National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS Photo
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
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
Fossil Talk
Learn what fossils can tell us about the story of ancient life in the Badlands and why we need to protect them. Meet at the Fossil Exhibit Trailhead, 5 miles northwest of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center on the Badlands Loop Road.
Geology Walk
Explore the geologic formations of Badlands National Park! A Ranger will guide you through the "door." Meet at the north end of the Door/Window parking lot approximately 2 miles north of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center on the Badlands Loop Road.
Evening Prairie Walk
Join a ranger for an easy, family-friendly walk through the prairie and get a closer look at one of North America's most important, and often overlooked, ecosystems.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: March, April, October
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
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.