Guide to Best Hikes in Badlands National Park
Located in South Dakota about an hour from Rapid City, is Badlands National Park. With a unique, out-of-worldly landscape that stuns you the entire time you are witnessing it. Hiking trails are a great way to explore it! If you are lucky you will experience the incredible local wildlife of the badlands. This Guide to Badlands National Park hikes will give you the information you need to explore the park one hike at a time.
There are 8 marked trails in Badlands National Park, ranging from a quick walk to 10 miles. These trails range from boardwalk trails to flat, easy walks through the mixed-grass prairie to steep climbs. Badlands is special for many reasons, one of them being the Open Hike Policy for backcountry hiking, which allows you to roam or blaze your trail on all 244,000 acres of this park.
Each of the below listed developed trails in Badlands National Park trail head (starts) from parking lots along the main road called the Badlands Loop Road, which is a scenic drive, and located in the North Unit. Where you can also locate the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.
I highly recommend beginning any national park visit at the visitor center, where knowledgeable and friendly park rangers can provide valuable insights into the park's unique features. The National Park Service offers a wealth of information, including guided programs, to help you better understand the park's rich history and diverse wildlife.
Let's get to the hikes of Badlands National Park:
Window Trail
Distance: .3 mi | Elevation: 13 ft | Route: Out & Back
This easy and short trail on a boardwalk is a great way to start your adventure at Badlands National Park. With a fraction of a mile, you are starting with a taste of the surroundings, the terrain, and the weather on this short walk which takes an average of 6 minutes to complete. Sometimes considered more of an outlook than a trail, through the ‘window’ you will get a view of Door Trail and the rugged, rocky canyon below.
Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Door Trail
Distance: .9 mi | Elevation: 22 ft | Route: Out & Back
You start on a wooden boardwalk from the parking lot to a ‘door’ to the Badlands terrain and a panoramic view. Once you leave the boardwalk you can venture into the landscape, and get up close and personal with the incredible rock formations. Make your way but still follow the yellow poles to the end for a sign that marks the end of the trail. However, on the way you will see some impressive drop-offs. Bring water, there is no shade and you can wander for as long as you like on this trail. You will see signs warning of snakes in the area, mostly in the grass and by the boardwalks. Keep an eye out. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Notch Trail
Distance: 1.5 mi | Elevation: 127 ft | Route: Out & Back
This is the most popular hike in Badlands National Park, known for the wooden log ladder that adds something fun and different to the trail, that you have to go up and down. The ladder looks more intense than it is to climb but doesn’t hurt to take your time. As one of the favorite hikes, the view of the White River Valley at the top of the trail is worth seeing. The notch trailhead begins at the south end of the Door and Window Parking Area. Dogs are not allowed on this hike.
Castle Trail
Distance: 10.3 mi / 5.25 one-way | Elevation: 305 ft | Route: Out & Back
This is the longest trail in the park scaling from one side of the park loop to the other, where you can experience what it feels like to explore the wild, untouched frontier. I would consider this trail moderate as it is mostly a flat trail the entire way, note there is no shade or water, so pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. In the middle of the day, especially in the summer, it can get brutally hot to plan to get an early start or go later in the day. I would also recommend good boots and pants.
This trail can be turned into a one-way if you can be picked up on the other side, or you can take Medicine Root Trail or Saddle Pass trail from here also.
TIP: The Notch Trail, Door Trail, and Window Trail all start from the same parking lot. The Castle Trail also starts here and heads west through the park, ending at the Fossil Exhibit Trail. This parking lot has plenty of room for RV's or large vehicles and there are restrooms here.
Medicine Root Trail
Distance: 2 mi one-way or 4 mi loop | Elevation: 305 ft | Route: Out & Back
Accessible through other trials – the Castle Trial or Saddle Pass Trail. Medicine Root Trail makes a loop off of the Castle Trial. Adding in the Medicine Trail gives you options to mix up your hikes.
You can make the short hike up Saddle Pass Trial and then complete the loop trail from Medicine to Castle trail.
Or
You can start on either side of Castle Trail adding in Medicine Trail to complete the Medicine Root loop.
Saddle Pass Trail
Distance: .7 mi | Elevation: 216 ft | Route: Out & Back
This is my favorite hike in Badlands National Park, mostly because I love the challenge of climbing up the Badlands Wall. Do not be fooled by the distance almost the entire distance is up, look at the elevation gain. This would be considered a hard route due to steep, rocky, slippery parts, even at a short distance. After feeling like the king of the mountain when you reach the top you can also enjoy a 360-degree view of the badlands.
Wear your hiking boots with good traction to help with the loose gravel portions and climbing-like sections. That being said, be cautious on the way down.
Fossil Exhibit Trail
Distance: .4 mi | Elevation: 9 ft | Route: Out & Back
This easy hike over a fully accessible boardwalk is popular for walking and bird watching, but as you walk you will see educational stops about fossils of extinct creatures that once lived in the area. Great for families, and young kids. The fossil exhibit trailhead starts in the parking lot.
Cliff Shelf Nature Trail
Distance: .5 mi | Elevation: 65 ft | Route: Loop
This easy trail winds through staircases and boardwalks, offering views of the valley and surrounding landscapes. Along the way, educational panels share insights into the area's natural history. Please note, that this is a maintained trail but isn't maintained during the winter months. Again, watch for rattlesnakes and give them space.
Back Country or Open Hike in Badlands National Park
A unique aspect of Badlands National Park is its Open Hike Policy, which grants visitors access to explore all 244,000 acres of the park off-trail. Unlike densely forested or fragile ecosystems where trails are necessary to prevent damage, the Badlands’ more resilient landscape can withstand off-trail exploration with minimal environmental impact. The terrain is often rocky and sparsely vegetated, allowing hikers to roam freely without significantly harming plant life or disturbing sensitive habitats. However, visitors are strongly encouraged to follow "Leave No Trace" principles to ensure the park remains pristine for future generations.
This policy invites adventurers to experience the park on their terms, providing the freedom to explore its vast wilderness beyond marked trails.
Here are a few rules that apply to hiking in the backcountry:
Stay at least 100 feet away from wildlife
No Pets are permitted
Pack plenty of water
Carry essentials for outdoor survival, especially a detailed map of Badlands National Park
Fossils, plants, animals, artifacts, and rocks are to remain as you find them.
The golden rule: Leave no trace
Hiking in the backcountry one of the most important things to remember is you are responsible for your safety, there will likely not be many (if any) park visitors around to help.
Let someone know about your plans, and when you plan to return. Be aware of the conditions and be prepared for an emergency. Always pay attention to the time of day, sunrise and sunset. Getting stuck in the backcountry after dark is not ideal.
If backcountry is your thing or you want to explore on your own, here are your backcountry hikes:
Deer Haven Wilderness Area
The Deer Haven Trail is an unmaintained network of game trails frequently used by hikers seeking a more adventurous route. Starting at the Conata Picnic Area, where parking is available, be sure to sign the Backcountry Register before heading out.
Roughly 3 miles west of the trailhead, you'll find Deer Haven, a small alcove of Juniper trees that sets it apart from the surrounding landscape. Visible from miles away, this natural oasis offers a unique contrast to the rugged terrain of the Badlands. One of the best parts of hiking here is the freedom to explore the faint trails without the need to follow a strict path, offering a more flexible and immersive experience compared to the park’s more established trails.
Sage Creek Wilderness Area
The Sage Creek Wilderness Area offers a unique opportunity to explore the more open and less eroded regions of Badlands National Park. In this area, much of the badlands formations have worn away, revealing Cretaceous sediments that support grassland growth. Although visible trails exist, they are not maintained by the park, as these are game trails primarily created by bison. Visitors are welcome to explore the backcountry using these trails but must exercise caution, especially when bison are present.
Since the Badlands allow off-trail hiking, the Sage Creek Wilderness provides a true backcountry experience. Popular access points include the Sage Creek Campground or, for a shorter drive, the Sage Creek Basin Overlook. Before setting out, be sure to register your name and vehicle details in the Backcountry Register. From there, you can explore the area, following the faint bison trails through the tall grasses and enjoying the wild beauty of this remote part of the park.
Tips for Hiking in Badlands National Park
Pack extra water
There are limited services within the park, so plan accordingly. Gas stations, food, and lodging are not available in the park itself. Make sure to fill up on gas and stock up on supplies before entering.
Be prepared for Weather Extremes: The weather in the Badlands can be unpredictable and extreme. Temperatures can vary widely between day and night, and sudden storms are not uncommon. Dress in layers, bring a hat and sunscreen and pack rain gear. Be prepared for temperature swings and strong winds.
Dogs and/or Pets are prohibited on trails, public buildings, backcountry areas, Badlands Wilderness Area, and prairie dog colonies. You can take pets to developed areas like the campgrounds, picnic areas, and parking lots.
Pets are not allowed on the trails, in backcountry areas, or in the Badlands Wilderness for several important reasons: Wildlife protection, Ecosystem Preservation, and Dog safety,
Park Entrance Fee: $30 per car or $15 per motorcycle
National Park Pass —- Buy on REI and they will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities. Planning a National Park vacation? Covers entrance fees for an entire year to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites.
As you plan your trip and before your visit, get updates on the National Park Service website.
Bonus: Stop at Pinnacles Overlook
As a bonus to your Badlands adventure, be sure to visit Pinnacles Overlook. This stunning viewpoint offers sweeping panoramic views of the park's dramatic rock formations and deep canyons. It's a fantastic place to possibly spot some wildlife in the distance and take in the vast, rugged beauty of the Badlands. One of the favorite stops for the best views of sunset!
Last Thoughts on Guide to Best Hikes in Badlands National Park
While hiking is one of the best ways to experience the breathtaking landscapes of Badlands National Park, there’s so much more to enjoy in this great place. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep and mule deer that roam the area, especially around the Deer Haven area. The park is also home to playful prairie dogs, often spotted popping up in the mixed-grass prairies. For a truly memorable visit, the best time to explore the Badlands is during the cooler months of spring and fall, when temperatures are more moderate.
If you're looking to expand your adventure, Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills are nearby, offering more of South Dakota’s most iconic landmarks and natural beauty.
Whether you’re exploring the best Badlands hikes or taking in the majestic scenery, this national park is one of the best things you can experience in the United States. With its otherworldly landscapes, great views, and abundant wildlife, Badlands National Park offers a truly unforgettable adventure.
More Information on Badlands National Park and Traveling in South Dakota
Your adventure in Badlands National Park is just the beginning! For more travel inspiration and practical tips, check out our comprehensive Guide to Badlands National Park. Whether you're planning your next hike or looking for insider tips, this guide has you covered.
If you're eager to explore beyond the park, don't missThings to Do in South Dakota. From hidden gems to must-see attractions, discover the best experiences South Dakota has to offer.
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