Badlands National Park

Introduction

Badlands National Park, located in southwestern South Dakota, has a rich history that dates back millions of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Lakota Sioux, who called it “mako sica” or “bad lands” due to its rugged terrain and extreme weather conditions. The park’s geological formations were created over millions of years through the deposition and erosion of sedimentary rock layers.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the area became a focal point for paleontologists due to its rich fossil beds. The park was established as a national monument in 1939 and later designated as a national park in 1978. This designation aimed to protect its unique geological features, fossil beds, and diverse ecosystems.

Badlands National Park covers an area of approximately 244,000 acres (98,740 hectares). The park is divided into two main units: the North Unit and the South Unit. The North Unit is the most visited and accessible part of the park, featuring the iconic Badlands Loop Road. The South Unit, co-managed with the Oglala Lakota Nation, offers a more remote and less developed experience. Badlands National Park attracts approximately 1 million visitors annually. The peak visitation period is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is more favorable for outdoor activities.

The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, adapted to its harsh environment. Bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs are often seen.

For more information on the park visit the wikipedia page.

Top Hikes

Day hikes and backpacking are extremely popular in the park.  Below are our favorite day hikes.  This an Open Hike park, meaning you do not have to stay on the trail. For more information please go to the NPS Website.

Notch Trail is our favorite hike in the park.  It is a 1.5 mile (2.4 km) round-trip hike that offers panoramic views of the Badlands.  Elevation gain is 180 feet (55 m).  Trailhead is at the Door and Window parking lot.  At the end of the hike you will have a breathtaking view of the White River valley.

Castle Trail is the longest trail in the park, stretching 10 miles (16 km) round-trip, with an elevation gain of 305 feet (93 m).  Wildlife can often be seen from the trail.

Fossil Exhibit Trail is a short, accessible trail that showcases the park’s rich fossil history with interpretive displays.

Back Packing Getting off the main path and back packing is a lot more difficult in Badlands National Park, most due to the lack of water.  There are primarily two areas to backpack, Deer Haven and Sage Creek Wilderness.  A permit is not currently required but you will need to register at trailheads.   Our favorite backpacking area is the Sage Creek Wilderness where you will probably see wildlife.  See a park ranger for more details. 

Other Activities

Bicycling  You can ride your bike or e-bike on all paved and unpaved roads in the Badlands National Park in Utah, United States. However, you may not ride your bike on trails or anywhere off a road. 

Sage Creek Loop, Northeast-Big Foot Loop and Northeast Loop are the most popular routes in the park. 

Accommodations

There are two campgrounds in BadlandsNational Park.  

Cedar Pass RV and Campground is located near the Ben Reifel Visitor center.  The campground has 96 sites.  The campground has electric, non-electric and tent sites.  Pay showers and bathrooms are close by.  Stays are limited to 14 days.  Reservations can be made at the Badlands Cendar Pass Lodge website.

Sage Creek Campground is a free first-come, first-served campground, with 22 sites.  Motor home and trailers cannot be longer than 18 feet (5.5 m).  There are pit toilets but no potable water.

Hotels  There is only one Lodge within the park.  Cedar Pass Lodge has custom-made cabins.

Grocery/Restaurants There is one restaurant in the park.  It is located at the Cedar Pass Lodge.  For a menu and pricing, please go to their website.