About
LocationWall SD
Managed byNational Park Service
SizeLarge — multiple days
Acres242,756 acres
Good forHikingBikingCampingHorseback RidingWildlife ViewingBirdwatchingStargazing

The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world's richest fossil beds. Ancient horses and rhinos once roamed here. The park's 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today.

Location

The paid routing engine is limited to trusted members.

Trails (11)
  • ★ Notch Trail1.5 mi · Out-and-Back · Easy · 130 ft up · 15 min · from Door and Window parking area
  • ★ Door Trail0.8 mi · Out-and-Back · Easy · 18 ft up · 15 min · from Door and Window parking area
  • Medicine Root Trail2.1 mi · Easy · 47 ft up · 1 hr
  • ★ Window Trail0.3 mi · Out-and-Back · Easy · Flat · 15 min · from Door and Window parking area
  • ★ Castle Trail10 mi · Point-to-Point · Moderate · 350 ft up · 2 hr 30 min · from Door and Window parking area
  • Medicine Root Loop4 mi · Loop · Moderate · 118 ft up · 2 hr · from Saddle Pass or Castle Trail junction
  • Saddle Pass Trail0.3 mi · Out-and-Back · Easy · 300 ft up · 15 min · from Saddle Pass parking area, Badlands Loop Road
  • Cliff Shelf Nature Trail0.5 mi · Loop · Easy · 200 ft up · 15 min · from Cliff Shelf parking area, Badlands Loop Road
  • ★ Fossil Exhibit Trail0.3 mi · Out-and-Back · Easy · Flat · 15 min · from Fossil Exhibit parking area, Badlands Loop Road
  • Deer Haven Trail6 mi · Out-and-Back · Hard · 3 hr · from Deer Haven trailhead, Sage Creek Rim Road
  • Sage Creek WildernessPoint-to-Point · Hard · from Sage Creek Rim Road

Trail data: USGS National Map / PAD-US, the National Park Service, state agencies, and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

What Visitors Say
One visitor has shared advice about this park.
  • Best time: fall and spring. avoid extreme weather. very busy during summer and hot. go april-june or sept-nov. late may/early june pleasant and not too crowded. early oct is good.
Rating & Notes

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