South Dakota boasts two National Parks: Badlands National Park and Wind Cave National Park, alongside the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Additionally, several state parks, including Custer State Park, deserve attention during your visit. Despite its relatively smaller size compared to other national parks, such as Glacier National Park, Badlands National Park provides an excellent opportunity for observing wildlife, enjoying starry nights, and experiencing open camping. The expansive nature of larger parks can sometimes feel overwhelming due to the vast array of sights to see within a limited timeframe. In contrast, Badlands National Park allows you to fully explore its features within a day or two, enriching your overall experience. The park also offers exceptional hiking opportunities. Here are the top trails in Badlands National Park to explore during your visit.

Window Trail

The Window Trail, along with the Door, Castle, and Notch trails, begins at the same parking lot, making parking scarce during the peak summer season. This effortless 0.25-mile round trip trail features stunning views and is recognized by the National Park Service for its “intricately eroded canyon.”

Door Trail

This easy 0.75-mile round trip trail begins with a 0.25-mile accessible boardwalk, showcasing unique rock formations that characterize Badlands National Park. Beyond the boardwalk, visitors can roam the rocky outcrops, guided by occasional signposts. The flora here is distinctive and interspersed amongst the myriad of colorful rocks.

Castle Trail

The Castle Trail is the longest hiking route within the park, stretching 10 miles round trip from the same parking lot as the Window Trail. Despite its length, this trail remains relatively easy and flat, making it accessible to many hikers.

Notch Trail

One of my personal favorite hikes, the Notch Trail, is also accessed from the same parking area as the other trails but provides a distinct experience. While the Door and Window trails offer similar scenery, the Notch Trail presents a unique landscape.

This trail spans 1.5 miles round trip and requires climbing a ladder to access the main path, featuring some moderately narrow sections to navigate. It is one of the park’s premier hiking experiences, offering numerous opportunities to explore the unique rock formations.

Fossil Exhibit Trail

The Fossil Exhibit Trail is a short route that is particularly suitable for families, covering just 0.4 miles round trip. This fully accessible boardwalk trail includes informational signs detailing the fossils discovered in the area, the geological dating of the rocks, and the various rock types found. It serves as an excellent introduction to the park’s geological history, spanning millions of years.

Saddle Pass Trail

This 0.25-mile round trip trail connects to both the Castle Trail and the Medicine Root loop, presenting a steep ascent. Although brief, it is among the park’s steepest hikes. For those planning to tackle either the Castle Trail or the Medicine Root loop, this trail may be less critical to include in your itinerary, unless you seek a rigorous leg workout.

Medicine Root Trail

Measuring 4 miles round trip, this easy trail (like most hikes in Badlands, it features manageable walking paths) connects to the Castle Trail. Being one of the longer trails, it traverses through grassland, which may appear less visually stimulating compared to other paths.

Cliff Shelf Nature Trail

This brief 0.5-mile round trip hike presents a unique landscape distinct from other trails. While it includes a significant amount of boardwalk, the 200-foot elevation gain categorizes the trail as moderate. Nevertheless, it is manageable and offers fascinating historical insights, complemented by the aromatic juniper trees that make this walk unforgettable.

Tips for Visiting Badlands National Park

• As water sources are scarce in the park, carry your water bottle filled with ample water.
• Many trails allow for open hiking, enabling you to explore off the beaten path; however, please adhere to Leave No Trace principles and protect sensitive plant life.
• While summer is a popular season to visit, autumn may provide a more enjoyable experience with fewer crowds and mild temperatures.
• Entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days, or consider the America the Beautiful pass for multiple park access!

Concluding Thoughts

Should hiking not be on your agenda, fear not; Badlands National Park offers a wealth of other attractions. Nightfall at the Pinnacles Overlook delivers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the park, while the scenic drive along the Badlands Loop Road allows for breathtaking photographs of colorful rock formations. Additionally, numerous overlooks provide the chance to see prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, and bison in their natural habitat.

For more detailed information to plan your trip, explore my complete guide to Badlands National Park.