Best Hikes at Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park is a popular stop for people visiting Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills of South Dakota. Our family enjoyed exploring the park, although the 100-degree temperature that day made it less enjoyable. However, we were able to hike the trails in the east end of Badlands National Park.

Here’s a rundown on the best trails in the park, all of which were kid friendly. Hopefully it won’t be as scorching hot for your visit as it was for ours. They’re listed in the order you’ll find them as you enter the park.

Door Trail

Three trails share the same parking lot – Door Trail, Window Trail and Notch Trail. The trailhead for the Door Trail is at the north end of the parking area. It begins with a 1/4-mile boardwalk that takes you to an opening – a door – in the rock wall, allowing you to access great views of the Badlands.

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Beyond the door, there are a few stairs that put you back on the ground. The trail isn’t maintained, so it can be a little more rugged. But that also allows you a little more freedom to explore. Yellow markers help you navigate the trail.

You can explore a little or a lot, and then simply return back the way you came.

DISTANCE: .75 miles round trip
CATEGORY: Easy/Moderate

Window Trail

The trailhead for the Window Trail is located closer to the south end of the parking area. This short trail takes you to a break in the rock wall. Beyond the break, you can see the intricately eroded canyon below. It’s a wonderful viewpoint to get a taste of what Mother Nature can create.

DISTANCE: .25 miles round trip
CATEGORY: Easy

Notch Trail and the Ladder

I’ve never hiked a trail with a large ladder like what you find at Notch Trail. So it’s something kids may really enjoy. But if you have a fear of heights, it may not be the trail for you. That said, my wife and one of my sons don’t like heights, but they were able to manage.

The trailhead is located at the far south end of the parking lot for Window and Door Trails. The maintained trail heads into an alcove area in the Badlands. From there, wait your turn in line to ascend the ladder. A few people have made a trail that takes them to the top without using the ladder. It’s steep, but doable for those who are adventurous.

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Once at the top, the trail travels along steep drop offs. You’ll want to keep an eye on your kids so they don’t tumble over an edge.

When you get to the end of the trail, you’ll be able to see the valley below. Some of it’s white rocks, while other parts are lush and green. Enjoy the view before heading back to the car. Be patient with people using the ladder to ascend or descend. While it’s not rocket science, people can be a little slow going up or down the ladder.

DISTANCE: 1.5 miles round trip
CATEGORY: Moderate/Strenuous 

Cliff Shelf Nature Trail

If you like stairs – and who doesn’t – then this is the trail for you. From the parking area, a short paved trail takes you to the bottom of a long stairway. As you ascend, enjoy the views around you. The Notch Trail overlook is above you, and the White River Valley is to the east.

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At the top, there’s a flat area where you can sit at a bench and enjoy the views. It was 100 degrees, so we didn’t sit out in the sun – we headed back down the other side to the car. The stairs don’t descend as far as they did on the way up, meaning the trail becomes a maintained dirt trail before connecting back into the paved portion that leads to the parking area.

DISTANCE: 0.5 miles round trip – Loop
CATEGORY: Moderate 

Fossil Exhibit Trail

The Fossil Exhibit trail is a 1/4-mile boardwalk path with informative signs about various fossils found in the Badlands. There’s no shade along the trail, but it’s interesting to see the fossil replicas of creatures that used to roam these parts.

Because of the boardwalk, this trail is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

DISTANCE: .25 miles round trip – Loop
CATEGORY: Easy

Saddle Pass Trail

Saddle Pass is a very short trail. But it’s also very steep. It climbs up the rock wall of the Badlands. From the top, you can enjoy some great views of the White River Valley. This trail connects with two other long trails in the park: Medicine Root Loop (4 miles) and Castle Trail (10 miles).

DISTANCE: .25 miles round trip
CATEGORY: Strenuous

The Details

Address: 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, SD 57750

Cost: Private vehicles are $30 for a seven-day pass. Individuals (cyclists, hikers, etc.) are $15, while motorcycles are $25. You can also purchase a national parks pass for $80 and access every national park for the next 12 months.

Hours: The park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Check the Badlands National Park website for operating hours and closures of the visitor centers. Hours vary by season.

Website: https://www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm

Phone: (605) 433-5361

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