Basic Information
Operating Hours & SeasonsBadlands National Park and its campgrounds are open all year.
Badlands National Park Points of Interest & Stops
Browse points of interest in Badlands National Park, including overlooks, trailheads, waterfalls, visitor centers, and other stops that help shape a stronger park itinerary.
Best Stops and Park POIs in Badlands National Park
Use this Badlands National Park POI collection to compare stops, prioritize landmarks, and decide which places belong on the route before you open the map or start a trip plan.
Basic Information
When to VisitBadlands National Park's 380 square miles of wild terrain is open year-around.
Basic Information
Driving DirectionsBadlands National Park can be found 75 miles east of Rapid City, in southwestern South Dakota.
Basic Information
Food & ShoppingThe park itself hosts the Cedar Pass Lodge Restaurant with a variety of local and regional cuisine.
Basic Information
WeatherSpring and fall will offer pleasant weather for visitors to Badlands National Park.
Basic Information
SafetyThe ever-changing weather conditions at Badlands National Park require careful preparation before entering the wilderness.
Basic Information
PetsPets are not allowed on Badlands hiking trails, backcountry wilderness areas, or in public buildings.
Basic Information
AccessibilityThe Badlands were once described by George Armstrong Custer as "hell with the fires burned out," but park visitors will find it far more accessible than that.
Activities
Auto TouringSome of the most amazing buttes, spires and cliffs of Badlands National Park can be found on the two-lane Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway.
Activities
HikingThe beauty of Badlands may be experience through a variety of designated hiking trails.
.jpg%3F1459449983&w=3840&q=75)
Point of interest
Door TrailFor an interesting hike focused on geological history, take the Door Trail.
.jpg%3F1459449932&w=3840&q=75)
Point of interest
Window TrailPenetrating the Badlands Wall that spans 100 miles of the South Dakota plains, the Window Trail offers an easy hike to view this rugged terrain.
Point of interest
Fossil Exhibit TrailA hike where you'll see classic Badlands formations. A must see for fossil enthusiasts.
.jpg%3F1459450174&w=3840&q=75)
Point of interest
Castle TrailOn the longest trail in Badlands you'll weave through spire mazes, buttes, and fins surrounded by classic open prairie.
Point of interest
Medicine Root LoopThe Medicine Root Loop makes for a moderate day hike over rolling hills and prairies.
.JPG%3F1459450278&w=3840&q=75)
Point of interest
Saddle PassWith a view over the White River Valley, Saddle Pass is a difficult yet worthwhile hike.
.jpg%3F1459450387&w=3840&q=75)
Point of interest
Notch TrailSome of the most unbelievable views of the Badlands prairie are from the Notch Trail.
Activities
Horseback RidingEquestrians are given the chance to enjoy the off-trail areas of Badlands.
.jpg%3F1459445970&w=3840&q=75)
Activities
Fossil HuntingOne of the largest collections of mammal fossils from the Eocene and Oligocene periods is found in the White River Badlands.
Activities
StargazingJupiter and Milky Way are some of the night sky's beautiful jewels to behold in Badlands.
