Discover the Wonders of Badlands National Park with GoTravelDaily

Wander through a prehistoric wonderland of colorful rock formations, fossils, and prairies in southwest South Dakota. The surreal landscapes of Badlands National Park were created over millions of years. Rivers raged and winds gusted, depositing layer upon layer of rock until buttes and spires pointed toward the sky. Each layer displays a different hue as if painted in stripes of yellow, orange, purple, gray, and tan. It’s the kind of place that elicits gasps of awe.

The Lakota people referred to this region as “mako sica,” meaning “bad lands,” a fitting name for such a daunting landscape. The winters are cold and stormy, while the summers are hot and dry, with canyons and buttes creating a complex maze. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Lakota hunted here seasonally without establishing permanent settlements.

Established as a national monument in 1929 and designated a national park in 1978, Badlands National Park encompasses 244,000 acres of stunning rock formations, prairies, and wildlife. It also protects one of the world’s most abundant fossil beds. Here’s how to plan a trip to Badlands National Park for an unforgettable experience.

When Should I Go to Badlands National Park?

Badlands National Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. In summer, temperatures can soar as high as 114℉ (45℃), making it the busiest time to visit, although the vast expanse ensures it seldom feels crowded. If outdoor activities are on your agenda, carry plenty of water and venture out in the early morning to avoid the heat. Schedule scenic drives and visits to visitor centers during the hottest times of the day to enjoy air conditioning.

Winter brings up to two feet of snow, with temperatures occasionally dropping below 40℉ (4℃). Prepare for extreme cold and check the National Park Service website for current road conditions prior to your visit.

The optimal times to visit are during the shoulder seasons of April/May and September/October. During these months, temperatures are mild and crowds are thinner. September particularly rewards visitors with warm temperatures and fewer crowds.

How Much Time Should I Spend in Badlands National Park?

A two to three-day stay is recommended for exploring Badlands National Park. However, even day trips can be enjoyable. If short on time, focus on scenic drives with stopovers at overlooks to take in the views.

Is It Easy to Access Badlands National Park?

Despite its alien-like appearance, the Badlands are easy to reach. The park is located just an hour’s drive from Rapid City Regional Airport, which serves several major airlines.

If traveling by car or RV, Badlands National Park is situated 62 miles from Rapid City, 276 miles from Sioux Falls, 370 miles from Denver, and 450 miles from Omaha. For those on a road trip, consider visiting nearby roadside attractions, such as Wall Drug Store, located just 11 minutes from the park’s visitor center.

Be aware that there is no shuttle system or public transport within the park, so a personal vehicle is necessary for exploration. Cell service can be limited, and GPS may occasionally be unreliable, so it’s advisable to download maps prior to your visit or bring physical copies.

Accessibility at Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park prioritizes accessibility for all visitors. Wheelchair-accessible boardwalks wind through grasslands and striking stone formations, providing scenic overlooks across the park. Additionally, the Fossil Exhibit Trail features tactile exhibits and braille on interpretive signs.

Both visitor centers are wheelchair-accessible, and open-captioned and audio-described versions of the introductory park film are available upon request. The Ben Relief Visitor Center showcases museum exhibits that contain tactile and audio/visual elements to assist visitors who are blind or have low vision.

Additionally, Cedar Pass Campground offers two wheelchair-accessible campsites and an accessible site in the group loop area.

Top Activities in Badlands National Park

Experience the Diverse Landscapes

One of the park’s main appeals is the dramatic variation in landscape. A simple turn in the road can reveal big horn sheep grazing nearby or an expansive vista of stone waves dissolved into sprawling grasslands.

For wildlife sightings, visit Sage Creek Rim Road, a dirt road in the North Unit, where the chances of encountering bison are high. Other wildlife includes elk, mountain lions, pronghorn, big horn sheep, rattlesnakes, and numerous bird species.

The most popular drive through the park is the Hwy 240 Badlands Loop Road. This scenic route takes you past stunning landscapes, including prairies, pyramid-shaped rock formations, breathtaking overlooks, and visitor centers.

Discover Fascinating Fossils

Evidence of prehistoric life abounds in the Badlands, with ancient horses, rhinos, camels, tigers, and oreodonts once roaming the area. Fossil discoveries continue to emerge, often by visitors who alert park rangers for careful excavation and preservation. A wheelchair-accessible Fossil Exhibit Trail features fossil replicas and insights into ancient life.

The Ben Relief Visitors Center includes the Fossil Preparation Lab, where guests can observe paleontologists at work and inquire about ancient life and ongoing projects within the park. The lab typically operates from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm daily.

Stargazing Opportunities

The absence of light pollution transforms the night sky at Badlands National Park into a celestial spectacle. Stargazing is exceptional throughout the year, but if you’re visiting from Memorial Day to Labor Day, rangers set up telescopes and conduct astronomy talks after sunset at Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater.

Hit the Trails

In addition to the wheelchair-accessible boardwalks, the park also offers longer and more challenging hikes, such as the 10-mile out-and-back Castle Trail. This trail, starting at the Door and Window Parking Area, meanders through scenic grasslands and rock formations before reaching the Fossil Exhibit Trail.

For the adventurous, off-trail hiking is permitted in Badlands National Park. If you choose to explore off the beaten path, carry sufficient water, maintain a safe distance from wildlife, and wear sturdy footwear to protect against snakes and cacti.

Visit the Visitor Centers

Stop by the Ben Relief Visitors Center to explore museum exhibits and fossils while engaging with park rangers and paleontologists. The White River Visitor Center focuses on the cultural heritage of the Badlands, and rangers are available to discuss the park’s significance to the Lakota people.

Your Budget for Badlands National Park

• Basic hotel room for two in Rapid City: $99-$175

• Room or cabin inside Badlands National Park at Cedar Pass Lodge: from $220 per night

• Camping at Sage Creek Campground in Badlands: free

• Camping at Cedar Pass Campground in Badlands: from $28 per night

• Meal for two at Cedar Pass Lodge Restaurant: $40

• Souvenir T-shirt from Ben Relief Visitor Center: from $25

• Entrance fee to the park: standard entrance $15-$30; annual entrance $55; America The Beautiful Pass $80