The only bad thing about Badlands is that it's far enough away I don't get to visit as much as I want.
Which is why I thought I would start off Mazy on the Move | National Park Adventures series with my personal favorite, Badlands National Park.
Honestly though, South Dakota in itself is just a freakin' gem! But Badlands sold me on this beautiful area within the first few hours. The unique, rugged landscape is a playground (quite literally with their Open Hiking) that NEVER ENDS and will always have me coming back for more.
*Don't forget the $30 entrance fee or purchase an America the Beautiful Annual National Parks Pass for $80!
What to Do in Badlands National Park
Starting with what you REALLY want to know... (don't worry, all the other important info is after this, as it should be)...
Hiking
Open Hiking: Badlands gives you the freedom to get off the designated trails and explore ALL areas of the park, including climbing on & over the rock formations. Make sure to use common sense, carry plenty of water, be safe, and LEAVE NO TRACE!
Door Trail is a 0.75 accessible trail that leads you to an overlook of the park with the option to explore eroded formation on your own at the end of the trail.
Notch Trail (my personal favorite!) is a 1.5 mile trek through and up rock formations. Due to a ladder climb, this trail is NOT accessible. But the views while hiking and at the end are incredible! *This is one of the most popular trails and can get HOT in the summer so go early to avoid the crowds and heat.
Saddle Pass is a quick but tough climb with rewarding views at the end! Make sure you wear appropriate shoes that will give you the best traction going up and down the slick rock face. *Go early to avoid the heat!
Castle Trail is a 10 mile trail for those who really want to get moving. You'll pass through plenty of badlands formations on your way to the Fossil Exhibit Trail.
Additional trial options can be found using AllTrails.
Wildlife Viewing
Sage Creek Rim Road will give you the best chance to see the Badlands herd of 1,000 bison. While you're looking for the biggest creatures in the park, it'll be hard to miss the dirt mounds of the Roberts Prairie Dog Town (please drive slow to protect these cute fellas!). Other creatures to be on the lookout (& listen) for are bighorn sheep, rattlesnakes, coyotes, and deer!
Night Sky Viewing
Nothing makes me feel more in awe than the stars above a vast landscape. Minimal light pollution and generally clear skies make Badlands a perfect place for stargazing and astro photography. Ranger led programs also give you the chance to look at the Badlands skies through telescopes.
Biking
For those of you (definitely not me) who enjoy biking, you can choose from both paved and dirt roads for your ride. Bring your entrance receipt with you if you entered by car so you don't have to pay an additional $7 entry fee. If you come across bison while biking, move to the opposite side of the road to pass and use a car as a barrier if available.
Badlands Loop Road (paved)
Sage Creek Loop (23 miles - dirt)
Northeast-Big Foot Loop (27 miles - dirt)
Northeast Loop (17 miles - dirt)
Scenic Drives & Overlooks
Badlands Loop Road is a paved route that takes you through the main area of the park and gives you access to the most popular (for a reason!) overlooks in the park. This route can get a bit crowded so pack your patience.
Sage Creek Rim Road is a dirt road that gives you access to Sage Creek Campground, Roberts Prairie Dog Town, several overlooks, and acres of rugged territory to explore and search for wildlife. The rain will have an impact on using this road... closing it if there's been too much or making it a dusty trip if there's been too little.
Sunrise & Sunset Spots
The sunrises & sunsets I've seen in Badlands NP are among the best I've ever seen. The sunrise was heavenly producing pastel painted skies and turning the rock formations almost white. The sunset was a fiery red, orange, and yellow across the horizon that cast looming shadows across the badlands. In general, a drive along Badlands Loop Road will give you plenty of options for both shows, but here are a few locations anyway:
Sunrise was beautiful at Door Trail with the first light hitting some of the east facing formations. Other popular spots include Notch Trail, Big Badlands Overlook, and Panorama Point.
While we took in sunset from the top of a rock formation we climbed along Badlands Loop Road (make sure to park off the roadway), if you want a less strenuous view check out Big Badlands Overlook, Castle Trail, and Conata Basin Overlook.
Getting to Badlands National Park means either driving your own vehicle or renting one if you fly into Rapid City Regional Airport. It takes almost 1.5 hours to get from Rapid City to Ben Reifel Visitor Center on the east end of Badlands Loop Road. I suggest driving/renting a 4x4 vehicle so that you can access some of the more remote areas of the park. Wall Drug and Minuteman Missile National Historic Sites are fun little stops along the way!
*There is no public transportation provided within the park so plan accordingly!
** The South Unit of Badlands NP is currently closed to the public due to Covid-19 restrictions on Oglala Sioux Tribal lands. This blog will only cover the North Unit of the park.
Places to Stay include options for those who love their creature comforts to those who love to get comfy with the creatures...
RV & Tent Camping
Cedar Pass Lodge Campground is open early April to late October and offers tent and RV sites for $34/night. We stayed here on our first visit to Badlands and got the best views! The campground has shower & restrooms and is right beside the Cedar Pass Lodge (food!) and Ben Reifel Visitor Center with easy access to the Badlands Loop Road, picnic areas, overlooks, and trailheads.
Sage Creek Campground is located on the western border of the park and requires a 10 mile drive along a dirt road. The dusty drive will lead you to a FREE first come, first serve primitive (no water or facilities) campground. Both tent camping and RVs up to 18 feet are allowed at this campground. BONUS: Wildlife is abundant here! You'll pass Robert's Prairie Dog Town along the way and there were Bison just roaming among the tents when we visited (be sure to keep your distance though!).
Local Campgrounds Include: Badlands Interior Motel and Campground, Badlands/White River KOA, and Sleepy Hollow Campground & RV Park.
Backcountry camping is permitted within Badlands NP as long as you are .5 miles away and not visible from a roadway.
Dispersed campsites are located throughout Buffalo Gap National Grassland near the park. Use apps such as The Dyrt or iOverlander to locate designated campsites!
Hotels & Lodges
Cedar Pass Lodge Cabins give you the option for a little more comfort in the middle of the park for $189/night. The amenities may be well worth it with queen or king beds, television, limited appliances, bedding, and temperature control.
Hotels outside the park are scarce with a few options in the town of Wall, but most will be back in Rapid City!
What to Eat during your visit might be the biggest hurdle. Most restaurants are located in the town of Wall, 15 minutes north of the Pinnacles entrance station. If you are on the eastern side of the park, your only two options are Cedar Pass Lodge or Badlands Trading Post just off I-90.
If you plan on cooking your meals, bring groceries from home or stock up in Rapid City or at Wall Food Center (closes 7pm).
Pro Tips for Badlands National Park
Cell service isn't the best so make sure you download any music, podcasts, apps, trail maps, or driving routes while your in Rapid City.
Notch Trail immediately after sunrise. Trust me, just do it. The light is honestly mind-blowing.
Badlands National Park will make a perfect week-long road trip combined with Wind Cave National Park, Mount Rushmore National Monument, and Custer State Park! Itinerary coming soon!
Don't let yourself get below 50 miles in your gas tank so you have plenty to get back to I-90.
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