Exploring Badlands National Park: A Comprehensive Guide
Posted April 19, 2015
Updated February 26, 2023
Located in South Dakota, Badlands National Park offers a truly unique and fascinating landscape. Surrounded by grasslands, it's easy to forget that just an hour away to the west, mountains, and forests can be found. When traveling along Interstate 90, you would have no clue that such a barren land exists to the south. Badlands National Park is one of those places where pictures don't do justice.
Need to Know Information about Badlands National Park
Admission to the park is $30 per car, and this fee is valid for 7 days. Or free with your America the Beautiful Pass. The vast expanse of the park makes it more of a driving park. Plan to drive, park, get out and look, and then get back in the car for a few miles until you're stopping again. There are several hiking trails you can take if you're interested in seeing more than what's on the loop road. We highly recommend talking to the rangers at the visitor's center for their suggestions on the best trail for you.
Things to do in Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park has two visitor centers. The primary one is the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, which is highly recommended. Not only is it a great rest stop, but they also give a wonderful summary of the area's history and have a good gift shop. They offer more than just the typical souvenirs, with items that are specific to the area and its people. This is also the place where kids can participate in the Junior Ranger program. The second center is White River, but it's not always open.
It's hard to describe just how ever-changing the landscape within the park is. One minute, you feel like you're in the desert or on another planet, and then just down the road, you recognize the familiar grasslands from your journey to the park. Since we felt rushed during our visit, we really want to emphasize taking your time on the journey to soak it all in. The overlooks are great, and picnic areas are all over. You won't feel closed off from experiencing the landscape.
When you arrive at an overlook spot, like Big Badlands Overlook, you might feel tempted to pass it by because you can see it from the road. However, we advise against doing this. Get out and explore! There's more to see than you can view from the car.
And stay after dark! The night sky at Badlands is nearly untouched and makes for an incredible sight!
Best Hikes in Badlands National Park
Door Trail: This is a short, easy hike that takes you through a break in the Badlands Wall and offers amazing views of the formations. It's a great trail for families and those with limited mobility.
Notch Trail: This moderate hike takes you up a steep climb to a breathtaking overlook of the White River Valley. It's a bit more challenging than the Door Trail, but the views are well worth it.
Castle Trail: This is the longest trail in the park, spanning over 10 miles one way. It takes you through some of the most iconic Badlands formations and is a great option for those looking for a longer hike.
Saddle Pass Trail: This steep, rocky trail takes you up to a saddle between two peaks and offers stunning views of the surrounding formations. It's a challenging hike, but the views are worth it.
Medicine Root Loop Trail: This moderate loop trail takes you through some of the park's grasslands and offers great opportunities for wildlife viewing. It's a good option for those who want a longer hike without the steep climbs of some of the other trails.
Fossil Exhibit Trail: This short, easy trail takes you through an area with exhibits showcasing some of the park's fossils. It's a great option for families and those with limited mobility.
Tips for visiting Badlands National Park with Kids
Badlands National Park is a fantastic place to visit with kids. Here are some tips to make your trip more enjoyable:
Plan ahead: Research the park and plan out your route and stops in advance. Make sure to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly.
Stop at the Visitor Center: The Ben Reifel Visitor Center is a great place to start. The rangers can provide information about the park and recommend hikes and activities for kids.
Bring plenty of water and snacks: The park can get hot and dry, so make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks to keep everyone hydrated and energized.
Take your time: The park is vast and there's a lot to see, so don't rush through it. Take your time to explore and enjoy the scenery.
Bring a camera: The landscape of Badlands National Park is stunning, and you'll want to capture memories of your trip.
Participate in the Junior Ranger program: The park offers a Junior Ranger program for kids that is a fun way for them to learn about the park and earn a badge.
Wear comfortable shoes: There are several hiking trails in the park, so wear comfortable shoes if you plan on hiking.
Watch for wildlife: Badlands National Park is home to bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorns, and other wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled and watch from a safe distance.
Stay safe: The park can get hot and there are rattlesnakes in the area, so make sure to stay hydrated and keep an eye out for wildlife and potential hazards.
Have fun: Badlands National Park is a beautiful place to visit, so make sure to have fun and enjoy the scenery with your kids.
Where to stay in Badlands National Park?
Badlands National Park offers a truly unique and captivating experience, even for babies, as you can see from our visit. However, it's important to be prepared for the weather. Temperatures can range from -40°F to 116°F, so dress appropriately. Also, make sure your gas tank is full, as gas stations are few and far between. Pets are allowed, but there are restrictions, so make sure you check with the park beforehand. There are two campgrounds within the park, as well as Cedar Pass Lodge if you want to stay overnight. We highly recommend staying late, as the night sky is reportedly amazing. However, be aware that rattlesnakes inhabit the area, so watch your step.
In conclusion, Badlands National Park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, families, and adventurers alike. With its unique landscape, rich history, and wide range of activities and amenities, there's something for everyone. Take your time and explore.
Bring GyPSy Guide Along for the Ride
We highly recommend the GyPSy Guide GPS tour for the Mount Rushmore, Black Hills, Badlands National Park, and Devil's Tower areas. This tour provides a self-guided audio tour that takes you through some of the most scenic and historic places in the area. Here's a brief overview of what you can expect:
Mount Rushmore: The tour starts with a visit to Mount Rushmore, where you'll learn about the history of this iconic monument, the people who carved it, and the significance of the figures depicted.
Black Hills: From Mount Rushmore, the tour takes you through the scenic Black Hills region, with its rugged terrain, scenic byways, and historic towns. You'll learn about the history of the region, including the Native American tribes who called it home and the gold rush that brought settlers to the area.
Badlands National Park: The tour then takes you to Badlands National Park, a stunningly beautiful area of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires. You'll learn about the geology of the park, the plants and animals that live there, and the history of the Native American tribes who once lived in the area.
Devil's Tower: Finally, the tour takes you to Devil's Tower, a massive column of rock that rises 867 feet above the surrounding landscape. You'll learn about the geology and cultural significance of this unique natural wonder.
Throughout the tour, you'll be guided by a GPS-enabled app that provides turn-by-turn directions and informative commentary. The app also includes suggestions for places to stop and explore, as well as tips for dining and lodging in the area.
We have loved GyPSy Guides since 2018 and look forward to using them every time we visit a new area, and now we are a GyPSy affiliate! This means when you use our links to purchase a guide we get a small commission with no extra cost to you. Thank you for using our links!
Going to Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills?
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