Top Things to do in Badlands National Park
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What to do and see in Badlands National Park, Badlands National Park: The Best Outdoor Activities
Canyons and multi-colored hills.
1. Loop Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,930 reviews
Main route through Badlands National Park.
Reviewed By leob276 - Lyndonville, United States
We have spent the last three days in Badlands National Park and have made several passes on the Loop Road. It is truly amazing in our travels we have seen a Buffalo cross the road in front of us, pronghorn antelope, prairie dogs, big horned sheep, mule deer and coyotes. The scenery changes as the sun light changes! A must see for all!!!
2. Notch Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 374 reviews
Scenic hiking trail that takes about an hour.
Reviewed By ashleyinthesky - Los Angeles, United States
Relatively short hike with spectacular view at the end. Climbing the wooden ladder was a neat part of the hike, although it may be a little challenging if you have a fear of heights. Many signs warning of rattlesnakes (which is a little disconcerting), but we did not encounter any on the hike.
3. Castle Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Hiking trail that leads through prairie and Badlands country, and takes about two hours.
Reviewed By DebM1585
We wanted to do the 4 mile loop from Northeast Road allowing us to take Castle Trail for 2 miles and Medicine Loop Trail for 2 miles. We missed the trail from our car and had to turn around because it’s not very obvious from this road. There’s no real parking area, just a slight and unmarked cut out on the shoulder. We were the only hikers at 8:00 am, though we passed a couple of more on our way out. Mostly flat, pretty easy trail. A great cross section of the Badlands. Muddy in some parts, and even though it’s flat, extremely slippery and hard to avoid. We really enjoyed the hike.
4. Saddle Pass Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Hiking trail that leads through the Badlands Wall and takes about a hour.
Reviewed By lindajane12 - Chicago, United States
This trail is short but most of the time you’re going straight uphill. We went up to the top with kids ages 7,9,10, and 15. We stopped for some great views. My kids found a couple fun rock formations to rest at along the way. We saw people at the very top on the way up which made it more exciting knowing we’d end up with that viewpoint. I definitely held my 7 year old’s hand on the last section as it gets steep and narrow. This was probably the most thrilling section of the park for us and we also hiked The Notch. We were lucky that it was 80 and sunny. I could imagine it being difficult if wet. We took it slow on the way down. We didn’t have a hiking stick or boots but this would be the one area of the park I’d recommend them for. Overall a great time.
5. Door Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Trail along dry, cracked earth.
Reviewed By sondraw221 - Manhattan Beach, United States
The best time to see this is at sunrise, as the sun is slowly waking up the rock formations. The colors are incredible, as you get whites, pinks, purples, etc. The walk itself is super easy. Go off the platform and explore!
6. Cliff Shelf Nature Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By ASH814 - Aiken, United States
The beautiful colors of this site and the blue sky blended on the day we toured Badlands. A real national treasure.
7. Sheep Mountain Table Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By C6627CUamberw
Family loved the drive as it felt like you were off roading. You will reach the small parking area to ciew sheep mountain table. Next, We opted to walk the road past the parking lot which requires a high clearance vehicle. We have a Ford edge. Not sure if a regular crossover suv would be high enough and not worth messing up your vehicle. The walk up this road is pleasant on a overcast day. No shade. Even two young kids made it. At the end of the walk maybe a mile you get more amazing views.
8. Fossil Exhibit Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 218 reviews
Quarter-mile trail with remnants of fossils.
Reviewed By DQShaw - York, United States
Family friendly trail. All on boardwalks. Very informative markers of where fossils were found close by. Great stop along the Loop Road.
