Badlands National Park: A Beginner’s Guide

Explore a prehistoric wonderland filled with vibrant rock formations, fossils, and prairies in the southwest region of South Dakota.

The astonishing landscapes of South Dakota’s Badlands National Park were sculpted over millions of years. Raging rivers and fierce winds deposited layers of rock, forming towering buttes and spires that stretch skyward. Each layer showcases a different hue, like painted stripes in yellow, orange, purple, gray, and tan. It’s a place that will take your breath away, leaving you in awe of its beauty.

The Lakota people referred to this area as 'mako sica', meaning 'bad lands'—a name that aptly describes this formidable landscape. With cold, stormy winters and hot, dry summers, the canyons and buttes create a challenging maze. Archaeological findings indicate that the Lakota hunted in this region seasonally, though they never settled here permanently.

Designated as a national monument in 1929 and later established as a national park in 1978, the Badlands protect 244,000 acres of extraordinary rock formations, prairies, diverse wildlife, and one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Here’s how to plan your visit to Badlands National Park to experience its wonders firsthand.

When is the best time to visit Badlands National Park?

Badlands National Park is open around the clock, every day of the year. Summer temperatures can soar to 114℉ (45℃), making it the park's busiest season—though with 244,000 acres, it seldom feels overcrowded. If you're planning outdoor activities, bring ample water and venture out in the morning before the heat sets in. Keep an eye on the weather and plan scenic drives or visits to visitor centers during the hottest parts of the day to enjoy some air conditioning.

In winter, Badlands National Park can receive up to two feet of snow, with temperatures dropping below 40℉ (4℃). Prepare for severe cold and check the NPS website for current information on road closures and driving conditions before heading out.

The shoulder seasons of April/May and September/October are the ideal times to visit Badlands National Park. During these months, temperatures are pleasant, and the park sees fewer crowds. September, in particular, offers delightful temperatures in the mid-70s (23℃) and a significant drop in visitors after Labor Day.

How long should I stay in Badlands National Park?

Aim to spend two to three days exploring Badlands National Park. However, even a day trip can be rewarding. If you're short on time, focus on scenic drives with stops at overlooks to take in the stunning views.

If you have a few days to spare at Badlands National Park, take advantage of the time to hike, observe wildlife, and visit the various visitor centers.

Is it easy to navigate Badlands National Park?

Even though it resembles a landscape from another world, the Badlands are quite accessible. The park is located roughly an hour's drive from Rapid City Regional Airport, which is serviced by multiple major airlines.

For those traveling by car or RV, Badlands National Park is 62 miles from Rapid City, 276 miles from Sioux Falls, 370 miles from Denver, and 450 miles from Omaha. If you're on a road trip, consider visiting nearby roadside attractions, including Wall Drug Store, just 11 minutes from the park's visitor center.

There is no shuttle service or public transportation within the park, so a personal vehicle is necessary for exploring the Badlands. Be aware that cell service can be unreliable, and GPS may not always work, so it's wise to download maps ahead of time or bring physical copies.

Accessibility at Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment for all visitors. Wheelchair-accessible boardwalks wind through grassy areas and stunning rock formations, offering scenic overlooks throughout the park. Additionally, the Fossil Exhibit Trail features tactile displays and braille on interpretive signs.

Both visitor centers are fully wheelchair-accessible. Open-captioned and audio-described versions of the introductory park film can be requested. At the Ben Relief Visitor Center, museum exhibits include tactile and audio/visual components to aid guests who are blind or have low vision.

Cedar Pass Campground has two wheelchair-accessible campsites, along with an accessible site in the group loop area.

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Top activities to enjoy in Badlands National Park

Explore a realm of prairie and stone

One of the captivating aspects of Badlands National Park is the stunning transitions in the landscape. Simply turning a corner might reveal big horn sheep grazing nearby or a vast expanse of rocky waves stretching into endless grasslands.

For the best wildlife viewing, head to Sage Creek Rim Road, a dirt road located in the North Unit where bison are frequently spotted. Other wildlife in the park includes elk, mountain lions, pronghorn, big horn sheep, rattlesnakes, and a variety of bird species.

The most popular route through the park is Hwy 240 Badlands Loop Road, the main artery that guides you through breathtaking landscapes, meandering past prairies, pyramid-like rock formations, overlooks, and visitor centers.

Discover fascinating fossils

Evidence from a rich collection of fossils shows that ancient horses, rhinos, camels, tigers, and oreodonts once roamed the Badlands. New findings of prehistoric life are frequently uncovered by visitors who notify park rangers for careful excavation and preservation. The intriguing ¼ mile Fossil Exhibit Trail, which is wheelchair-accessible, showcases fossil replicas and displays of the ancient creatures that inhabited the Badlands.

At the Ben Relief Visitors Center, you'll find the Fossil Preparation Lab, where you can observe paleontologists at work and inquire about ancient life and ongoing projects in the park. The lab is typically open daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Embrace the night sky

The minimal light pollution in Badlands National Park turns the night sky into a dazzling display of stars twinkling like diamonds in the wilderness. Stargazing is spectacular year-round, but if you're visiting between Memorial Day and Labor Day, rangers host telescope viewings and astronomy talks after sunset at the Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater.

Hit the trails

Beyond the wheelchair-accessible boardwalks scattered throughout the park, there are more demanding trails like the 10-mile out-and-back Castle Trail, which begins at the Door and Window Parking Area, leading you through grasslands and rock formations to the Fossil Exhibit Trail.

Off-trail hiking is allowed in Badlands National Park. If you decide to explore off the beaten path, make sure to carry sufficient water, maintain a distance of at least 100 feet from wildlife, and wear boots or sturdy shoes to protect yourself from snakes and cacti.

Visit the visitor centers

Make sure to visit the Ben Relief Visitors Center at Badlands National Park to explore museum exhibits and fossils, and engage with park rangers and paleontologists. The White River Visitor Center focuses on the cultural heritage of the Badlands, where rangers offer talks and showcase exhibits highlighting the area's significance to the Lakota people.

If you're a collector, you can get your national park passport stamped at either visitor center.

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My top activity at Badlands National Park

I can’t get enough of the sunsets at Badlands National Park. As evening falls, the sun sinks into the horizon like a molten orb, casting vibrant colors over the buttes, pinnacles, and spires. The whole park seems to come alive, glowing as it drinks in the waning light. Sunrises are just as breathtaking, especially during the summer when you want to kickstart your day before the heat sets in.

The prime spots for catching the sunset include Pinnacles Overlook, Conata Basin Overlook, and the Bigfoot Pass Picnic Area. For sunrises, head to Panorama Point, Door Trail, and Big Badlands Overlook for the best views.

What is the estimated budget for a trip to Badlands National Park?

• A basic hotel room for two in Rapid City: $99-$175

• A room or cabin at Cedar Pass Lodge inside Badlands National Park: starting from $220 per night

• Camping at Sage Creek Campground in Badlands National Park: free

• Camping at Cedar Pass Campground in Badlands National Park: starting from $28 per night

• A meal for two at Cedar Pass Lodge Restaurant: around $40

• A souvenir T-shirt from Ben Relief Visitor Center: starting at $25

• Park entrance fee: standard entrance $15-$30; annual pass $55; America The Beautiful Pass free $80