Badlands National Park

Stunning landscape of dramatically eroded buttes and colorful rock formations spanning South Dakota's prairies. A premier destination for hiking, fossil hunting, and experiencing one of America's most otherworldly natural formations.

Things to do

• Notch Trail Hike — A moderate 1.5-mile loop featuring a wooden ladder climb with stunning views of the White River Valley and Pine Ridge.
• Fossil Exhibit Trail — A short indoor and outdoor interpretive walk showcasing actual fossils and explaining the park's 37-million-year-old paleontological significance.
• Badlands Loop Road Scenic Drive — A 32-mile loop drive with multiple pullouts and overlooks offering panoramic views of the colorful buttes and eroded formations.
• Door Trail — A brief 0.75-mile walk through a natural opening in the badlands wall with otherworldly views of the gray and tan formations.
• Castle Trail Backpacking — A 10-mile wilderness trail offering backcountry camping and immersion in the raw, treeless landscape dotted with fossil sites.
• Big Badlands Overlook — An accessible roadside viewpoint providing a sweeping vista of the most dramatic and colorful rock formations in the park.

Food to try

• Bison Burger — A regional specialty made from grass-fed bison that reflects South Dakota's ranching heritage and provides a leaner alternative to beef.
• Fry Bread with Indian Taco Toppings — A Native American dish honoring the cultural presence of the Lakota Sioux, topped with beans, cheese, and meat at local establishments.
• Chislic — A traditional South Dakota meat snack of cubed, marinated beef fried until crispy, served with vinegar for dipping.
• Prairie Pie — A regional dessert featuring locally-inspired ingredients that captures the spirit of Great Plains frontier cooking.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Lakota Sacred Land — The Badlands hold spiritual significance to the Lakota Sioux; stay on marked trails and approach sacred sites with reverence.
• Come Prepared for Extreme Weather — The exposed prairie offers no shade and weather changes rapidly; bring plenty of water, sun protection, and check forecasts before hiking.
• Visit During Off-Season for Solitude — Spring and fall provide fewer crowds and more comfortable temperatures than the hot, crowded summer months.
• No Cell Service in Most Areas — Plan your route in advance and inform others of your plans, as cellular connectivity is unreliable throughout much of the park.