A First Timer's Guide to Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park is the raw, sculptural, mesmerizing heart of South Dakota’s geological wonders. Its real showstoppers are the pinnacled rock formations and vivid color bands – nature’s masterpieces – but at every turn, this land of eroded buttes and sprawling prairies whispers, echoes, and unveils like a grand canvas painted over millions of years. The Park’s highways traverse these surreal landscapes through sharp-edged cliffs and sprawling grasslands, past roadside colonies of prairie dogs and viewpoints aromatic with sage and wildflowers. In between lies the country’s most striking collection of layered rock formations, the region’s resilient bighorn sheep herds, and a pristine wilderness roamed by bison, pronghorn, and coyotes. Traveling through nature’s wonders to experience these otherworldly landscapes can feel like a surreal travel experience.

What is the Best time to visit Bandland National Park?

Badlands National Park experiences extreme seasons: freezing winters and scorching summers. So when to plan for the best experience of your life? Spring and fall are ideal seasons for pleasant weather in the badlands. This time of the year, when drives become more scenic, roads, campgrounds, and trails are open. The best time to visit Badlands National Park is early June to mid-September. Warm temperatures and minimal rainfall make the spot ideal for outdoor activities. July and August see the highest visitation, coinciding with school vacations. Summer nights can be cool, especially at higher elevations, despite the heat.

How to get there?

Getting to Badlands National Park is straightforward, with several options depending on your starting point. The nearest major airport is Rapid City Regional Airport, about an hour’s drive from the Park, serving several major airlines. This makes flying a convenient option for those coming from afar.

By Air

The closest major airport is Rapid City Regional Airport, about an hour’s drive from the Park.
Serviced by several major airlines
Sioux Falls Regional Airport is another option, about 4 hours away by car.

By Car

Distances from major cities:

62 miles from Rapid City
276 miles from Sioux Falls
370 miles from Denver
450 miles from Omaha

Transportation Within the Park

No shuttle system or public transportation is available inside the Park
Personal vehicle required for exploration

Pro Travel Tips

Cell service is spotty; GPS may be unavailable at times
Download maps in advance or bring paper copies.
Wall Drug Store, a popular roadside attraction, is about 11 minutes from the Park’s visitor center

Trip Planning Options

Fly into Rapid City for a shorter trip focused on the Badlands and nearby attractions like Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, and Custer State Park.
Fly into Sioux Falls for a more extended South Dakota road trip, allowing exploration of more of the state en route to Badlands.

How much time should I spend in Badlands National Park?

Planning a trip to Badlands National Park? Let’s figure out how many days to pack for. With its surreal landscape and abundant wildlife, Badlands offers more than you might expect. While one day can give you a taste, a more extended stay allows you to fully soak in the Park’s unique beauty and diverse experiences.
Plan to spend two to three days at Badlands National Park for a relaxing and scenic vacation. If you only have a few hours, stick to scenic drives with stops at overlooks to take in the scenery.
If you have a few days in Badlands National Park, make the most of it by hiking, viewing wildlife, and exploring the visitor centers.

Things to do at Badlands National Park

Technically speaking, the Park has a breathtaking 12 overlooks and several trails. A Badlands National Park itinerary not only allows you access to most of the best spots in the Park, but you will encounter one of the most incredible sunsets or sunrises of your life. While driving through the Park, be ready to stop and get in and out of the car to take pictures at plenty of pit stops. Furthermore, let’s find out and decide on what to do amid this epic scenery.

1. Cruise the Badlands Loop Road for Surreal Vistas

sunrise badlands national park, sunset badlands national park, badlands Overlook

The 39-mile Badlands Loop Road is like Mother Nature’s own roller coaster. You’ll wind through a landscape that looks like it’s straight out of Mars – all colorful buttes, spires, and pinnacles. Try to Hit the Road at sunrise. The early light painting those rocks? Pure magic. Don’t forget to pull over at spots like Panorama Point. Your camera’s gonna get a workout!

2. Conquer the Notch Trail for a Taste of Adventure

The Notch Trail is a 1.5-mile round trip that’ll get your heart racing faster than a jackrabbit. You’ll be scrambling up a log ladder and hugging cliff edges before you know it. The payoff? A view of the White River Valley that’ll make your jaw hit the floor. Just remember to pack plenty of water – this badland beauty can be a real scorcher!

3. Go on a Wildlife Sightseeing at Badlands

Wildlife sightseeing at Badlands, airport closest to badlands national Park

Keep your peepers peeled for bighorn sheep doing their mountain goat impression on the cliffs, pronghorn antelope zooming across the prairies, and bison lumbering along like they own the place (which, let’s face it, they kinda do). Oh, and those prairie dog towns? Better than any sitcom, I guarantee it. Mind it, we’re guests in their home, so keep a respectful distance.

4. Time Travel on the Fossil Exhibit Trail

The Fossil Exhibit Trail is like stepping into your own Jurassic Park, minus the man-eating dinos. This quarter-mile boardwalk showcases replicas of fossils found right here in the Badlands. You’ll get the lowdown on ancient critters that used to roam these parts, from saber-toothed cats to giant pig-like beasts. It’s a hit with the kiddos and a great spot to escape the midday heat.

5. Get the Inside Scoop at a Ranger Program

Head to the Ben Reifel Visitor Center and learn from the park rangers. These folks are like walking encyclopedias of Badlands lore. They’ve got the 411 on everything from the Park’s wacky geology to its wild residents. Check out their schedule for guided walks, talks, and even night sky programs.

6. Catch a Sunset Show at Pinnacles Overlook

You have seen a sunset once you’ve seen one at Pinnacles Overlook. As the day winds down, those Badlands spires and layered rocks light up like they’re on fire – we’re talking oranges, pinks, and purples that’ll make your eyes pop. Bring a blanket, pack some snacks, and settle in for nature’s own light show. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day of exploring.

7. Stargaze Your Heart Out

When the sun goes down, the real show begins in the Badlands. This Park’s got some of the darkest skies you’ll ever see, making it a stargazer’s paradise. Join a ranger-led night sky program and you’ll be spotting constellations, planets, and maybe even the Milky Way stretching across the heavens. It’s like Mother Nature’s own planetarium, and trust me, it’ll leave you starry-eyed.

8. Pedal Through the Park

Grab your bike and hit the Park’s roads for a different kind of Badlands adventure. You’ll be cruising past those crazy rock formations and sweeping prairies, feeling the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. The 18-mile round trip from the Ben Reifel Visitor Center to Pinnacles Overlook is a popular route. Just remember to bring plenty of water and watch out for those bison traffic jams!

9. Snap Insta-Gold at Yellow Mounds Overlook

The Yellow Mounds Overlook is your ticket to some seriously eye-popping shots. These vibrant yellow and red mounds look like they’ve been painted by a giant artist’s brush. It’s one of the most colorful spots in the Park and a testament to the Badlands’ wild geology.

10. Camp Under the Stars and Catch the Aurora Show

During November to April, South Dakota sometimes sees sudden Northern Lights occurrences. Badlands National Park is one of the best places to spot this celestial phenomenon due to its low light pollution. So why not take advantage of this unexpected phenomenon of south dakota northern lights? When you’re camping at Cedar Pass Campground, keep an eye on the night sky. You might just be treated to a dazzling display of the aurora borealis dancing across the starry expanse above the otherworldly Badlands landscape. It’s a rare and magical experience that combines the Park’s rugged beauty with nature’s most spectacular light show. Just remember to bundle up – those winter nights can be chilly!