Best Hikes in Badlands National Park For Families (Plus, Badlands Scenic Loop Overlook Guide)
Are you looking for the best hikes in Badlands National Park? Want to know what Badland trails are the best? Need to plan a Badlands National Park itinerary?
You are in the right spot! On our most recent trip visiting Badlands National Park, we made hiking the badlands our top priority. We wanted to find the best hikes in Badlands National Park!
I imagine that you are searching for the same topic of “Best hikes in Badlands National Park” before your trip as I did. We learned a lot on our last visit and I am excited to share with you some of the best hikes in Badlands National Park that we were able to do. (We had kids with us, so we focused on the easy Badlands hikes.)
In this post, we will give you a complete Badlands National Park guide. Beginning with directions to Badlands National Park, admission cost and hour, the weather in the Badlands, and of course the best easy hikes in Badlands National Park.
Let’s explore some of the best hikes Badlands National Park has to offer, so you can decide which ones are right for you!
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Why Are the Badlands Called Bad?
This is a great question! The Lakota people were the first people to call this place bad because of its extreme temperatures and lack of water. French explorers thought it was bad because it was tough to travel through. Nowadays we use it as an expression of soft sedimentary rock eroding in dry climate.
But don’t worry, we had a good experience, and you can too!
Where Is Badlands National Park?
Image Courtesy of Wall Drug
Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota on HWY 240 and loops around to hit Interstate 90. If you are planning a trip to Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, or Crazy Horse then consider going to Badlands National Park as it is located nearby.
Mileage and Time to Get to Nearby Attractions
Badlands to Mount Rushmore – 1 hour and 25 minutes (75 miles)
Badlands to Custer State Park – 1 hour and 12 minutes (69 miles)
Wall Drug Store
It is also only 8 miles from Wall Drug Store, so if you need to buy some supplies before you hit the best hikes in Badlands National Park this is the spot!
Badlands National Park Operating Hours
Hours
Badlands National Park is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Admission
$30 for 7 days of admission
The American The Beautiful National Park Pass is a great option if you plan to visit more parks throughout the year and is even free if you have a 4th grader in your household.
The National Park Service offers the following Entrance Fee Free Days this year:
- April 20, 2024 (National Park Week)
- June 19, 2024 (Juneteenth)
- August 4, 2024 (Great American Outdoors Act)
- September 28, 2024 (National Public Lands Day)
- November 11, 2024 (Veterans Day)
How Much Time Should I Spend at Badlands National Park
Park Rangers suggest spending two full days at the Badlands National Park. We only spent one day at Badlands National Park and it was perfect.
Consider the Weather at Badlands National Park
When creating your Badlands itinerary consider the weather. If the weather is agreeable you could enjoy all the Badlands hikes and see almost everything in one day.
Unfortunately, if you are going in the Summer the temperatures are so hot you will need to rest while the sun is beating down. Plan accordingly when hiking in the Badlands because you will probably want to spread your hikes out over two days.
In Spring and Fall, you will probably be able to hike the Badlands trails you plan to do within one day.
Badlands Scenic Loop Driving Time
If you are entering the Badlands National Park Pinnacles entrance be aware that to get to the main visitor center it can take over an hour.
Most of the good hikes are beyond that point. I would suggest taking Interstate 90 to the Northeast Entrance. This is a faster route to the Badlands hikes. Make sure to give yourself enough time to reach the Badlands trailhead early.
Badlands Loop Scenic Byway
If you are planning on just doing a scenic drive of the Badlands plan for 1.5 – 2.5 hours. Entering at the Pinnacle entrance is the best way to explore. You can drive on the Badlands loop scenic byway road and start your journey.
You can purchase a driving tour to narrate your Badlands National Park drive. You could also book a private tour with an expert.
If you are going to hike the best hikes at the Badlands then plan on spending much more of your day at the park.
Ben Reifel Visitor Center
Depending on which entrance you arrive the visitor center is a great starting point for hiking in the Badlands. Ben Reifel Visitor Center is open and the summer operating hours are from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. During other seasons the times, the times change slightly.
Park Rangers
The park ranger can direct you where the best hikes in Badlands National Park are as well as inform you if there are any dangers you should be aware of. There are also exhibits and bathrooms available to use at this location.
Within five miles of the visitor’s center, there are many trails to explore. This is where you will find the best hikes at Badlands National Park.
Prepare for Hiking in the Badlands
If you are planning on a Badlands hiking trip, there are a few things you will want to have! There is extreme heat and rough terrain when hiking in the Badlands National Park. It is good to be prepared.
Badlands National Park Hiking Essentials
Always be prepared before you begin any hiking in Badlands National Park!
Easy Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park
As you leave the visitor center you will head to a Badlands Loop parking lot. This parking lot is the starting point for the Badlands hiking trails.
Easy Badlands Hiking Trails
As you park and exit your car you are directly in front of the starting point of three easy Badlands National Park hikes. The Door Trail, Window Trail, and Notch Trail are all located at this point. You will probably have time to do all of these hikes if you start early in the morning.
These Badlands hikes are so easy that even your kids will enjoy them and be able to keep up without complaining. Let’s explore them below.
1. Door Trail
Round Trip Length: .8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
No Dogs
This may be the best Badlands hiking trail in the entire park. If you are planning on a short and sweet Badlands hike that will give you a good feel of the landscape at the park this Badlands trail is it!
The path starts on a boardwalk but then continues on a rough uneven surface marked with yellow flags to direct you which way to go.
This is one of the best hikes in Badlands National Park! It is easy enough for kids and is a great option if you want to experience a beautiful Badlands trail. It is an out-and-back Badlands trail.
2. Notch Trail
Round Trip Length:1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy (unless afraid of heights)
No Dogs
We were most excited for this Badlands trial. We had heard about this ladder and had to see what it was all about. As you hike you will approach a ladder that you can actually climb up and get a great view.
The Ladder
My kids really liked the ladder part. It wasn’t scary or too steep. With that said, don’t do this if you’re afraid of heights (or for that matter falling off of ladders!). We saw one person coming down very slowly, and getting a healthy dose of encouragement.
If you are more adventurous than I am, the Badlands hike continues along a ridge once you climb the ladder. I would not consider this portion of the hike kid-friendly, as you are dealing with a ledge to one side as you walk.
Regardless of whether you climb the ladder, continue along the path after the ladder, or just decide to stay on solid ground, this is a great Badlands National Park hike.
We were also really glad for all of the water we brought as we did this hike in the heat of the day. There is not much shade in the Badlands so be prepared for that. Overall, it was a great hike at Badlands National Park!
3. Window Trail
Round Trip Length: .25 miles
Difficulty: Easy
No Dogs
This Badlands trail gives you an entirely different view than the door trail. I kind of think it is an outlook area because it is almost too short to be called a hike in my book! But the views are incredible and a little different than the Door Trail.
These 3 hikes listed above are the best hikes in Badlands National Park for beginner hikers, kids, and really anyone just looking for easy hikes in Badlands National Park!
Best Hikes in Badlands National Park for More Experienced Hikers
There are a few Badlands trails that more experienced hikers may want to try. The Castle Trail, Medicine Root Trail, and the Saddle Pass Trail.
Honestly, I think the easier trails are the best hikes in Badlands National Park but if you want to explore a little more and get some extra exercise then these hikes in Badlands National Park are for you.
4. Castle Trail
Round Trip Length: 10.8 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate
No Dogs Allowed
The Castle Trail is the longest-maintained trail at Badlands National Park. This trail also begins at the same parking lot (badlands loop) where the easier hikes at Badlands are located, but you will cross the street.
You will need to fill out a backcountry register located at the trailhead to proceed.
Hiking in Badlands
This Badling hiking trail is mostly grasslands. It is a flat long hike! Because the Badlands consist of both rock formations and grasslands you may see some rock formations on this hike but mostly grassy areas.
Wildlife is usually spotted on this hike, which is a great treat. But you also need to be aware that rattlesnakes are fans of the grasslands and to watch your step.
This Badlands trail is 5.4 miles in, and 5.4 miles out. If 10.8 miles is too long for you and you go with a group that has multiple vehicles, park one where the trail ends to cut your hike in half.
The grasslands are a different experience when hiking Badlands National Park.
5. Medicine Root Trail
Round Trip Length: 4.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
No Dogs Allowed
This Badlands Hiking trail is an extension of the Castle Trail. So it is in the grasslands as well. You can access this trail from a side road called the Old North East Road.
Hiking in the Badlands
The views will be pretty similar to those accessible from the Castle Trail. This hike is 2.2 miles in, and 2.2 miles outs. For a total of 4.4 miles.
This trail is nice for hiking in the Badlands National Park.
6. Saddle Pass Trail
Round Trip Length: .7 Miles
Difficulty: Strenuous
No Dogs
There is also an option to connect to Saddle Pass Trail from both the Castle Trail and the Medicine Root Trail.
The Castle Trail intersects the Medicine Root Trail as you hit the intersection you will jump on the Medicine Root trail which becomes the Saddle Pass Trail.
It is only .25 miles in one direction and it leads to a very strenuous, steep climb. This hike takes an extra 20-40 minutes, on top of the Medicine Root Trail.
It would also shorten your hike if you were on the Castle Trail and decided to follow the Saddle Pass Trail.
If you are up for a challenge while hiking in the Badlands, this is it.
What is the Best Hike at Badlands National Park?
I think the Notch Trail is one of the best hikes at Badlands! If I had to choose only one I would do that one.
Badlands Scenic Loop Drive
Once you are done hiking in the Badlands you might still have some time to explore the park by car. The Badlands scenic loop drive has a few overlooks that are worth stopping at.
Badlands Scenic Loop Overlooks
- Yellow Mounds Overlook
- Burns Basin Overlook
- Panorama Point Overlook
- Big Badlands Overlook
- Prairie Wind Overlook
- White River Valley Overlook
- Homestead Overlook
- Conata Basin Overlook
- Ancient Hunters Overlook
- Hay Butte Overlook
- Badlands Wilderness Overlook
- Sage Creek Basin Overlook
- Sheep Mountain Table Overlook
- Red Shirt Table Overlook
You probably won’t have time to do the entire Badlands scenic loop but hitting a few of these overlook options will be worth it.
This is a great way to spend the summer afternoon in the air conditioning of your car and only occasionally stepping out for a great view.
I am going to highlight of the Badlands scenic loop overlooks that we were able to stop at.
Pinnacles Overlook
This was the first stop we made as we entered the park. There is a parking lot available at the overlook.
Paths from the parking lot down to the overlook will give you some amazing views. So this is one stop where you will want to get out of your car for a much better view.
The Pinnacles Overlook is the most popular place to stop on the Badlands scenic loop drive.
Badlands Wildlife
Most likely when you look out at this overlook you will see bison. It is also a very popular place for the Bighorn sheep to gather. We were able to see both when we stopped.
Yellow Mounds Overlook
The yellow mounds are probably the prettiest rock formations on the Badlands scenic loop drive. The colors were formed as the seafloor was exposed to air and dried out. It is the oldest and most colorful area in Badlands National Park.
It is a beautiful overlook stop on your Badlands scenic loop drive.
Panorama Point
This was another overlook where we jumped out of the car to get a better look. It is a classic area where you can see the Badlands landscape.
You can actually go out on some of the rock formations to get an amazing view of the badlands. It is a great stop on the Badlands scenic loop.
Big Badlands Overlook
This was one of the last overlooks we decided to stop at. It offers more reddish and grey colors. It is a vast overlook of rock formations that have been around for millions of years.
The Badlands are pretty amazing and I highly recommend doing the Badlands scenic loop drive. There are so many amazing Badlands overlook areas to enjoy.
Wildlife in Badlands National Park
As you are hiking in the Badlands or enjoying the Badlands scenic loop drive, be sure to look for some of the Badlands wildlife that calls this area home.
You may see prairie dogs, mule deer, pronghorn, bison, coyote, and bighorn sheep.
When we stopped at our first overlook we saw a lot of longhorn sheep hanging out on the rocks. It was pretty awesome! But look with sharp eyes; they blend in with the rock.
Are You Ready for the Best Hikes in Badland National Park?
Hopefully, this is a great overview of what you can expect when planning your Badlands hikes. We loved all the easy hikes at Badlands National Park and really enjoyed the Badlands Scenic Loop. There are a lot of options that will help you create at Badlands National Park itinerary.
I hope you have a fantastic adventure at the Badlands National Park.
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Someday I will venture to Badlands and Mt. Rushmore. It looks like fun! Lots of interesting scenery and some great hikes!
You should go! It is a great area for a family reunion!
We loved our visit to the Badlands a few years ago. We need to plan another trip. That year, we went in late May, and somehow it rained nearly every day of our trip! When we were at the Badlands, we stayed just ahead of a huge rainstorm that we could see approaching. We didn’t get to do much hiking, and when we got to Wall Drug, it really let loose for a while. I’d like to go back and see if we could explore more without worrying about whether we’d get stuck in a downpour.
We experienced extreme heat! Rain would have been a nice welcome. I have heard that the weather is another reason it was called Badlands!
I’m not really one for hiking, but it looks like there’s a lot to see here!
There are great options to just drive and take a look!
I’m not much of an outdoorsy type but the photos are stunning! 😊
There are some incredible photo ops!
We didn’t make it to Badlands on our trip to South Dakota and I’m bummed. I guess we’ll just have to make another trip.
We didn’t on our first trip that is why we had to go back this year!
This is great. Thank you for all the suggestions. We enjoy learning about so many hikes.
We love hiking especially at National Parks!
We really enjoyed the Badlands! Great photos!
Thanks! It is a great stop!
This landscape is amazing. I love how you spelled out all of the hikes in mileage and difficulty. Great information and great pictures!
That is the kind of information I like to know before I go!
I think that I would love this hiking. Need to do some planning. Good information – thanks for sharing.
It is fun to hike and explore these amazing National Parks!
This looks awesome! I love all the hiking options
We do too!
You covered so much informative information for hiking this area, it’s amazing. We enjoy hiking as a family and would love to visit here when the kids are older.
Thanks! We love to hike and share what hikes are best!
The landscape in Badlands National Park looks so unique. We haven’t travelled out there, but its definitely on our list of places to see!
It is really unique. It changes a lot as your drive in the park from grasslands to rock formations
I have to say the scenery is just stunning. I would love to spend some time hiking in this National Park.
It is a good National Park to add to the list!
We wanted to visit The Badlands a few years ago when we went to Mount Rushmore, but ran out of time. You’ve inspired me to hit the road and do some hiking there…such a beautiful and intriguing place to hike.
I love South Dakota! It surprised me how beautiful this area is!
I’d love to go here. It looks like
Such an awesome place to hike and take photos.
Thanks for the awesome info!
No problem! It is a fun place to visit!
I love the scenic drives with a short hike here and there.
Me too. Especially with kids that tire out fast!
It’s great to know that the Badlands aren’t really that bad after all! 😉 They look absolutely beautiful to me! What a great place to immerse yourself in nature!
I know right! I love the National Parks!
Looks like a beautiful area to hike! And a great variety of hikes too.
It is really beautiful and good hikes for every ability!
Another place to add to my travel list! Those overlooks are amazing. Great pictures too!
Thanks! I highly recommend this area and Mount Rushmore!
Awesome pictures and information! Glad we can keep hiking despite all the craziness going on.
We have hiked so much over the last few months! Good for the soul!
I cannot say enough good things about the Badlands. We loved our visit, even only doing a few minor hikes. I didn’t own great hiking shoes, then, and some of the steep climbs were difficult without them. But now I’m better prepared for our next visit. The wildlife variety was awesome at the Badlands, too.
The wildlife was pretty cool!
I may never make it to the Badlands, but I will feel like I have thanks to your outstanding photos! Thank you for sharing!!
Oh good! It is nice to dream through pictures!
I have recently added visiting every National Park to my bucket list, so this post is so helpful for Badlands. I really appreciate you breaking down the hikes into easy and more challenging. I’d like to check out Yellow Mounds Overlook most.
The over looks are so beautiful! I have a National Park pass for the next couple of years so I will be hitting as many as possible!
This looks like a great place to explore and hike! Thanks for the tips!
It is a fun place and so close to Mount Rushmore!
The Badlands was the first place I vacationed as an adult. I’m from MN so it wasn’t too terribly far. I recall being in awe of the rock formations in that part of SD. And the wildlife — they’re everywhere! Your photos are postcard worthy. Really, really nice! Enjoyed your post a ton. Brought back good memories!
It is so beautiful! Thank you!
I love how many of the hikes look kid friendly! I’ve been wanting to go to the Badlands, but I’d be bringing my 3 young kids with me, so hikes they can join me on is great!
When we had little ones we used a hiking backpack and that was a lifesaver!
This looks like such a fun adventure that I’d love to take my kids on. The ladder looks fun to climb. I’m sure I’d get tangled up somehow and be dangling there waiting for help. Lol
Haha! It was fun!
How beautiful! I don’t think I have ever heard of the badlands, which is strange because I have been to Mt. Rushmore! I will have to go on my next trip to the area! Thanks for all of the info!
I don’t think I had heard of it the first time I went to Mount Rushmore. I actually learned about it reading other blogs!
Such amazing scenery. This is added to the bucket list!
Oh good! You will love it!
Beautiful scenery! We are always looking for the next place to adventure! National Parks are so awesome!!
This is a great option!
The photos of the rock formations are so striking!
They really are!
What a great hiking guide Lisa! I’ve heard of the Badlands before and the landscape is something else – otherwordly. I love the photos as well, so beautiful.
Thanks, I know you are a big hiker. I love hiking as well!
Twice, we have explored this area with our boys! It does not disappoint! What an awesome history lesson this area turns out to be!!
For Sure!
Great options & trails! I wonder why they called the “medicine root trail” that.
I imagine the Native Americans fond herbs or something like that on the trial. But I do not really know!
I love the Badlands. We have been there a few times and each time is a different experience.
Cool! It is a great place!
This is such an informative article and I love the pictures. Perfect for anyone considering visiting or driving through the Badlands!
Thanks!
South Dakota is definitely going to be my next road trip for the fam. I hope we can squeeze this in before the end of summer this year. I might even convince myself to brave that ladder. (Heights are fine, but ladders scare the crap out of me.)
You might be able to walk alongside it for most of the way up. Then at the top climb.
This looks like a great hike, I would love to visit the badlands one day! And the admissions price is awesome. Really good pics!
For sure!
Badlands is on our list. This is very helpful info!
Oh good! Have fun hiking!
Gorgeous- I have never been, but your pictures are spectacular. Guess we need to put this on our list. Amazing. Great that there are short hikes so there is something for everyone.
Yes, it is so beautiful!
Wow! I need to put this area on my must see list. No hiking for me as I have a bad foot so I’m glad for a driving tour.
This park is great for the driving tour!
So it was over 90 degrees with hot, humid wind, so half my family didn’t even want to leave the AC in the car. No hiking for me that day, but we did the various overlooks and saw some mountain goats up on the rocks and a large bison. I’ll have to go back when it’s better weather to hike!
Yes, It can get so hot in this area!