For the tourist who simply stumbles into western South Dakota, it may appear that there are a limited number of activities in Badlands National Park. Few trails exist here, but that certainly doesn’t mean that there is nothing to do.
Here are some of Park Junkie’s favorite activities in Badlands.
Guide to Badlands
Hiking in Badlands
There are surprisingly limited options for hiking trails in Badlands, but the trails that do exist offer access to stellar views. While the trails here are few, they can provide a substantial degree of solitude.
MORE| TRAIL | LOCATION | LENGTH | Difficulty & NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door | Badlands Loop Road, east side of park | .75 miles | E – Self-guided trail. Access through Badlands Wall |
| Window | Badlands Loop Road, east side of park | .25 miles | E – An opening in the Badlands Wall creates a window view |
| Notch | Badlands Loop Road, east side of park | 1.5 miles | M – Fun trail with wooden ladder to view of White River Valley |
| Cliff Shelf | Badlands Loop Road, east side of park | .5 | M – Short loop showcases varying terrain |
| Castle Trail | Badlands Loop Road, east side of park / Fossil Exhibit Trailhead | 5 miles 1-way | M – Park’s longest trail. Mostly level with good views of Badlands |
| Medicine Root | Spur from Castle Trail | 4 miles | M – Spur loop from Castle Trail through prairie. Tons of prairie dogs |
| Saddle Pass | Badlands Loop Road | .25 miles | M – Short but steep hike up side of Badlands Wall |
| Fossil Exhibit | Badlands Loop Road | .25 miles | E – Short trail displays replicas of fossils found in the area |
Off Trail Hiking in Badlands
Badlands has an open hiking policy, which means that hikers can enjoy a wilderness hiking experience without those bothersome trails that we’re always told to stick to. This allows an individualistic approach to hiking, and you can pretty much go wherever you want. Just don’t be a dumbass, and practice respect when wandering among the park’s ancient geologic structures.
MOREOff-trail-hiking requires a topographic map, a compass, knowledge of how to use them, lots of water and sunscreen. You’ll also want to have some form of plan, or at least an idea of where you’d like to go and how long your hike will be.
Avoid summer heat, as the temperatures in the Badlands can quickly persuade you that this land is actually bad. Also be aware of storms, and keep clear of small canyons during rainstorms, as they may flood without warning.
Biking in Badlands
If you’re a road cyclist, a sunrise ride on the Badlands Loop Road will provide a great start to the day. This road winds through some of the coolest scenery you’ll ride through all summer. The road can see quite a bit of traffic during the daylight hours, so an early morning ride is recommended, but you could just go for it and ride it whenever the spirit moves you.
MOREFor the mountain bikers, there are no single track trails, but the Sheep Mountain Table Road in the Stronghold Unit can be a great ride. This 7 mile one-way 4×4 road meanders through a maze of canyons and plateaus, leading to some of the best table-top views in the Badlands.
Scenic Drives in Badlands
If one enjoys time behind the wheel, there are plenty of miles to chew up here in the Badlands. Some are paved, some are dirt and some may require a 4×4.
MOREBadlands Loop Road
This road provides a fantastic tour of the North Unit, and is the highlight of the park for many visitors. The 36-mile scenic drive was planned in conjunction with the naming of the Badlands as a national park, in order to create an easy way for visitors to enjoy the surrounding scenery without too much fuss.
The road twists and turns through rugged terrain as it follows the 60-mile-long Badlands Wall. The design of the drive provides access to a few of the most stunning parts of the Wall, and offers more than a dozen scenic vistas.
Sage Creek Road
Once a motorist has experienced all that the Loop Road has to offer, there is the Sage Creek Road, an unpaved route that runs through the western section of the North Unit. This drive is known for wildlife, so keep those eyes peeled for bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep and fox.
Along this route is the world-famous Roberts Prairie Dog Town, and you’ll know when you’ve arrived. These little creatures are always busy at work, and they don’t mind if you stop and watch for a while.
The Sage Creek Road exits the park’s western boundary, shortly before arriving at the small town of Scenic, which is the gateway to the South Unit, better known as the Stronghold Unit.
NPS – Badlands – Sage Creek Rim Road
Sheep Mountain Table Road
This 7-mile, one-way dirt road is the highlight of the Stronghold Unit, providing access to the top of the Sheep Mountain Table. This area has incredible views and no people.
It is recommended that drivers on the Sheep Mountain Road have a high-clearance 4×4. If weather conditions are of the inclement variety, sections of this road could be a nightmare.
Overall however, the road is not that challenging, and any off-road junkie worth their salt will scoff at its designation as a 4×4 route. But, there are some slightly challenging sections at certain times, and believe it or not, people get stuck out here.
Horseback Riding in Badlands
There may be no better way to wander through the exquisite formations of the Badlands than on the back of one’s trusty steed. Equestrian travel is permitted anywhere in the park except on official trails, roads and developed areas.
MOREThere are no guided services or horse rental operations in the park, so you’ll have to bring your own livestock. You’ll be able to spend the night with your stock however, as the Sage Creek Campground has designated horse sites, with hitching posts and a watering hole. So you can lead your horse to water…
Stargazing in Badlands
The lack of major population centers in western South Dakota presents a wonderful nightscape that explodes with more than 7,500 stars on an average night.
MOREDon’t miss the opportunity to check out an Night Sky Viewing program while in the park, as rangers and volunteer astronomers present evening programs nightly at the Cedar Pass Amphitheater during the summer months. Check with the visitor center to find the time, as this changes depending on the hour of sunset.
Also take note of the Badlands Astronomy Festival, which features guest speakers and nightly telescope viewing sessions. The dates for the festival change yearly, so check with the visitor center or call ahead to find out more.
Ranger Programs
There is usually no better way to learn some bizarre facts about a national park than to attend one of the numerous Ranger Programs that are offered. Park Junkie always tries to attend at least one such activity during a park visit, because you can’t buy information like that.
MOREThe Badlands offers Fossil Talks, Night Sky Programs and the classic Evening Programs, which provide a variety of topics for educational benefit.
Guide to Badlands
Relevant Links
National Park Guides
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