Top Things to do in Badlands National Park
What to do and see in Badlands National Park, Badlands National Park: The Best Things to do
Canyons and multi-colored hills.
1. Badlands Wall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,304 reviews
A ridge that goes through the park, and is the site of incredible rock formations, which are being eroded, and therefore slowly change over time.
Reviewed By MartyB719 - Jensen Beach, United States
We met a man along I-90 going to Jasper to experience the Solar Eclipse. He was going to by-pass the Badlands. We convinced him to travel through as it is a unique National Park. The rugged and aired landscape is awe inspiring. We traveled from Sioux Falls and the ride took four hours. Driving through route 240 through the Badlands took us another two hours. We still had time to make it to the iconic tourist trap of Wall Drugs and an hour later to Rapid City. We were able to hike on two well-formed trails, stop at several over-looks, see the Prairie Dogs, and stop at the Ben Reifel Visitors Center and Cedar Pass Lodge. The only regret was not spending time at the Paleontology Lab at the Ben Reifel Visitors Center. Ancient bones have been found from the rhino, horse and saber-tooth-tiger that date back 33 million years ago. The word “Badlands” is a Lakota Indian origin, “Mako Sica.” There were a number of American Native Indians living here before the Lakota’s, an estimated 11,000 years ago. About forty-five miles south is the “last historic Indian battle, 1890,” known as Wounded Knee. Driving in North Dakota, we came by “Badlands” too in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. There was a tad more vegetation and wild horses and bison were roaming around. If you found this review “helpful” in any way, please press “LIKE” to let me know.
2. Loop Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,930 reviews
Main route through Badlands National Park.
Reviewed By leob276 - Lyndonville, United States
We have spent the last three days in Badlands National Park and have made several passes on the Loop Road. It is truly amazing in our travels we have seen a Buffalo cross the road in front of us, pronghorn antelope, prairie dogs, big horned sheep, mule deer and coyotes. The scenery changes as the sun light changes! A must see for all!!!
3. Big Badlands Overlook
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 218 reviews
Reviewed By mlorahga - Augusta, United States
This was one of my planned stops along the Badlands Loop. I wanted to see how people could possibly have lived or settled this area of the country. It is very eye opening.
4. Yellow Mounds Overlook
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 194 reviews
Reviewed By baja-alan - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
The Yellow Mounds Overlook in the Badlands National Park is one of the stops along the Loop Road that runs through the park. You can get out of your car and walk around. the colors and textures of the rock formations is stunning up close. Stop and get a close up look for your selves.
5. Pinnacles Overlook
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By adrikitty22 - Pembroke Pines, United States
This was our first stop during our drive through the Badlands. It was a great first impression of such a vast park and incredible place. Everyone should stop here and take some photos.
6. Notch Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 374 reviews
Scenic hiking trail that takes about an hour.
Reviewed By ashleyinthesky - Los Angeles, United States
Relatively short hike with spectacular view at the end. Climbing the wooden ladder was a neat part of the hike, although it may be a little challenging if you have a fear of heights. Many signs warning of rattlesnakes (which is a little disconcerting), but we did not encounter any on the hike.
7. Saddle Pass Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Hiking trail that leads through the Badlands Wall and takes about a hour.
Reviewed By lindajane12 - Chicago, United States
This trail is short but most of the time you’re going straight uphill. We went up to the top with kids ages 7,9,10, and 15. We stopped for some great views. My kids found a couple fun rock formations to rest at along the way. We saw people at the very top on the way up which made it more exciting knowing we’d end up with that viewpoint. I definitely held my 7 year old’s hand on the last section as it gets steep and narrow. This was probably the most thrilling section of the park for us and we also hiked The Notch. We were lucky that it was 80 and sunny. I could imagine it being difficult if wet. We took it slow on the way down. We didn’t have a hiking stick or boots but this would be the one area of the park I’d recommend them for. Overall a great time.
8. Door Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Trail along dry, cracked earth.
Reviewed By sondraw221 - Manhattan Beach, United States
The best time to see this is at sunrise, as the sun is slowly waking up the rock formations. The colors are incredible, as you get whites, pinks, purples, etc. The walk itself is super easy. Go off the platform and explore!
9. Ben Reifel Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 527 reviews
Visitor center with exhibits as well as nearby shop and restaurant facilities.
Reviewed By BrewNman - Henderson, United States
This is one of the best visitors center that I’ve seen. They have an informative movie, an interactive exhibit, active fossil lab, and plentiful ranges to answer questions or provide additional information. There’s lots here. Some of the information is repeated. I learned a lot about the park at this VC.
10. Roberts Prairie Dog Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 367 reviews
Reviewed By mlorahga - Augusta, United States
This was by far the most fun of my planned stops along the Badlands Loop. The prairie dogs and their holes were all over the place. You could wander through them and take pictures. Don't get too close, however. They are wild animals.
