Things to do in Badlands National Park
A mixed-grass prairie and eroded butte landscape with fossil beds, sharply layered badlands, bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dog towns, and big-sky drives.
Best months: May, June, September, October
What is worth your time in Badlands National Park
Big Badlands OverlookDo not miss
The drive-up overlook is the classic sunrise reveal of eroded spires and striped badlands near the east entrance.
Viewpoint · 45 min4.9
Door TrailDo not miss
The boardwalk opens onto a broken badlands landscape and allows optional exploration beyond the maintained section.
Hike · 1.1 hr4.8
Notch TrailDo not miss
The ladder climb and ledge route lead to one of the most memorable overlooks in the Badlands Wall.
Hike · 1.5 hr4.8
Badlands Loop RoadDo not miss
The main scenic road links the park best overlooks, trailheads, wildlife pullouts, and layered formations.
Scenic Drive · 3 hr
Hay Butte Overlook
This quieter overlook adds broad prairie and butte views away from the busiest Cedar Pass cluster.
Viewpoint · 23 min4.9
Pinnacles Overlook
The west-side overlook is superb for sunset, bighorn sheep sightings, and sweeping views over the Wall.
Viewpoint · 53 min4.9
Saddle Pass Trail
A short, steep climb up the Badlands Wall connects to longer prairie routes and gives fast big views.
Hike · 45 min4.9
Yellow Mounds Overlook
The overlook shows colorful ancient soils that add a vivid geology stop along the Loop Road.
Viewpoint · 23 min4.9
Cliff Shelf Nature Trail
The loop climbs through junipers and boardwalks to views of the Badlands Wall and better shade than most trails.
Hike · 45 min4.8
Sage Creek Rim Road
The gravel road offers the park best chance for bison, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, and quieter prairie views.
Scenic Drive · 2.3 hr4.8
Ben Reifel Visitor Center
The visitor center gives indoor fossil exhibits, ranger advice, water, restrooms, and weather context.
Ranger Program · 53 min4.7
Castle Trail
The park longest maintained trail crosses prairie and badlands formations for a deeper walk beyond the overlooks.
Hike · 6 hr4.7
Roberts Prairie Dog Town
The accessible roadside colony is a reliable place to watch prairie dog behavior without leaving the road corridor.
Wildlife · 33 min4.7
Sheep Mountain Table Road
The remote tableland road gives expansive South Unit views for prepared drivers in dry conditions.
Scenic Drive · 3 hr4.7
And 3 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Badlands is famous for colorful eroded formations, one of the world richest fossil beds, the Badlands Loop Road, Notch Trail, Door Trail, and wildlife along Sage Creek Rim Road.