Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park is an underrated gem in the US national park system. Easy to visit and fun to explore, this park is well worth a day or two of your time.
The colorful badlands are filled with zebra-striped buttes and spires that create one of the most photogenic landscapes in the USA. Sunrise and sunset are the best time to see the park aglow in the warm light, but it’s a beautiful sight all day long.
Bison and bighorn sheep roam the largest mixed-grass prairie in the United States. The hiking trails are short and sweet and if you are looking to get away from the crowds, venture into the backcountry.
In this guide, we hope to introduce you to the wonders of the Badlands and help you plan your perfect visit.
Badlands National Park Stats
Founded: November 10, 1978
Annual Visitors: 1.1 million in 2024
Size: 240,000 acres
Location: South Dakota
Top Experiences in Badlands National Park
Drive Badlands Loop Road. Badlands Loop Road is a 30-mile, paved road that runs through the most scenic part of the park. Located along this road are overlooks, boardwalk trails, and the jumping off points for backcountry hikes into the interior of the Badlands.
Watch the sunrise and/or the sunset. Visiting the overlooks at either sunrise or sunset is one of the best things to do in the Badlands. The warm glow of the sun illuminates the rock formations, turning the park into a kaleidescope of colors.
Hike the Notch Trail. This very short hike is the best in the park. Walk through a scenic canyon, climb up a wooden ladder, and then it’s a brief walk along a cliff trail to get to an amazing viewpoint of the Badlands.
Hike the Castle Trail. This 5-mile point-to-point trail connects the Fossil Exhibit Trail with the Window and Door Trails. Along the way, you are treated to views across the prairieland, rocky pinnacles, and you might even get to see bighorn sheep or pronghorn.
Hike the Door and Window Trails. These two very short trails sit side-by-side and offer more great views of the badlands.
Fossil Exhibit Trail. This short boardwalk trail takes you past 75 million years of history and the animals that once inhabited this land.
Drive Sage Creek Rim Road. If you want to visit a less-traveled part of the park, get up close with wildlife, see more of the prairie land, or head into the backcountry, it’s worth doing this short drive. This area of the park feels more rugged, wild, and remote than the paved Badlands Loop Road.
Roberts Prairie Dog Town. Located on Sage Creek Rim Road is Roberts Prairie Dog Town. If you have never seen prairie dogs this is a great place to observe them.
Go hiking in the backcountry. The Badlands are one of the few national parks where visitors are permitted to hike off trail, exploring the wilderness on their own. The Deer Haven Wilderness and the Sage Creek Wilderness are two areas to go hiking in the backcountry and have a great chance of spotting wildlife.
Visit Sheep Mountain Overlook. This overlook is an off the beaten path experience in Badlands National Park. Drive Sheep Mountain Road, a gravel road, to a remote area of the park for more great views of the badlands.
Did You Know?
Badlands National Park gets its name from the Lakota people, Native Americans who inhabited this land. The Lakota people called this land “mako sica” which translates to “bad lands.”
Why is this land called “badlands?” Summers are hot and dry. Winters are cold and windy. There is very little drinking water and the land is hard to travel through. It makes a great place to visit (especially from an air-conditioned car) but this is not the kind of place that many would like to call home.
The term “badlands” also indicates a type of terrain where clay-rich soils have been eroded by wind and water. In the United States, you can also see “badlands” in Death Valley, Petrified Forest, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Learn More About Badlands National Park
15 Amazing Things to Do in Badlands National Park (+ Map & Photos)
Discover the best things to do in Badlands National Park, in both the North and South units. We’ll also provide a map to help you plan your route, along with itinerary suggestions, where to stay, and helpful tips. Badlands National Park is one of the most highly underrated parks in the U.S. National Park system. […]
The Notch Trail, Our Favorite Short Hike in Badlands National Park
The Notch Trail isn’t your average walk in the park; it’s a short but thrilling hike through a wild and rugged landscape. While many trails in the Badlands offer sweeping views from a distance, this 1.5-mile adventure puts you right in the middle of the action. Climbing the famous wooden log ladder and navigating narrow […]
The Castle Trail: One of the Best Hikes in Badlands National Park
The Castle Trail is a 5-mile, point-to-point trail that wanders through the “backcountry” of Badlands National Park. Unlike the shorter, more popular boardwalks, this less crowded trail allows you to explore a rugged landscape where bighorn sheep and pronghorn roam. Whether you prefer a simple point-to-point hike or a more demanding loop that includes Saddle […]
One Perfect Day in Badlands National Park
One day in Badlands National Park is just enough time to visit the iconic overlooks, hike the short but sweet trails, and see how many bison you can count. If you get your timing right, you can also watch the sunrise and sunset, which is when this park truly comes alive with vibrant colors and […]
Best Hikes in Badlands National Park: Short Boardwalks to Backcountry Trails
One of the best ways to see Badlands National Park is from a hiking trail. And one of the great things about this park is that most of the hikes are short and sweet, perfect for all ages and ability levels. In this guide, we cover the 10 best hikes in Badlands National Park. The […]
How to Get to Badlands National Park
Rapid City Regional Airport, located in Rapid City, South Dakota, is the closest airport to Badlands National Park. From here, it takes one hour to drive to the national park.
You can either visit Badlands National Park as a day trip from Rapid City or the Black Hills of South Dakota, or spend one to two nights in Wall, the closest town to the national park.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park
The best time to visit Badlands National Park during the spring and fall months.
Spring is a nice time to visit the park, with cool temperatures and low crowds. As the warmer weather moves in, rain chances increase. If you don’t mind the chance of rain, May is a beautiful time to visit the park.
In summer, temperatures can soar well past 100°F. Violent thunderstorms with hail can spring up with little warning and tornadoes are a possibility.
The fall months are a spectacular time to visit the Badlands. Temperatures are cool and crowds begin to lessen once kids return to school.
Winters are cold and windy. Snowfall is very likely and the Badlands typically get 12 to 24 inches of snow per year.
The graphs below depict the average monthly temperatures and precipitation for the nearby Rapid City, which will help you plan your trip to Badlands National Park.
Badlands National Park appears in our Best US National Parks Month-By-Month Series as a great park to visit in April and October.
14 Best US National Parks to Visit in April 2026
Which are the best national parks to visit in April? In this guide, we list 14 wonderful parks in the USA. On this list are a few of the most popular parks in the USA, several great spring break destinations, and a few remote, quieter parks to visit. About this National Park Series This article […]
13 Best US National Parks to Visit in October 2026
In October, fall colors sweep across much of the United States. The majority of the parks that you will see on this list are parks that are ablaze in fall colors. Some of these are obvious picks, such as Acadia and Shenandoah, but a few may surprise you. In this guide, we list 13 beautiful […]
How Many Days Do You Need in Badlands National Park?
On the quickest of visits, you can visit Badlands National Park in half of a day, driving Badlands Loop Road and spending some time at the overlooks.
With one day in Badlands National Park, you have enough time for most of the highlights of the park. Watch sunrise from Big Badlands Overlook. Hike the Notch, Door and Window Trails. Then, drive Badlands Loop Road, stopping at the visitor center and overlooks along the way. Walk the Fossil Exhibit Trail and continue west through the park. In the afternoon, drive Sage Creek Rim Road until you get to Sage Creek Wilderness overlook. Return to the Pinnacles Overlook for sunset.
With two days, you have time to go hiking in the backcountry, hike the Castle Trail, or explore the South Unit of the park.
Where to Stay
Cedar Pass Lodge is the only lodge inside of the park. There are two campgrounds inside of Badlands National Park: Sage Creek Campground and Cedar Pass Campground.
Outside of the park, Wall is the best place to stay. From here, it is just a 15-minute drive into Badlands National Park. This very small town has a handful of hotels and motels and decent restaurants.
USA Road Trip Ideas
One Week South Dakota Itinerary: Black Hills & the Badlands
On a one week road trip through South Dakota, visit Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, and the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Yellowstone, Devils Tower, and Mount Rushmore: 10 Day Road Trip Itinerary
You can also visit Badlands National Park as part of a big road trip with Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. On this 10 day Wyoming South Dakota road trip, start in Grand Teton, then spend a few days in Yellowstone, visit Devils Tower on the drive to South Dakota, and then spend a few days in and around the Black Hills, with a day in Badlands National Park.
Places to Visit Near Badlands National Park
How to Visit Mount Rushmore: Tips & Top Things to Do
Planning a visit to Mount Rushmore? This iconic monument in South Dakota’s Black Hills is easy to visit, but knowing when to go, how long to stay, and what to do nearby can make a big difference. In this guide, we share everything you need to know before you go, including the best time to […]
Complete Guide to Devils Tower: How to Plan Your Visit
Devils Tower National Monument is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. Sacred to Native Americans, popular road trip destination, and alien landing site a famous movie, Devils Tower evokes mystery and wonder from visitors of all ages. We spent a day at Devil’s Tower, visiting it on a day trip from […]
Custer State Park: Best Hikes, Scenic Drives & Things To Do
Discover the best things to do in Custer State Park, from its wildlife sightings along Wildlife Loop Road to epic hikes to the highest points in the park. We will also provide a map, a detailed one-day itinerary, plus important tips to help you have the best experience. Tucked away in the Black Hills of […]
15 Things to Do in South Dakota near Mount Rushmore and Rapid City
The southwestern corner of South Dakota has a surprisingly long and wonderful list of things to do. Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, and Custer State Park are the big draws for many visitors to this part of the United States, but there is plenty more to keep you busy. In this post, we cover the […]
6 Great Things to Do in Wind Cave National Park
Discover the very best things to do in Wind Cave National Park, how to choose the best cave tour, and ideas for planning your time. This underrated park also has a few short, spectacular trails, with the chance to spot bison, elk, prairie dogs, and pronghorn. Wind Cave National Park gets its name for its […]
12 Best Things to Do in Theodore Roosevelt NP (+ 3 Day Itinerary)
Discover the absolute best things to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This comprehensive guide covers top hikes, stunning overlooks, and wildlife spotting across the North, South, and Elkhorn Ranch Units, plus a perfect 3-day itinerary to see it all. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a striking wilderness where rugged badlands meet vast, rolling grasslands. […]
Badlands National Park Map
Badlands National Park in Photos
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