6 Best Hikes in Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park Overview

Badlands National Park is located in southwestern South Dakota and known for its sharply eroded rock pinnacles, buttes, and spires as well as the largest grass prairie left in the US. Temperatures here can vary greatly so be sure to come prepared with plenty of water, sturdy boots, and sunglasses or a hat to shade yourself. There aren’t many lengthy hikes here but hikers are allowed to explore the canyons beyond the designated trails. The 6 best hikes in Badlands National Park are described in detail below.

State	South Dakota
Nearest Metro Area	Rapid City, SD
Area Size	244,000 acres
Established	November 10, 1978
Hiking Trails	17 miles

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Trailhead Traveler’s Recommended Best Hikes in Badlands National Park

Castle Trail

This is the longest trail in the park and can be used to access some of the trails below to make an ‘ultra’ Badlands circuit hike. Most of the trail is through the prairie; on the way hikers can explore Saddle Pass, Medicine Root Trails as well. The trailhead is located next to the Fossil Exhibit Trail parking area or you can begin on the east side at the parking area for the Door and Window Trails.

• 10 miles out and back
• 400′ elevation gain
• Moderate

Notch Trail

The Notch Trail is another one of the best hikes in Badlands National Park. You’ll climb a log ladder and walk along a ledge to “the Notch” that offers dramatic views of the White River Valley. The trailhead is located towards the south end of the Door and Window parking area.

• 1.5 miles out and back
• 150′ elevation gain
• Moderate

Saddle Pass

Short but steep ascension up the Badlands Wall to view the White River Valley. The trail can be accessed from a parking area off of Badlands Loop Road or from Castle Trail.

• 0.25 miles out and back
• 200′ elevation gain
• Strenuous

Door Trail

Named after a break in the Badlands Wall known as “the Door”, this trail gives hikers a good feel for the geography of the park. The trailhead is located in a parking area off of Badlands Loop Road next to Window Trail.

• 0.75 miles out and back
• No elevation gain
• Easy

Medicine Root Loop

This loop explores the grassy prairie of Badlands National Park and can be added while you are coming back from hiking the Castle Trail. The trailhead is located at the junction of Castle Trail and Old Northeast Road.

• 4.0 miles loop
• 100′ elevation gain
• Easy

Window Trail

The final trail on the best hikes in Badlands National Park. This trail leads to an eroded ‘window’ in the Badlands Wall with a view of the intricately eroded canyon. The trailhead is located in a parking area off of Badlands Loop Road next to Door Trail.

• 0.25 miles out and back
• No elevation gain
• Easy

Featured Image: Badlands National Park, Photo by Tim Lumley