Top 10 Incredible Things to Do in Badlands National Park

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Badlands National Park is one of the most underrated and unique landscapes in the United States. Located in southwestern South Dakota, the park is known for its striking rock formations, eroded buttes, and colorful hills that stretch across the horizon. Its name originates from the Lakota people, who first called the area “mako sica”, meaning “land bad,” in reference to the region’s harsh conditions—extreme temperatures, rugged terrain, and scarce water made it difficult to traverse or inhabit.

Today, the term “badlands” has come to describe this type of dramatic landscape found in a few places around the world, and Badlands National Park is one of the finest examples. The park welcomes visitors from all over the world who come to hike its scenic trails, spot bison and bighorn sheep, and drive along one of the most picturesque roads in the country. Whether you’re planning a quick visit or a multi-day adventure, this guide covers everything you need to know before visiting, including the top things to do in Badlands National Park.

History of Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park was first established as a national monument in 1939 and later re-designated as a national park in 1978. While the jagged formations are now the park’s defining feature, they are the result of tens of millions of years of geological transformation. The story of the Badlands began when the region, once covered by a shallow inland sea, gradually rose as tectonic forces uplifted the land and the waters receded.

Over time, changing environments deposited layer upon layer of sediment on the now-dry seabed—volcanic ash, silt, clay, and sand all built up to form the colorful bands seen in the park’s rock formations. These layers eventually compacted into soft sedimentary rock. In some cases, animals that became buried in the sediment were fossilized, creating what is now one of the richest fossil beds in the world. Remains of ancient horses, early birds, and other prehistoric animals have all been found here.

Erosion played the next critical role: wind and water began carving into the soft rock, sculpting the dramatic ravines, spires, and buttes that define the Badlands today. This natural process continues today, eroding at a rate of about one inch per year.

How to Get to Badlands

Badlands National Park is located about 75 miles (120 km) east of Rapid City, South Dakota, making it a convenient stop on many classic American road trips through the Great Plains or Black Hills. While most visitors arrive by car, Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is the closest airport for those flying in. A handful of airlines, including Delta, Allegiant, and United, operate regular flights into Rapid City. From there, it’s just over an hour’s drive to the park entrance. Since there’s no public transportation available within the park, renting a car is essential for exploring the area.

The park protects 242,756 acres (982 sq km) of striking terrain in southwestern South Dakota and is divided into two distinct sections: the North Unit and the South Unit. The North Unit, which is the more developed and most frequently visited area, is designated as a wilderness area and features the bulk of the park’s hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and visitor facilities. This guide will focus primarily on the North Unit.

The South Unit, in contrast, lies within the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and is managed jointly by the Oglala Sioux Tribe (a sub-tribe of the Lakota) and the National Park Service. While much of the South Unit remains undeveloped and lacks paved roads, its perimeter can still be explored by car, offering expansive views of the rugged landscape and a deeper cultural context.

Depending on your travel route, you can access the North Unit via three main entrances:

• The Pinnacles Entrance (from the west)
• The Interior Entrance (from the south)
• The Northeast Entrance (from the east)

Each entrance connects to the park’s main scenic route, making it easy to navigate no matter which direction you’re coming from.

Top Things to Do in Badlands National Park

1. Hike Notch Trail

If you only have time for one trail in Badlands National Park, I highly recommend Notch Trail. It’s one of my top picks for things to do in Badlands thanks to its fun features and rewarding views. The trail is a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) round trip and is best described as moderately difficult. While the trailhead signage makes it sound more strenuous and time-consuming than it is, I found it fairly easy. I understand how certain sections could be more challenging for some hikers, though.

It took me about an hour and a half to complete the loop at a leisurely pace with plenty of photo stops. That said, the trail is exposed with little to no shade, and it can get crowded later in the day. For a quieter, cooler experience, I suggest starting early—I began around 7 am, which turned out to be perfect.

You’ll find the trailhead at the south end of the shared parking lot for Notch, Window, and Door Trails. The path begins by winding through a narrow canyon, and trail markers help guide the way if you’re unsure of the direction at first. After about 0.5 miles (0.8 km), you’ll reach the trail’s most iconic feature: a 50-foot (15-meter) wooden ladder built into the side of a bluff. Although it appears steep at first glance, it’s quite sturdy and not overly difficult to climb.

From there, the trail traverses a narrow ledge, offering beautiful views, before continuing through a rugged landscape of eroded rock formations. The trail ends rather abruptly at a scenic overlook with sweeping views. It’s a stunning payoff and a perfect spot to take in the unique beauty of the Badlands.

2. Drive Badlands Loop Road

One of the best ways to experience the incredible park scenery is by driving Loop Road, a 38-mile (61 km) stretch of Highway 240 that runs between the towns of Cactus Flat and Wall. Without stops, the drive takes just under an hour, but you’ll want to take your time. The road winds through a surreal landscape of jagged buttes, towering pinnacles, and sweeping prairie, offering countless opportunities to pull over and soak it all in.

Along the route, there are 15 designated overlooks and several trailheads, making it easy to turn a simple drive into a half- or full-day adventure. Some of the top things to do in Badlands are located right off this road, including short hikes, wildlife viewing areas, and panoramic viewpoints.

Wildlife sightings are common throughout the drive—keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and bison. For first-time visitors, a few must-see stops include Big Badlands Overlook, Panorama Point, and Pinnacles Overlook, each offering a slightly different perspective of the park.

3. Watch the Sunset at Pinnacles Overlook

Pinnacles Overlook, Located just one mile south of the Pinnacles Entrance, is one of the most impressive vantage points in Badlands National Park and a must-see stop along Loop Road. While the view from the parking lot is already spectacular, I highly recommend taking the short path to the observation deck for an even better perspective.

A small staircase just off the parking area leads to a brief trail that brings you to the deck. The overlook sits near one of the highest elevations in the park, providing unobstructed views that stretch for miles.

Sunset is an especially magical time to visit. As the sun dips below the horizon, the rock formations light up in shades of gold, orange, and pink. It’s one of the most breathtaking sights in the park and one of the most memorable things to do in Badlands. The area is also a great place to spot wildlife. If you look closely among the rocks, you might spot a bighorn sheep navigating the cliffs below.

4. Experience Sunrise at Panorama Point

Get your camera ready! As its name implies, Panorama Point offers one of the most sweeping, unobstructed views in Badlands National Park. From this overlook, you’ll see a dramatic mix of jagged pinnacles and wide-open prairie stretching endlessly into the distance. This is one of the best things to do in Badlands for photographers and early risers alike. The view is especially breathtaking at sunrise, when the first light of day casts a golden glow across the formations.

Panorama Point is located about 10 miles (16 km) north of the Interior Entrance on the left-hand side of Loop Road, making it an easy and worthwhile stop as you explore the park’s main scenic route.

5. Visit Robert’s Prairie Dog Town

Before visiting Badlands National Park, I had never seen a prairie dog in the wild. These adorable little creatures are closely related to squirrels and chipmunks and are known for their curious behavior and high-pitched calls. While they were once abundant across the Great Plains, today their population is estimated to be just 5% of what it once was, largely due to disease and eradication efforts during the westward expansion.

If you’re hoping to spot them, one of the best things to do in Badlands is to visit Robert’s Prairie Dog Town. It’s a great spot to observe these animals in their natural habitat. Located just off Badlands Loop Road, Robert’s Prairie Dog Town is about 4.5 miles (7 km) down Sage Creek Rim Road, a well-maintained gravel road that’s accessible by most vehicles.

As you drive in, you’ll notice hundreds of small dirt mounds scattered across the grassland. This is the prairie dog colony. These animals live in complex underground burrows, often referred to as “towns,” which can cover several acres of land. Each section of the town serves a different function, and the prairie dogs communicate through distinctive bark-like calls to warn each other of potential threats.

They’ve become accustomed to human presence, so you can often get fairly close for photos and observation. However, please don’t feed them. Feeding wildlife can disrupt their natural diet and make them reliant on human interaction, which ultimately does more harm than good.

6. Stop at Yellow Mounds Overlook

A stop at Yellow Mounds Overlook is a must when exploring Badlands National Park. After a full day of seeing the park’s layered buttes and beige rock formations, the vibrant hillsides at this overlook provide a refreshing change of scenery. The striking yellow, gold, and green tones of the mounds make this one of the most visually distinctive areas in the park.

What makes the Yellow Mounds so special is not just their color, but their age. These formations are among the oldest exposed layers in Badlands and were once part of an ancient seafloor. When the sea receded, black ocean mud was left behind and, over time, it oxidized, creating the bright yellow hue you see today.

Although the mounds are visible from both sides of Loop Road, I highly recommend parking and taking a bit of time to explore on foot. Climbing the smaller hillsides gives you a closer look at the unique textures and offers even better views of the surrounding colorful landscape.

7. Walk the Cliff Shelf Nature Trail

Cliff Shelf Nature Trail is one of the few heavily vegetated areas in the park, this short trail provides a more lush and shaded environment, something rare in the Badlands. Thanks to the unique geology of the Cliff Shelf Formation, rainwater is funneled into this area, allowing for the growth of juniper trees, shrubs, and other plant life that you won’t see elsewhere in the park. It also attracts birds and wildlife, making it a great stop for nature lovers and photographers.

The trail is located near the southern end of the park, close to the Interior Entrance, and is a 0.5-mile (0.8 km) loop that can be completed in about 20 minutes. It’s an easy walk that combines boardwalks, stairs, and dirt paths through the juniper forest.

8. Trek Door Trail

Door Trail is another fun and easy hike and a great way to experience the park’s rugged terrain. The trail leads to a natural break—or “door”—in the Badlands Wall, a heavily eroded and rocky ridge that stretches over 60 miles (97 km).

At just 0.75 miles (1.2 km) round trip, the trail is short and accessible, making it a popular option for visitors of all ages. It shares a parking lot with both Notch Trail and Window Trail, and begins with a boardwalk section that provides panoramic views. A short distance in, you’ll reach a viewing platform, a great spot to stop for photos, before descending a small set of stairs on the right side.

From there, the trail becomes more rugged and open, with no formal path. Instead, you’ll navigate by following a series of twelve numbered yellow markers that guide you through the terrain. While the route is flat, the surface is uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Continue until you reach the final marker and a sign indicating the official end of the trail. This trail is especially beautiful around sunset, when the soft golden light highlights the textures and colors of the rocks.

9. Walk the Fossil Exhibit Trail

Badlands National Park is home to one of the richest fossil beds in the world, with countless specimens preserved in the sediment layers dating back to the Oligocene Epoch, around 23 to 34 million years ago. During this time, the region was home to a variety of now-extinct mammals, including ancient horses and saber-toothed cats.

To get a closer look at this prehistoric past, walk the Fossil Exhibit Trail, one of the most educational and family-friendly things to do in Badlands. This quick 0.25-mile (0.4 km) boardwalk loop features replica fossil displays and signs that explain the significance of the area’s geology and ancient wildlife. The trail is fully handicap-accessible and easy to complete, making it ideal for visitors of all ages.

10. Watch Incredible Wildlife

Badlands National Park is teeming with wildlife, though spotting it sometimes requires patience and a bit of luck. Two of the easiest animals to see are bison and prairie dogs. As mentioned earlier, Robert’s Prairie Dog Town is your best bet for prairie dogs, but if you continue driving along Sage Creek Rim Road, you’re likely to encounter bison as well. Large herds often roam freely and can often be seen alongside the road; seeing them is one of the most memorable things to do in Badlands.

In addition to bison and prairie dogs, the park is home to a wide variety of other wildlife, including bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, rattlesnakes, and the endangered black-footed ferret. If you’re hoping to see a bighorn sheep, drive slowly and keep scanning the cliffs. They often blend into the terrain. I was lucky enough to spot one in the rocky area just below Sage Creek Rim Road, only a few minutes past the Badlands Wilderness Overlook. Be sure to keep a safe distance and never approach or feed the animals.

Best Time to Visit Badlands NP

Badlands National Park is open year-round and offers something unique in every season but choosing the right time to visit can make a big difference in your experience. While the park remains one of the lesser-visited national parks, the summer months still draw the highest number of visitors and come with challenges like intense heat and larger crowds. Temperatures in July and August often soar above 100°F (38°C), making midday hikes difficult.

If you’re visiting in summer, plan your hikes and outdoor activities for early morning or evening to beat the heat. One advantage of summer is the extended daylight hours. In June, the sun doesn’t set until around 8:30 PM, giving you more time to explore the scenery or enjoy a drive along Loop Road.

Winter, on the other hand, brings freezing temperatures, occasional snow, and potential road closures. Wildlife is far less active, and outdoor activities are limited. Unless you’re specifically seeking solitude or winter scenery, it’s not the ideal time for most visitors.

The best times to visit are late spring and early to mid-fall. September through early November offers mild weather and smaller crowds. Late spring, particularly May into early June, can also be pleasant, although there may be the occasional rainstorm.

How Many Days in Badlands

Badlands National Park is certainly doable as a day trip, but if your schedule allows, I highly recommend spending 2 to 3 days in the park. With more time, you can explore the area at a more relaxed pace, hike several of the park’s trails, and take full advantage of the many things to do in Badlands without feeling rushed.

A longer visit also gives you the chance to experience different lighting throughout the day—sunrise and sunset are especially magical in the park—and increases your chances of wildlife sightings. Plus, with extra time, you can check out nearby towns like Wall or visit attractions such as Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, located just outside the park.

Entrance Fee

There are several options available when it comes to purchasing a park pass for Badlands National Park. The most economical choice for most visitors is Standard Entrance Pass, which allows unlimited entry for a week. The cost is $30 per private vehicle (covering all passengers), $25 for a motorcycle, or $15 for individuals entering on foot or bicycle.

For those planning to visit multiple national parks or federal lands, the best value is the America the Beautiful Pass. This $80 annual pass grants access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, monuments, forests, and wildlife refuges across the U.S. If you plan to visit at least three national parks in a year, this pass usually pays for itself. Even better, 100% of the proceeds go toward maintaining and improving these public lands. For more information visit the National Park Service.

Where to Eat Near Badlands

Cedar Pass Lodge houses the only restaurant within the actual park. It offers full meals as well as snacks. There are a handful of shaded picnic areas scattered throughout the park if you wish to pack your meals. There are some options in the small towns adjacent to the park as well. One of the most popular and touristy places is Wall Drug.

Wall Drug Store is an attraction in the small town of Wall. It’s a shopping mall of sorts with various merchants selling souvenirs, gifts, and more. It’s known for its fresh donuts, five-cent coffee, and free ice water. It also has a huge cafe area that can seat more than 500 people. It serves quick bites such as hamburgers, hot sandwiches, and even ice cream that is made in-house.

Other Things to See Near Badlands

There are some great options for day trips if you have some extra time in the area. The following are all within a few hours of Badlands:

Black Hills National Forest

The Black Hills National Forest spans across western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, offering a dramatic contrast to the arid landscape of Badlands National Park. Located about a two-hour drive west of the Badlands, this 1.2-million-acre (4,856 sq km) forested region is known for its pine-covered hills and granite peaks. It makes for an excellent day trip or extension to your Badlands itinerary.

A drive through the Black Hills is incredibly scenic, with winding roads, tunnels, and pull-offs offering beautiful views at nearly every turn. Whether you’re simply passing through or planning to spend a day or two in the area, there are several notable stops worth making:

Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave National Park, located within the Black Hills National Forest, is home to one of the longest and most complex cave systems in the world. Known for its rare boxwork formations, the cave stretches for over 150 miles (241 km) and continues to be explored today.

Crazy Horse Memorial

The Crazy Horse Memorial is a massive monument dedicated to the legendary Lakota warrior, Crazy Horse. Carved into the side of a mountain in the Black Hills, the sculpture is located on privately held land and remains a work in progress. Once completed, it will become the second-tallest statue in the world, standing as a powerful tribute to Native American heritage and culture.

Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Black Hills, featuring the carved faces of four U.S. presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln—sculpted into the granite mountainside. While it’s a well-known national monument, it’s important to acknowledge the complex and controversial history behind it.

The monument was built on land sacred to the Lakota Sioux, which was taken from them despite treaty protections. For many, Mount Rushmore represents a painful legacy of displacement and broken agreements. I encourage visitors to research the history of the site and consider the perspectives of the Indigenous communities affected. In my opinion, it’s not a place to celebrate, but you may still find it worth seeing.

Devils Tower National Monument

Devils Tower National Monument is an incredible natural formation located near the Wyoming–South Dakota border, about 2 hours and 45 minutes from Badlands National Park. This massive granite butte rises 1,267 feet (386 meters) above the Belle Fourche River Valley, making it an iconic feature of the northern plains.

Designated in 1906, Devils Tower holds the distinction of being the first national monument in the United States. It’s a sacred site to many Native American tribes as well as a popular destination for hiking. The short Tower Trail offers an easy loop around the base, providing stunning views from all angles.

Where to Stay at Badlands NP

The only lodging available within Badlands National Park is at Cedar Pass Lodge. The eco-friendly cabins are modern, comfortable, and offer easy access to many of the park’s top sights, but they tend to book quickly, especially during the busy season, so advance reservations are recommended.

If you’re interested in camping, the park has two official campgrounds:

• Sage Creek Campground: Located in a more remote section of the park, this first-come, first-served campground offers 22 primitive campsites. There are no fees, and the sites are best suited for tent campers or small vehicles. Bison frequently roam through the area, offering a truly wild experience.
• Cedar Pass Campground: This campground is closer to the main attractions and offers 96 reservable campsites, including RV-friendly sites with electric hookups. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for more convenience and access to basic amenities.

If you prefer to stay outside the park, there are several lodging options in nearby towns such as Wall, Interior, and Rapid City. Here are a few popular choices:

Badlands Hotel and Campground
Badlands Hotel and Campground is a simple, affordable option located in the town of Interior, just 1.5 miles from the Interior Entrance of Badlands National Park. While there isn’t much to do in the immediate area, the location is hard to beat for easy park access. The property offers basic motel rooms, a restaurant, and an onsite pool.

Best Western Plains Motel
Best Western Plains Motel is a reliable, budget-friendly option located in the town of Wall, just ten minutes from the Pinnacles Entrance of Badlands National Park. The motel offers both indoor and outdoor pools, making it a nice place to relax after a day of hiking or exploring. It’s also conveniently within walking distance of Wall Drug, one of the area’s most famous roadside attractions.

Days Inn by Wyndham Wall
Days Inn by Wyndham Wall is another budget-friendly hotel located in the town of Wall, just a short drive from Badlands National Park. It offers standard amenities including free continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking. While it doesn’t have a pool, it does feature an on-site fitness center.

Have you visited the Badlands? What are your favorite things to do in Badlands National Park? If you’ve enjoyed this post, please leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Planning a national parks road trip? Continue to my post, “The Top 10 Attractions in Yellowstone National Park”.