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Don't miss these great Badlands hikes in a unique wilderness that has changed little since dinosaurs roamed the earth.

Hiking is an excellent way to experience the natural treasures of Badlands National Park. The park covers 244,000 acres and is a unique, remote wilderness area with diverse landscapes ranging from flat prairie to rugged canyon walls. Badlands wilderness hikes are accessible to all visitors and lead you down canyons rarely visited by other hikers.

The Badlands is open year-round with activities and attractions in every season. However, the best hiking months are April through September, although the park offers some great winter hikes, too. Don't miss these great short hikes in a unique wilderness area that has changed little since dinosaurs roamed the earth.
<h2><strong>1. Notch Trail </strong></h2>
This trail is located just west of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center and offers many rewards to those willing to make the hike. The unique geological features in this area give hikers an opportunity to see color variations caused by different mineral formations, water eroding rock into interesting shapes, and deep canyons carved from millions of years of runoff. The trail is not too strenuous for most hikers. It lies directly on top of an old fault line called a "graben" and crosses eroded hills called "coulees."

[caption id="attachment_47550" align="alignnone" width="2124"]<img class="size-full wp-image-47550" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/07/GettyImages-584487578.jpg" alt="Hiking Notch Trail in the Badlands -- In Badlands National Park in South Dakota, two hikers delve deeper into the colorful formations of eroding rock." width="2124" height="1411" /> scgerding / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2><strong>2. Medicine Root Trail </strong></h2>
Depending on how much time you have and the exertion level you're capable of, several trail combinations are possible. This is a moderate hike with multiple destinations along the way, including spectacular overlooks, dinosaur tracks, and petrified wood. The loop portion of this trail can be as little as a half-mile long or made longer by continuing past the refuge boundary. Stretch your lungs and your legs with this trail!

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-47551" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/07/shutterstock_325697750.jpg" alt="Medicine Root Trail at Sunset Badlands National Park South Dakota" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2><strong>3. Cliff Shelf Nature Trail </strong></h2>
This trail is on the south end of Badlands National Park and offers a great variety of sights and experiences. The trail starts at an elevation of 2500 feet and climbs to 3300 feet in one mile. There are numerous petrified wood outcroppings, ancient first nation's artifacts as well as dinosaur bones from 80 million years ago. On top of the butte, enjoy an overview of the prairie and rock features that make this area unique.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-47553" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/07/shutterstock_1727702818.jpg" alt="Cliff Shelf Nature Trailhead, Badlands, SD" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2><strong>4. Fossil Exhibit Trail </strong></h2>
This trail is on the west side of the park. It begins at an elevation of 3100 feet and climbs to 3300 feet with a breathtaking view overlooking Chief's Head Peak, Grapevine Canyon, and the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. The hike is not too strenuous but requires climbing up and down the many rock formations. This short hike is great for beginners.

[caption id="attachment_47552" align="alignnone" width="4082"]<img class="size-full wp-image-47552" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/07/49620205198_68bda79537_o.jpg" alt="" width="4082" height="2163" /> Bernard Spragg. NZ / Flickr[/caption]


<h2><strong>5. Castle Trail </strong></h2>
The Castle Trail is one of the more moderate trails in Badlands National Park. The trail has a 500-foot elevation gain, which can be a challenge for some hikers. It's excellent for those looking for a bit more challenge to view panoramas and old homesteader sites. This trail features the highest point in Badlands National Park and is famous for spectacular views of the Pinnacles Overlook Trail. Check it out for a short day hike or to connect to other park trails.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-47554" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/07/shutterstock_115416364.jpg" alt="Castle Trail Dawn - Grass and Rock" width="1000" height="653" />


<h2><strong>6. Window Trail</strong></h2>
Walk past three buttes and a stand of native grasses to reach the Window, Badlands National Park's most famous rock formation. The trail is short enough to be manageable in the summer months yet long enough for a full day hike. Follow the interpretive signs at the trailhead for information about the park's geology and natural history. Wear hiking boots for this trail since it's often muddy in the rainy season. The iconic window rock formation is a great place for that winning Instagram shot!

[caption id="attachment_47555" align="alignnone" width="2308"]<img class="size-full wp-image-47555" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/07/GettyImages-1263692935.jpg" alt="Window Trail at Badlands National Park" width="2308" height="1298" /> Hotaik Sung / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2><strong>7. Saddle Pass</strong></h2>
This hike is the most difficult, and it's also the most rewarding. Be prepared to hike 9.5 miles round trip, with a gradual climb of 2,100 feet through rocky terrain. Sometimes it can feel like an uphill marathon instead of just a remote stroll through nature. But the panoramic views of the Badlands formations, White River Valley, and Little Devils Tower are worth it. The latter is just over a mile from the trailhead. This is not a beginner's hike, but it's a great way to test your hiking skills.

[caption id="attachment_47556" align="alignnone" width="2124"]<img class="size-full wp-image-47556" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/07/GettyImages-153588463.jpg" alt="Saddle Pass landscape in Badlands National Park, South Dakota" width="2124" height="1411" /> izakorwel / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2><strong>8. Door trail </strong></h2>
This is a mellow hike at the Hunt/Mastodon site. “Hunt” was explorer William Clark's name because it was an Indigenous American tribal hunting ground. The Door Trail is a one-mile hike that leads to a natural stone arch that inspired its name. It's a sweet place to take pictures of the petroglyphs and practice your photography skills. Near the Hunt/Mastodon site, the trailhead is clearly marked.

[caption id="attachment_47557" align="alignnone" width="3264"]<img class="size-full wp-image-47557" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/07/GettyImages-953006184.jpg" alt="boardwalk on the Door Trail in Badlands National Park in South Dakota, USA" width="3264" height="2448" /> Lindsey Martin Webb / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2><strong>9. Deer Haven (Open hiking) </strong></h2>
Deer Haven is for those with more time than money since its open hiking option doesn't require a hiking permit from sunrise to sunset. The scenery in this area of Badlands National Park is stunning and offers lots of opportunities for photography. It's almost difficult to believe you're within 15 minutes of Mt. Rushmore when hiking through this area. Plus, the colors of the soil are more vibrant than anywhere else in the park. The terrain on Deer Haven is fairly flat, with a few areas where you'll need to watch your footing as some of the trail can be very narrow or slick in certain places.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCynTVasqIy/" alt="A deer shed in the aptly named “Deer Haven”." caption="wilderness_john" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/wilderness_john/" /]


<h2><strong>10. Sage Creek Wilderness (Open hiking)</strong></h2>
With miles of trails and serene landscapes, the park has something for everyone. Sage Creek features archetypal badland terrain and abundant wildlife, including bighorn sheep, buffalo, and pronghorn antelopes. This area of the park is also home to prairie dog burrows and coyote and fox dens, and many other species of mammals. As with the Deer Haven area, Sage Creek is open hiking and does not require a permit to explore this area. Hiking in this area makes you feel like a true explorer!

[caption id="attachment_47559" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-47559" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2021/07/GettyImages-1226808366.jpg" alt="Landscape view of Badlands National Park near Sage Creek (South Dakota)." width="2121" height="1414" /> BlueBarronPhoto / Getty Images[/caption]

These Are Best Hikes in Badlands National Park 

South Dakota isn’t the most popular travel destination, but the natural beauty of the state is unparalleled. Sprawling forests, frightening river gulches, bubbling hot springs, vast plateaus, and open plains populated by herds of bison are just part of what's waiting for you.

South Dakota isn’t the most popular travel destination, but the natural beauty of the state is unparalleled. Sprawling forests, frightening river gulches, bubbling hot springs, vast plateaus, and open plains populated by herds of bison are just part of what's waiting for you. All sorts of artists have turned to the history and landscapes of South Dakota for inspiration, even going so far as to turn mountains into canvases. Native American history and culture is a popular focal point for art in the state. In all, South Dakota is a lightning rod of artistic expression.
<h2>Admire ‘Dignity’</h2>
Dignity is a 50-foot tall metal sculpture of a Native American woman standing proudly, arms outstretched and gazing off into the distance. The statue is lovingly, intricately detailed; the longer you look at it, the more subtle artistic touches you'll see. It’s one of the most powerful testaments to Native American culture and heritage in a state with a lot of competition in that department.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34767" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/shutterstock_1536872090.jpg" alt="Chamberlain, South Dakota, United States, 2018-07-29, Dignity Statue by the Missouri River" width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>Go Jurassic at Dinosaur Park</h2>
The Rapid City Dinosaur Park is an interesting look at the early era of paleontology in America. It’s filled with ‘life-sized’ statues of many famous dinosaur species, such as the stegosaurus. What’s more, the statues are all sturdy enough to climb! Your inner child or your literal child will both be right at home here.

[caption id="attachment_34757" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/514346495.jpg" alt="A child in the mouth of a model dinosaur" width="1200" height="817" /> kWaiGon / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Take a tour of the Hot Springs Mammoth Site</h2>
The Hot Springs Mammoth Site is home to an ambitious archaeological dig. At the same time, it's a paleontology museum. These two features complement each other quite well. If the informational exhibits on prehistoric life aren't interesting you, the half-unearthed fossils in the ground surely will. The museum is always welcoming new traveling exhibits, so every trip is a new experience. What’s more, the Mammoth Site has a prime location in the Black Hills.

[caption id="attachment_34758" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/492488482.jpg" alt="The Mammoth Site" width="1200" height="667" /> kwiktor / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Get lost in the Black Hills Forest National Park</h2>
Between a winding cave network, gorgeous waterfalls, and excellent camping opportunities, there’s almost too much to do at the Black Hills. If you have the opportunity, you need to lay in the grass and look out at the stars; there’s minimal light pollution in this area and the view is amazing. The next morning, you can visit the parks and famous landmarks that dot the Black Hills.

[caption id="attachment_34759" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/184985786.jpg" alt="The lovely Black Hills landscape " width="1200" height="800" /> Kubrak78 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Visit South Dakota’s Most Famous Landmark</h2>
Mount Rushmore is one of the largest mountain carvings in the world, immortalizing four of America’s greatest leaders in 80-foot tall towers of granite. The first thing to do at this spot is to take an Instagrammable shot of the sculptures, but there’s a lot more to Rushmore. The Record Room hidden behind Lincoln’s head is an important spot to visit, as it’s home to a collection of plaques detailing American history and telling the stories of those leaders on the mountain. The idea that this simple room will preserve a piece of modern history even in the event of the apocalypse is a powerful thought.

[caption id="attachment_34760" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/157587143.jpg" alt="Mount Rushmore " width="1200" height="804" /> JMichl / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Tour Mitchell’s Palace of Corn</h2>
This is a palace dedicated <i>to</i> corn, rather than a palace made of corn. In a bid to attract farmers to plant their crops in the rich soil of South Dakota, the town built this museum dedicated to wheat, corn, and agriculture in general. The distinctive, Russian-style onion domes and the architectural flourishes that consist of thousands of corn cobs glued to the tower make the palace extremely unique. There's a lot of interesting things to learn at the Corn Palace, but the photos might well be your favorite souvenir.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34768" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/shutterstock_1619101849.jpg" alt="The Corn Palace in Mitchell South Dakota, USA. " width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>Stand at the Center of the United States</h2>
If you count Alaska and Hawaii, the geographical center of the United States is an innocuous spot in the middle of South Dakota. The novelty of visiting the heart of the United States makes this spot easily worth a stop during your South Dakota trip. Additionally, it’s home to a simple monument, a poster board containing notes from other visitors, and several farms. If you’re looking for the perfect rest stop for a picnic, this is it.

[caption id="attachment_34762" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/181056666.jpg" alt="Sunset at the Badlands National Park in South Dakota" width="1200" height="714" /> stevegeer / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Admire the most ambitious mountain carving in the world</h2>
The Crazy Horse Memorial is far from complete, but that’s part of its charm. The carefully chiseled, massive, completed face is an impressive sight on its own. The construction progresses a little further each year, and it's rare that you get to see something so impressive as a work in progress. Whenever you visit, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind snapshot at the progress of the construction.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34769" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/shutterstock_1210552381.jpg" alt="Girl Hiker Staring out at Crazy Horse Memorial in South" width="1000" height="665" />


<h2>Visit a recreated historic chapel</h2>
A Lutheran reverend who visited Norway found the simple, historic Norwegian Chapels to be utterly enchanting. The Chapel in the Hills replicates their style with love and diligent attention to detail. When you visit the Chapel in the Hills, you get the inescapable feeling that someone picked up a piece of Medieval Norway and dropped it in the middle of South Dakota!

[caption id="attachment_34764" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/157195459.jpg" alt="An old Norwegian chapel " width="1200" height="900" /> raclro / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>Take a scenic drive down the Loop Road</h2>
One of the simplest joys you can have in South Dakota is a relaxing drive down the Badlands Loop Road. A nice, slow drive with plenty of stops will treat you to a dozen distinct views of the iconic rolling hills and plains of South Dakota. The best time to be there is sunset: that's when the landscape explodes with bright, vibrant colors. In all, a drive down the Badlands Loop Road is the perfect activity to finish a day in South Dakota.

[caption id="attachment_34765" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/108177673.jpg" alt="A highway through the Badlands" width="1200" height="798" /> ericfoltz / Getty Images[/caption]

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