National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS Photo · Public domain
Badlands National Park
The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient horses and rhinos once roamed here. The park’s 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today.
Entrance Fees
Getting There
Roads and entrances can close temporarily. Check current conditions on nps.gov (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Entrances
- Directions to Northeast Entrance (opens in a new tab)
Northeast EntranceMain
Interior, SD · Open year-round
- Directions to Pinnacles Entrance (opens in a new tab)
Pinnacles EntranceMain
Wall, SD · Open year-round
- Directions to Interior Entrance (opens in a new tab)
Interior Entrance
Interior, SD · Open year-round
- Directions to White River Visitor Center (South Unit) (opens in a new tab)
White River Visitor Center (South Unit)
Porcupine, SD · Visitor center open summer only
Separate South Unit on the Pine Ridge Reservation; about an hour by road from the Badlands Loop Road
Airports
- RAP
Rapid City Regional Airport · Rapid City, SD
ClosestMid-size airport
Distances are approximate road distances; tap a distance for live driving directions.
Activities
Top Hikes
10 mi · 300 ft gain · out & back
The park's longest trail traverses five miles through prairie and badlands formations between the Door/Window area and Fossil Exhibit Trail.
Starts at: Door and Window Parking Area
1.5 mi · 200 ft gain · out & back
Winds through a canyon, climbs a log ladder, and follows a ledge to 'the Notch' with dramatic views of the White River Valley.
Starts at: Notch Trailhead
0.75 mi · 50 ft gain · out & back
Accessible boardwalk leads through a break in the Badlands Wall known as 'the Door' to panoramic views of the eroded badlands landscape.
Starts at: Door Trailhead
0.25 mi · 20 ft gain · out & back
Short trail to a natural window in the Badlands Wall framing a view of an intricately eroded canyon.
Starts at: Window Trailhead
Upcoming Events
No upcoming events scheduled for Badlands National Park. Events are updated daily — check back soon or visit nps.gov for the latest.
Best Time to Visit Badlands
Best time to visit: May–June, September–October
The best time to visit Badlands National Park is May–June and September–October. Temperatures are mild for hiking and wildlife viewing, avoiding July–August heat in the 90s and cold, snowy winters.
In those months, average highs are 64–81°F at Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Visitor numbers peak in July, and October is noticeably quieter.
Monthly averages at Ben Reifel Visitor Center (2,440 ft). Climate normals (1991–2020): PRISM Group, Oregon State University.
Weather & Climate
The Badlands weather is variable and unpredictable with temperature extremes ranging from 116° F to -40° F. Summers are hot and dry with occasional violent thunderstorms. Hailstorms and occasional tornadoes can descend on the Badlands with sudden fury. Winters are typically cold with 12 to 24 inches of total snowfall.
