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National park in South Dakota, United States
Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Badlands National Park is a national park in southwestern South Dakota. This park is marked by rugged "badlands" terrain, sharply contrasting with the rolling hills and prairie surrounding it. The rock and soil formations resemble a science fiction landscape of another world - domes, twisted canyons and slanted walls striped in different colors.
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The main facility in the North Unit, with exhibits on wildlife, geology and paleontology. The Badlands Natural History Association operates a shop with educational materials for sale. Bus and RV parking is available.
The 27 mi Badlands Loop Road offers many overlooks with parking lots. The road itself is not actually a loop; drive it one-way from either entrance, or make a loop with I-90 or SR-44. Restroom facilities are located at a few overlooks. Allow about 2 hours for a leisurely drive and a visit to each lookout.
Features the brightly-colored yellow rock layer, one of the oldest layers in the park.
A view of the marginal White River Valley farmlands that homesteaders tried to make work in the late 1800s.
Interpretive signs describe the vast prairie to the north.
An immersive view of the badlands landscape towards the White River.
The route through the badlands chosen by Chief Big Foot on their ill-fated flight to Wounded Knee in 1890.
This 7 mi unpaved (but well-maintained) road heads west from the Pinnacles Entrance, for an option to extend your loop. Allow about 30 minutes.
The main facility in the South Unit, with an information desk, movie, exhibits, restrooms, picnic areas, and water. The center also has information about the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, on which it is located.
Provides a great view and hike for those who wish to see the Stronghold Unit of the Badlands, which may be ideal for those staying in the Black Hills or Custer State Park who may not be able to travel through the official loop.
Moderate 0.9 mi loop. This trail provides spectacular views of the White River Valley. It includes some boardwalk and stairs and climbs approximately 200 feet (61 meters). The parking lot cannot accommodate long vehicles or vehicles towing trailers.
Easy 0.75 mi round trip. The first is accessible boardwalk. This trail focuses on geology. The trail goes through a break in the Badlands Wall called "The Door".
Easy 0.3 mi loop. This trail is fully accessible. The trail includes exhibits of now extinct creatures that once roamed the area. During the summer, presentations by park naturalists are offered.
Moderate to strenuous 1.5 mi round trip. This trail climbs up a ladder and through a slot canyon to a wonderful view of the White River Valley and Pine Ridge Reservation. This trail is not recommended for those with a fear of heights, and can be very dangerous just after rains. Sturdy hiking boots and plenty of sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) are recommended.
Strenuous 0.3 mi and very steep, it connects Castle Trail and Medicine Root Loop to the Badlands Loop Road. The trail is impassable after rain.
Easy 0.25 mi round trip. This trail is accessible to athletic wheelchair users or with assistance. This trail goes to a natural "window" in the Badlands Wall.
Moderate 4 mi. Here the mixed grass prairie combines with long distance views of the Badlands. Be on the lookout for prickly pear cacti.
Moderate 10 mi round trip. This is the longest trail in the park. The trail is mostly level and winds through some formations. The Medicine Root Trail makes a loop within the Castle Trail from any connecting trailhead.
Open daily from mid April to mid October—Summer Season Hours: 7AM-8:30PM; Fall Season Hours: 8AM- 4:30PM. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy a view from your table of the badlands. The restaurant is AAA approved and buses are welcome.
Mid-April through mid-October. The only overnight lodging within Badlands NP. Reservations can be made in advance and are recommended. The 26 cabin units are Eco friendly and are equipped with custom, regionally made pine furniture, Energy Star refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, on demand hot water, flat screen TV, ceiling fan, and AC/heat.
96 level sites with scenic views of the badlands formations. This campground offers flush toilets and coin operated showers in the summertime.
A free primitive campground, and all sites are first-come, first-served. Pit toilets. The campground rarely fills to capacity.
By car
Interstate 90 passes near the north side of the park.
By plane
Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is served by five airlines with nonstop service to Minneapolis, Denver, Chicago, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City.
By bus
By bicycle
Bicycles are allowed only on designated roads (paved, gravel, and dirt) within the park. Off road bicycling, bicycling in the backcountry, or bicycling on hiking trails is prohibited.
By horse
A part of the Sage Creek Campground is designated for horses. However, no water is suitable for human consumption and horses unaccustomed to badlands water likely will not drink.
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Rapid City · Regional · RAP
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