Badlands National Park
State: South Dakota
Size: 242,755 acres
Topography: Badlands, Prarie
Peak Season: Late Spring & Fall
Nearest Airport: Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) – 1 hr
Nearest Town: Wall, SD / Rapid City, SD
Top 5 Hiking Trails
Notch Trail
Castle Trail
Window Trail
Door Trail
Saddle Pass Trail
Points of Interest
Pinnacles Overlook: A viewpoint that offers dramatic views of the park's jagged rock formations.
Badlands Loop Road: A scenic drive that offers numerous overlooks and access to key viewpoints.
Fossil Exhibit Trail: A short trail showcasing fossil displays from prehistoric animals that once roamed the area.
Sage Creek Rim Road: A road that offers stunning views of the park and is known for wildlife sightings.
Recreational Opportunities
Hiking – Unique trails like Notch Trail and Castle Trail.
Wildlife Viewing – Bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs roam the landscape.
Scenic Driving – The Badlands Loop Road offers panoramic views.
Fossil Hunting – Home to some of the richest fossil beds in North America.
Camping – Rustic camping in Cedar Pass and Sage Creek Campgrounds.
Camping
Cedar Pass Campground (frontcountry)
Sage Creek Campground (primitive)
Backcountry camping (allowed anywhere at least 0.5 miles from roads)