Badlands National Park, located in South Dakota, is a stunning landscape of rugged rock formations, vast prairies, and unique wildlife. With just one day to explore, you can still hit the parks highlights and experience its breathtaking beauty. Here’s a guide to making the most of your time in the Badlands.

About Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park covers over 240,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires, mixed with the largest undisturbed grass prairie in the United States. The park is also rich in fossil beds, containing remnants of ancient mammals like sabertooth cats and three-toed horses. It’s a place of start contrasts where dramatic landscapes meet serene prairies.

When to Visit:

• Best Seasons:
  • Spring (April-May): Comfortable temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and active wildlife
  • Fall (September-October): Cooler weather and fewer crowds, ideal for hiking and scenic drives
  • Summer (June-August): Offers long daylight hours, but be prepared for heat and crowds
  • Winter (November-March): Quiet and serene, but some facilities and roads may be closed
• Time of Day: Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical, offering the best lighting for photography and a chance to see more wildlife

How to Get There:

Badlands National Park is located in southwestern South Dakota and is easily accessible by car.

• Nearest Airport:
  • The closest major airport is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), located about 70 miles from the park’s Northeast entrance.
• Driving:
  • There are two entrances in the park
    • Northeast Entrance: The most popular entry point near Wall, SD, ideal for accessing the Badlands Loop Road
    • Interior Entrance: Located near the town of Interior, SD, offering access to the park’s southern areas

Park Fees and Passes:

• Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle for 7 days
• America the Beautiful Pass: $80 for unlimited access to all national parks for a year

Where to Stay

• In the Park:
  
  • Cedar Pass Lodge: Offers cabins with views of the Badlands formations
  • Campgrounds:
    • Cedar Pass Campground: modern amenities and reservable
    • Sage Creek Campground: primitive and first-come, first-served
• Nearby Towns: 
  • Wall, SD: Just outside the park’s Northeast Entrance, Wall offers motels, dining options, and the famous Wall Drug
  • Rapid City, SD: About an hour’s drive from the park, it’s a larger hub with a wide range of acommodations

Itinerary:

Morning

Notch Trail

• Enter through the Northeast Entrance Station: Start your day early by entering through the Northeast Entrance Station. This allows you to dive right into the dramatic scenery of the park without delay.
• Hike the Notch Trail: Your first stop should be the iconic Notch Trail. This 1.5-mile roundtrip hike is a thrilling way to kick off your day. It features a ladder climb and ends with spectacular views of the White River Valley. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring water, as the trail can be steep in sections.
• Hike The Door Trail: This is a popular 0.9 mile trail that takes you to an observation area with stunning views of the Badlands landscape.
• Stop by the Ben Reifel Visitor Center: After your hike, head to the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Here, you can learn more about the park’s geology, history, and wildlife. The center also has restrooms, water refilling stations, and a bookstore for souvenirs.

Afternoon

Roberts Prairie Dog Town

• Drive the Badlands Loop Road: Next, embark on the scenic Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240). This 39-mile drive offers countless opportunities to pull over and take in the views. Some must-stop overlooks include:
  • Big Badlands Overlook: A stunning spot near the entrance with sweeping views of layered rock formations
  • Yellow Mounds Overlook: Known for its vibrant yellow and pink hues
  • Pinnacles Overlook: A favorite for spotting wildlife like bighorn sheep
• Picnic Lunch at a Scenic Spot: Pack a lunch and stop at one of the picnic areas along the Loop Road.
• Visit Roberts Prairie Dog Town: After lunch, head to Roberts Prairie Dog Town, where you can watch these charismatic creatures in their natural habitat.
• Explore Fossil Exhibit Trail: Continue your day with Fossil Exhibit Trail, an easy 0.25 mile boardwalk trail that highlights the fossils found in the park.

Evening

Sage Rim Road

• Seek Out Wildlife On Sage Rim Road: Spend some time driving along Sage Creek Rim Road, where you’re likely to encounter bison, pronghorn, and other wildlife. Drive slowly and keep your camera handy for unexpected sightings.
• Sunset at Panorama Point: As the day winds down, make your way to Panorama Point for a mesmerizing sunset.

Camping

For accommodations, consider staying at Sage Creek Campground. This is a free, first-come, first-served option. Keep in mind that spots fill up quickly, especially in the summer. This is where I stayed when I visited, and I thought it was really cool. It’s just a big circle with lots of other campers, so don’t expect much privacy. There was great stargazing, and while trying to fall asleep a bison brushed against my tent!

Alternatively, Cedar Pass Campground offers reservable sites with more amenities. Booking in advance is highly recommended.