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Badlands National Park

National Park · SD · US

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Badlands National Park
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Places in Badlands

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Pinnacles Overlook, Badlands National ParkPinnacles OverlookSweeping spires and big-sky views, often with bighorn sheepParking · Scenic ViewpointBadlands Wall, Badlands National ParkBadlands WallJagged badlands skyline with sweeping, ever‑changing viewsScenic ViewpointBig Badlands Overlook, Badlands National ParkBig Badlands OverlookGrand sunrise view over zebra-striped badlandsParking · Scenic ViewpointYellow Mounds Overlook, Badlands National ParkYellow Mounds OverlookVivid yellow badlands mounds from an easy roadside viewpointPullout · ParkingBadlands Wilderness Overlook, Badlands National ParkBadlands Wilderness OverlookQuiet rim stop where badlands meet open prairiePullout · ParkingBen Reifel Visitor Center, Badlands National ParkBen Reifel Visitor CenterFossils, film, and ranger help under one roofExhibit · RestroomConata Basin Overlook, Badlands National ParkConata Basin OverlookHigh, quiet overlook framing the Yellow Mounds and layered badlandsPullout · ParkingFossil Preparation Lab, Badlands National ParkFossil Preparation LabWatch real fossils prepped in a working labExhibit · Restroom

Trails in Badlands

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Notch Trail, Badlands National ParkModerateNotch TrailShort, hands on canyon hike with a ladder and big sky views1.5 mi · 1.3 hrCastle Trail, Badlands National ParkModerateCastle TrailLong, flat badlands wander with big views and real solitude5 mi · 2.5 hrDoor Trail, Badlands National ParkEasyDoor TrailShort boardwalk to a 'choose-your-own' badlands playground0.8 mi · 30 minWindow Trail, Badlands National ParkEasyWindow TrailFive-minute boardwalk to a dramatic window onto the Badlands Wall.0.3 mi · 12 minSage Creek Wilderness Loop, Badlands National ParkChallengingSage Creek Wilderness LoopChoose-your-own bison-trail loop across wild mixed-grass prairie23 mi · 14 hrSaddle Pass Trail, Badlands National ParkChallengingSaddle Pass TrailSteep scramble to huge views and instant access to longer trails0.4 mi · 45 minDeer Haven Trail, Badlands National ParkModerateDeer Haven TrailJuniper oasis and solitude on a choose your own route5 mi · 3 hrCliff Shelf Nature Trail, Badlands National ParkEasyCliff Shelf Nature TrailShort, shady boardwalk loop through junipers with wide-open views0.5 mi · 24 min

Find wildlife in Badlands

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Bison in Badlands National ParkBisonReports peak in the early evening, around 6 PM760 sightingsBighorn Sheep in Badlands National ParkBighorn SheepReports peak in the early morning, around 6 AM1,032 sightingsPrairie Dog in Badlands National ParkPrairie DogReports peak in the early evening, around 5 PM879 sightingsPronghorn in Badlands National ParkPronghornReports peak in the early morning, around 6 AM314 sightingsMule Deer in Badlands National ParkMule DeerReports peak in the evening, around 7 PM287 sightingsCoyote in Badlands National ParkCoyoteReports peak in the evening, around 7 PM84 sightingsAmerican Badger in Badlands National ParkAmerican BadgerReports peak in the early morning, around 6 AM46 sightingsBurrowing Owl in Badlands National ParkBurrowing OwlReports peak in the early evening, around 6 PM178 sightings

Before you go

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CLOSURE

Notch Trail closed for ladder repairs

Notch Trail and all areas within 100 feet of the designated trail are closed until further notice; do not enter the closure area. - The closure took effect at 12:01 a.m. on August 31, 2026, under the Superintendent’s authority in 36 CFR 1.5(a)(1). - Park staff are repairing a section of the trail ladder that has become a safety hazard for hikers. The NPS issued the closure to maintain public health and safety and protect park resources. - The administrative order applies to everyone subject to NPS authority within Badlands National Park, including visitors, government employees, concession employees, park residents, and stakeholders. Check current park conditions before traveling.

Official details →

The whole park

43.8554, -102.3397
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