South Dakota’s Badlands will blow your mind. I’ve hiked through dozens of national parks, but nothing prepared me for these alien rock formations that look like they belong on Mars.
Here’s the thing about the Badlands: you can drive through and snap photos, but hiking gets you close to the real magic. You’ll scramble up log ladders, walk narrow ledges, and touch rocks that are millions of years old.
This guide covers every trail worth your time – from easy 15-minute walks to challenging all-day adventures. I’ll share which trails to skip, where to park, and how to avoid the crowds.
Most trails here are surprisingly easy. The park is compact, so you can experience everything in just 1-2 days. Whether you’re bringing kids or seeking adventure, I’ve got you covered.
After visiting three times and hiking every maintained trail, I know exactly which ones deserve your limited vacation time.
Must-Do Badlands National Park Trails
Here’s the truth: not all trails are created equal. I’ve hiked every single trail in this park. Some will blow your mind. Others? You can skip without missing much. Let me save you time and energy.
1. The Notch Trail – The Park’s Crown Jewel
This trail changed how I see the Badlands. At 1.4 miles round trip with moderate difficulty, you’ll climb a log ladder attached to the rock wall, then walk across narrow ledges that make your heart race.
It involves mild scrambling but nothing too crazy. The destination is White River Valley overlook, but here’s what I learned: the climb matters more than the view.
You’re not just hiking – you’re having an adventure. Find the shared parking lot on the east side of Badlands Loop Road and park on the far right side.
Skip this if you hate heights because the ladder and ledges aren’t for everyone, but it’s the most challenging and rewarding trail experience in the park.
2. The Door Trail – Moon-like Landscape Adventure
Want to walk on Mars? This is your chance. At just 0.5 miles round trip on a completely flat boardwalk, it’s perfect for everyone.
You’ll walk through a gap in the badlands called “the door,” but the real magic happens next. Leave the boardwalk.
Follow the numbered posts into the rock formations, where you can wander anywhere safely. This gives you the most alien landscape in the entire park. My kids pretended they were astronauts here and had the right idea.
Same parking lot as Notch Trail, but walk to the far left side. Perfect for families who want Badlands magic without breaking a sweat. The moon-like scenery here beats anything you’ll see from your car window.
3. The Window Trail – Quick Scenic Overlook
I’ll be honest: this is the weakest of the main trails. At 0.3 miles round trip on easy, flat terrain, it’s a simple walk to a viewpoint with some rocks to climb.
Nothing special here. But you’re already at the parking lot, and it takes just 15 minutes, so why not add it? Find it in the middle section of that same shared parking lot.
My strategy is to combine this with Notch and Door trails in one visit because, alone, it’s pretty forgettable.
The viewpoint offers decent badlands views, and there are some formations to find, but compared to the experience of Notch Trail or the alien landscape of Door Trail, this one falls flat. Still, it rounds out your experience if you have the time.
4. Fossil Exhibit Trail – Educational Family Experience
This surprised me completely. At 0.25 miles round trip, it’s easy and wheelchair accessible – just an interpretive boardwalk with fossil replicas and educational signs.
Sounds boring, right? Wrong. My daughter learned more here than at any museum. You’ll understand how scientists date rocks and what creatures lived here millions of years ago.
Even I found it fascinating, and I’m not usually into geology. Located a few miles west of the Visitor Center along Park Loop Road, it’s perfect for families with kids or anyone curious about prehistoric life.
The educational value here gives incredible context to everything else you’ll see in the park. Don’t skip this, thinking it’s just for kids – adults love it too.
5. Castle Trail – The Park’s Longest Adventure
Here’s where serious hikers go. At 5 miles point-to-point or 10 miles out-and-back, this easy-to-moderate trail weaves through badlands formations with constantly changing scenery.
It’s mostly flat but rolls up and down through varied terrain. You have several options: full 10-mile out-and-back from either end, shuttle hike with two cars for 5 miles one-way, partial hike where you go as far as you want then turn back, or loop combinations with other trails.
Two trailheads exist – east end at the same lot as Notch/Door/Window trails, and west end at the Fossil Exhibit Trail parking lot.
My advice: start early to beat the heat and consider partial hiking unless you’re committed to the full distance.
6. Saddle Pass Trail – Steep Challenge Connector
This is the steepest trail in the park. At just 0.25 miles point-to-point with a moderate to difficult rating, it’s a steep climb up the badlands headwall to a plateau.
You’ll get views over Loop Road from an elevated position, but here’s the thing: don’t hike this alone.
It connects to Castle Trail and Medicine Root Trail, so use it as part of a longer loop rather than a standalone hike.
Find the small parking lot on the north side of Badlands Loop Road, but it’s easy to miss so watch for signage carefully.
The steep climb gives you a solid leg workout, but the real value comes from connecting it with other trails for a more comprehensive hiking experience in the park.
7. Medicine Root Trail – Prairie Perspective
I’ll give it to you straight: this is the least interesting trail. At 2-4 miles point-to-point with easy difficulty, instead of dramatic badlands formations, you’ll walk through prairie grassland.
You get distant badlands views, but that’s about it. The unique landscape offers a different perspective, but honestly, you came here for the rock formations, not the grass.
It connects at two points along Castle Trail, making it best used for loop hiking combined with Castle Trail portions.
There’s no direct trailhead – you must access it via Saddle Pass or Castle Trail. My honest assessment? Unless you’re doing a big loop hike or want to experience the prairie ecosystem, skip this one and focus your energy on the more spectacular trails.
Bottom line: Focus on Notch, Door, and Fossil Exhibit trails first. Add Castle Trail if you want a longer adventure. Skip the rest unless you have extra time.
Conclusion
The Badlands offers some of South Dakota’s most rewarding hiking experiences, from easy boardwalks to challenging backcountry routes.
With this guide to the top Badlands National Park trails, you now have everything needed to plan your perfect adventure.
From the accessible Fossil Exhibit Trail to the more demanding Castle Trail, each path offers unique views of this remarkable landscape.
Your next step is simple: choose the trail that matches your fitness level and interests, then get out there and experience these incredible formations firsthand. The striped rock layers and prairie views are waiting for you.
Have you hiked any of these trails? Share your favorite Badlands hiking memories in the comments below – we’d love to hear about your experiences on these amazing paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trails are there in Badlands National Park?
Badlands National Park features over 10 official badlands national park trails, ranging from short 0.25-mile boardwalks to longer 7-mile hiking routes. The park offers options for all skill levels, from easily accessible paths to challenging backcountry experiences.
What is the easiest trail in Badlands National Park?
The Fossil Exhibit Trail is the easiest among badlands national park trails. This 0.25-mile paved boardwalk is wheelchair accessible and features interpretive signs about ancient fossils found in the area, making it perfect for families.
Can you hike off-trail in Badlands National Park?
Yes, off-trail hiking is permitted in most areas of the park. However, many visitors prefer the established Badlands National Park trails for safety and better navigation. Always check with rangers about current conditions before heading into unmarked areas.
What should I bring when hiking Badlands trails?
Essential items for Badlands National Park trails include plenty of water, sun protection, sturdy shoes, and snacks. The weather can change quickly, so layers are recommended. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F with little shade available.
Are Badlands trails suitable for beginners?
Many badlands national park trails are beginner-friendly. The Door Trail, Window Trail, and Notch Trail offer manageable distances with incredible views. Start with shorter trails to gauge your comfort level before attempting longer routes.
