook
- Burns Basin Overlook
- Homestead Overlook
- Conata Basin Overlook
- Conata Picnic Area
- Ancient Hunters Overlook
10. Sage Creek Rim Road
This unpaved, less-traveled road takes you straight into the wilder side of the Badlands. Out here, it’s all about sweeping prairie views, bison herds and prairie dogs. It feels a little more remote, which is part of the charm.
Key Overlooks:
- Hay Butte Overlook
- Badlands Wilderness Overlook
- Roberts Prairie Dog Town
- Sage Creek Basin Overlook
Driving Tips:
The road has a rugged feel. Keep your eyes open, you’ll often spot bison, bighorn sheep and prairie dogs along the way.
Good to Know:
Sage Creek Rim Road can close after heavy rain or bad weather so it’s smart to check road conditions before you go.
Wildlife Watching
Badlands is basically a drive-through wildlife sanctuary. The park is teeming with life and spotting animals here feels like a natural part of the experience.
11. Bison & Prairie Dogs
You’ll almost certainly see bison especially along Sage Creek Rim Road. These massive animals often roam the prairies, grazing peacefully. Remember to admire them from a safe distance.
Don’t skip the prairie dog towns! These little creatures pop in and out of their burrows, chirping to each other like they’re sharing the latest gossip. Kids love them, but I’ll be honest, I do too.
12. Bighorn Sheep & Pronghorn
Bighorn sheep are often spotted on rocky cliffs or steep terrain. Their climbing skills are impressive and the males’ curved horns are a photographer’s dream. Pronghorn, on the other hand, tend to graze in the open grasslands. The best times to spot both are early morning or late afternoon.
13. Birds of Prey
Look up every now and then you might see eagles, hawks or falcons above. A pair of binoculars will make birdwatching even more rewarding.
Stargazing & Night Sky Programs
14. Watch the Milky Way from Your Campsite
On a clear night, the Milky Way feels close enough to touch. Whether you’re camping in the park or just staying late, bring a blanket, a warm drink and get ready for an unforgettable show in the sky.
Bonus: Night Sky Programs
Rangers often host night sky programs that include telescope viewings and storytelling. Check the schedule at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. It’s a fun way to learn about the stars while actually seeing them.
Badlands Astronomy Festival
If your timing is right, plan your trip around the annual Badlands Astronomy Festival. Astronomers, hobbyists and curious visitors come together for discussions, telescope viewing and stargazing under some of the clearest skies in the country. It’s a celebration that you won’t want to miss!
Visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center
15. Get Inspired & Send a Postcard
Stop by the Ben Reifel Visitor Center to learn about the Badlands’ fascinating geology, fossils and history all in one place.
Peek into the fossil lab and watch paleontologists at work, pick up a Junior Ranger badge if you’re traveling with kids (or just young at heart), and stamp your National Park passport as a keepsake.
And of course, my personal favourite, sending a postcard right from the park. There’s something special about sending a note with a Badlands postmark to friends and family back home.
💌 Gail’s Tip: On my visit, I couldn’t resist mailing a couple of Badlands postcards to friends (and one to myself for my collection). If you’d like to receive postcards from my future travels (wherever they may take me), you can check out my Ko-fi page. It’s one of my favourite ways to share a little piece of the journey with you.
Cycling in Badlands National Park
16. Go for a Bike Ride
Badlands offers scenic cycling routes for different skill levels. Remember, bikes are only allowed on designated paved, gravel and dirt roads and not on hiking trails or backcountry areas.
| Route | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sage Creek Loop | 23 miles / 37 kms | Easy – Moderate | Rolling grasslands, wildlife sightings |
| Northeast–Big Foot Loop | 27 miles / 43 kms | Moderate | Ranchland, formations, long route |
| Northeast Loop | 17 miles / 27 kms | Moderate | Cedar Pass climb, prairie views |
- Sage Creek Loop (23 miles / 37 kms)
It starts at the junction of Badlands Loop Road and Sage Creek Rim Road, loops through the prairie, and returns via Highway 240. - Northeast–Big Foot Loop (27 miles / 43 km)
Long but relatively easy after the initial climb. This loop takes you past badland formations and ranch country. - Northeast Loop (17 miles / 27 km)
A shorter option with a good mix of paved and gravel sections. You’ll ride past Cedar Pass, through the park boundary, and back along Highway 240.
Tip: Bring spare tubes! Sharp goathead seeds can puncture tires in late summer. The park has a bicycle repair station on the west side of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Source: National Park Service – Badlands
Sunrises & Sunsets
17. Watch the Sky paint itself
The Badlands are pure magic during golden hour. At sunrise and sunset, the soft light makes the rock formations glow in shades of pink, orange and gold.
For Sunrises:
Consider spots like Big Badlands Overlook, Door Trail, Norbeck Pass area, Dillon Pass area and Panorama Point.
For Sunsets:
Pinnacles Overlook, Conata Basin Overlook, Bigfoot Pass Picnic Area and Norbeck Pass area are your go-to locations.
💡 Gail’s Tip: For an unforgettable sunset, take a walk along Castle Trail. Watching the light shift across the formations from here feels like the park is putting on show just for you.
Eating in Badlands National Park
Cedar Pass Lodge
The only dining facility within the park. It offers:
- Full Meals: Ideal for those who want a hearty, sit-down meal. The menu is diverse, catering to all taste buds.
- Quick Bites: For the adventurers on the go, grab a quick snack or light meal to fuel your explorations.
Picnic Areas
If you’re more of an al fresco diner, the park has several picnic areas:
- Ben Reifel Visitor Center
- Big Foot Pass
- Conata Picnic Area
- White River Visitor Center
♻️ Pack out what you pack in to help keep the park pristine.
How Long Do You Need to Visit Badlands National Park?
If you’re pressed for time, a half-day visit can still offer a fulfilling experience. Focus on the main highlights by driving the Loop Road and stopping at a few key overlooks, then add one or two short hikes like Door Trail or Window Trail.
With a full day in the park, you can take your time along the Loop Road, add more trails like Notch Trail or Castle Trail, enjoy wildlife viewing along Sage Creek Rim Road, and stay for a sunset at Pinnacles Overlook.
If you have two days, you can really slow down. Spend time exploring the backcountry, go cycling, enjoy a night of stargazing, and catch both sunrise and sunset from different viewpoints for completely unique experiences.
Is Badlands National Park Worth Visiting?
Yes, without a doubt. Badlands National Park is one of those places that catches you off guard in the best way possible. It feels like stepping onto another planet, with its jagged rock formations, colorful canyons, and endless prairie skies. Whether you’re into hiking, scenic drives, wildlife watching, or simply taking in jaw-dropping views from the comfort of your car, the Badlands delivers.
If you’re planning a South Dakota road trip, even a half-day in Badlands is absolutely worth it. But if you can swing it, stay longer. Catch a sunrise, hike a trail or two, spot a bison herd and end your day under a star-filled sky.
FAQ’s
Why is it called “Badlands”?
The Lakota people called the area mako sica, meaning “bad lands,” because of its harsh terrain, extreme temperatures, and lack of water. French trappers later referred to it as les mauvaises terres for similar reasons.
What should you not miss at Badlands?
Don’t miss Notch Trail, Pinnacles Overlook and a night of stargazing. These are signature experiences that capture the park’s unique beauty.
How long does it take to drive through Badlands?
Driving the Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240) takes about 1.5–2 hours with stops at scenic overlooks.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, but only in developed areas such as roads, campgrounds and picnic areas. Pets are not allowed on hiking trails, boardwalks or in backcountry areas. Source: Badlands Info
Are there restrooms or food inside the park?
Yes. Restrooms are available at visitor centers and some trailheads. Cedar Pass Lodge offers full meals, snacks and drinks.
The Badlands Are Calling
If you’ve been wondering whether the drive out to Badlands National Park is worth it, let me just say this, I didn’t expect to fall in love with the Badlands, but I did!
There’s something about standing at the edge of those jagged cliffs and watching the sky stretch out forever that makes your soul feel just a little bit light. And if you’re lucky enough to catch a bison crossing the road or a prairie dog poking its head out of a burrow.
What I loved most, though, was how it made me slow down. I didn’t feel the need to rush from one attraction to the next. Instead, I was standing at Pinnacles Overlook and thought, “Wow, this is what travel should feel like.”
So whether you’re here for a few hours or a couple of days, Badlands National Park will leave a mark. It’s not flashy. It’s not bustling with crowds. But it has this quiet kind of magic and sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
Need help planning your Badlands trip?
Check out these helpful posts:
➡️ Ultimate Visitor’s Guide to Badlands National Park
➡️ Find out why Autumn is the Best Time to Visit the Badlands
➡️ Where to Stay Near Badlands
