#18 Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Big Bend Overlook
There’s something special about setting off for an adventure before the rest of the world wakes up. On my recent trip to Badlands National Park, that early start paid off in golden light, serene roads, and the kind of beauty that stops you in your tracks.
I left Rapid City, South Dakota while the sky was still a soft navy blue. As I drove southeast, the landscape gradually transformed—open fields gave way to rising ridges, and soon, the iconic jagged formations of the Badlands began to appear. Even before I reached the park’s visitor center, I was immersed in a prehistoric landscape shaped by time, wind, and erosion. The rising sun painted the spires in hues of gold and orange. I slowed down, rolled the windows down, and simply took it in.
Ben Reifel Visitor Center
First Stop: Ben Reifel Visitor Center
I reached the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, located in the Cedar Pass area, before it opened. That gave me a quiet moment to walk around the grounds, snap a few early morning photos, and really take in the stillness. There’s a calm in the Badlands that you don’t often find elsewhere.
Once the visitor center opened, I went inside to grab my National Parks passport stamp—a tradition I never skip. The center itself is worth visiting: you’ll find interactive exhibits, information on the park’s rich fossil history, and a fossil preparation lab where you can watch paleontologists work in real time.
Ben Reifel Visitor Center Address:
25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, SD 57750
And of course, I made sure to stop by the park sign on my way in—because no national park visit is complete without that classic photo.
What Makes Badlands National Park Special?
Located in southwestern South Dakota, Badlands National Park spans over 240,000 acres of eroded buttes, pinnacles, canyons, and mixed-grass prairies. Its otherworldly landscape holds millions of years of history, with distinct rock layers revealing fossilized remains of long-extinct animals, including early horses, saber-toothed cats, and ancient marine life.
But Badlands isn’t just about rocks. It’s also home to a wide variety of wildlife. On a single visit, you might spot bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, or even the elusive black-footed ferret. Whether you’re driving the scenic loop or stepping out onto the trails, there’s always something to see.
Entrance Fees & Pass Information
Private Vehicle (7-Day Pass): $30
Individual Entry (on foot/bike): $15
America the Beautiful Annual Pass: $80 (covers all U.S. national parks)
🔗 Check the latest entrance fee details here
Hiking in Badlands National Park
With its dramatic terrain and sweeping views, hiking in Badlands is one of the best ways to experience the park. I began with the Cliff Shelf Nature Trail, a half-mile loop trail that winds through a juniper forest with a boardwalk and stairs. The elevated views of the Badlands Wall and White River Valley in the morning light were breathtaking.
Window Trail Overlook
Next, I explored the Three Trail area near the visitor center, which features three short but rewarding hikes:
Window Trail (0.25 mi round trip): A quick walk to a natural “window” in the rock wall with panoramic views.
Door Trail (0.75 mi round trip): Leads to a dramatic break in the Badlands Wall where you can explore deeper into the formations.
Notch Trail (1.5 mi round trip): A bit more rugged, featuring a log ladder and ending with a cliff-edge view over the valley below.
Want More of a Challenge?
If you have the time and stamina, the Castle Trail is the park’s longest at 10 miles round trip, linking the Fossil Exhibit area to the visitor center. For a more peaceful route, the Medicine Root Trail offers a quieter 4-mile loop through prairie terrain.
One of the most educational and accessible options is the Fossil Exhibit Trail—a fully paved, wheelchair-accessible path that features fossil replicas and interpretive signage about the creatures that once roamed this area.
🔗 More about hiking trails here
Accessibility in Badlands National Park
Badlands has made great strides in accessibility for all visitors:
The Ben Reifel Visitor Center, Fossil Exhibit Trail, and parts of Cliff Shelf Nature Trail are accessible to visitors using wheelchairs or mobility aids.
Park rangers are available to offer additional guidance on accessible viewing points and trails.
Best Photo Spots in Badlands
If you’re into photography or just love a great view, don’t miss these top locations for capturing the park’s surreal beauty:
Big Badlands Overlook – Ideal for sunrise shots.
Panorama Point – Sweeping vistas perfect for golden hour.
Yellow Mounds Overlook – Colorful, layered hills unique to this region.
Conata Basin Overlook – A quieter, underrated gem with fantastic views.
Hidden Gems and Bonus Stops
Roberts Prairie Dog Town – A lively area to watch prairie dogs chirp, pop, and play.
Fossil Preparation Lab – Inside the visitor center, watch scientists clean and preserve real fossils found in the park.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit Badlands National Park
Visiting Badlands National Park felt like stepping into another world—one shaped not just by erosion, but by time itself. The contrasting textures of soft prairie grass and jagged stone, the shifting colors of sunrise and sunset, and the absolute silence in some corners of the park all add up to something unforgettable.
Whether you’re in it for the hiking, the photography, the fossils, or the pure sense of awe, the Badlands is a place that leaves a mark. If you’re planning a South Dakota road trip, this park deserves a top spot on your itinerary.
