Badlands National Park has a number of good hiking trails. For the most part the trails are not particularly long, but they all have fantastic scenery. A free park map showing trails is available at the entrance station or the visitor center. Please be aware that the sand/silt/clay that creates the Badlands turns into a slippery, mucky mud that is difficult to walk in and damages trails. When wet It also dries into a concrete like substance on your shoes. Trails should be left alone to dry out- which they do rather quickly. Watch for wildlife viewing opportunities while on trails. We’ve seen deer, bighorn sheep, bison and birds while hiking here.
The summer months can get quite hot – it would be best to plan summer hikes for early in the day or in the early evening. It is also a dry climate. Always take plenty of water on your adventures here. Sunscreen or sun protective clothing is recommended as there is not much shade while hiking.
Hiking among the Badlands Formations
One of our favorite hikes is the 4 mile, moderate Castle-Medicine Loop made by hiking from the Old Northern Road or Doors/Windows parking lot on the Castle Trail to the junction with the Medicine Root Trail which will return you to where you began. This hike takes you through mixed grass prairie and while viewing Badlands formation at a distance.
The Castle Trail stretches 5 miles from the Old Northern Road to the Fossil Exhibit Trailhead on the Badlands Loop Road. You can make this a one way hike if you have 2 cars or plan on a 10 mile out and back. This hike goes very close to and among formations. You can look at the effects of erosion up close and personal.
Erosion along the Castle Trail
Mike on the Castle- Medicine Loop:
At the junction of Castle & Medicine Trails is another trail that heads to the left: Saddle Pass Trail. It head up and over a formation and then down steeply to the Badlands Loop Road. This is a very short 0.25 mile but strenuous trail. This can also be hiked starting from the road end. Caution: this trail becomes extremely slippery when wet!
Notch Trail is 1.5 miles (round trip) and considered moderate to strenuous. After meandering through a canyon, this trail climbs a log ladder and follows a ledge to “the Notch” for a dramatic view of the White River Valley. Trail begins at the south end of the Door and Window parking area. Watch for drop-offs. Not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights. Treacherous during or after heavy rains.
The Notch Trail Ladder viewed from a distance
The Notch Trail ladder starts off at a gentle incline and then gets steeper
The Door Trail is an easy 0.75 miles (round trip) which start with a 0.25 mile accessible boardwalk that leads through a break in the Badlands Wall known as “the Door” and to a view of the Badlands. From there, the maintained trail ends. Travel beyond this point is at your own risk but where the fun begins for those who like to explore. Watch for drop-offs.
For more information about wildlife watching while hiking in the Badlands, check out this post: Wildlife viewing in Badlands NP
We hope you enjoy your visit. Let us know which trails you’ve tried, or if you think we missed any that should be on the top trails list and your favorites, in the comments section.
