Old East Entrance Trail

Overview

A quick, flat out-and-back across open badlands prairie to a bit of park history. This easy stroll is about 0.8–0.9 miles round-trip with roughly 25–30 feet of total gain, typically taking 15–20 minutes. The path leads through an active prairie dog town to the Old East Entrance—an excellent snapshot of the park’s past.

What you'll see

You’ll hear the chirps before you see the residents—prairie dogs pop up like whack‑a‑moles as you cross their town. The payoff is a well‑preserved 1938 stone entrance station, a hand‑hewn masonry relic from a Great Depression relief project. The doors and windows are boarded, so it’s a look‑but‑don’t‑enter stop, but it makes a great photo subject against the wide‑open badlands prairie. Wildlife is common in this part of the park—keep an eye out for mule deer and, at times, bison roaming nearby.

Trail notes

The surface is native soil and grass with prairie dog mounds—watch your footing. When it’s wet, patches of bentonite clay turn slick and sticky; this short walk can feel surprisingly messy after rain. There’s zero shade, and summer brings mosquitoes, so pack water, sun protection, and bug spray. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.

Is it worth it?

If you love history, wildlife, or you’re traveling with kids, yes—this is a charming, low‑effort stop with lots of character. If you’re chasing big views, it’s a nice add‑on rather than a destination. Pair it with nearby overlooks and short walks on the same drive for a fuller experience.

Best time to hike

June through September offers the most reliable conditions, but go early or late in the day for softer light on the stonework and better wildlife activity. Avoid or delay after rain due to mud. It’s usually a quiet, uncrowded stop compared to the park’s marquee viewpoints.

Logistics

Park at the signed pullout along the South Unit Scenic Drive and follow the obvious footpath across the prairie dog town to the gatehouse. Portions of the scenic drive are occasionally closed due to erosion, turning the loop into an out‑and‑back—check current road status at the visitor center and plan accordingly. For more hiking, consider short nearby stops like Badlands viewpoints, or go longer with the Painted Canyon descent (South Unit) or Caprock Coulee (North Unit).