Badlands Wilderness Area
In 1976, Congress designated 64,114 acres of wilderness in Badlands National Park.
Plan Around Badlands Wilderness Area
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Badlands Wilderness Area Details
In 1976, Congress designated 64,114 acres of wilderness in Badlands National Park, representing about a quarter of total park land. The Badlands Wilderness Area is mostly located in the western half of the park's North Unit. It includes the Sage Creek area and features the largest remaining swath of mixed-prairie rangeland in the U.S. Herds of buffalo still roam freely here, as do bighorn sheep, coyotes, and mule deer. Backcountry hiking and camping are permitted throughout the wilderness area, but there are no formal trails or campsites.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Badlands Wilderness Area
Compare nearby parks around Badlands Wilderness Area when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Badlands Wilderness Area
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Badlands Wilderness Area while the map context is still fresh.
3.0 mi away
Deer Haven
Near the Conata Picnic Area is the start of the hike to Deer Haven, a popular area for wildlife viewing.
5.1 mi away
Sage Creek Campground
Camping is free at the primitive Sage Creek Campground.
5.3 mi away
Roberts Prairie Dog Town
Take Badlands Loop Road to the gravel Sage Creek Rim Road to find Roberts Prairie Dog Town.
6.2 mi away
Pinnacles Overlook
You'll find Pinnacles Overlook on Badlands Loop Road, nine miles south of the town of Wall.
6.4 mi away
Pinnacles Entrance
Pinnacles Entrance is the northern most entrance to Badlands National Park and is located seven miles south of Wall, SD on Highway 240
