The best walks and hikes in Badlands National Park

Yes, Badlands National Park has an "Open Hike Policy" that allows you to explore the backcountry off-trail. This gives you the freedom to create your own adventure, but be sure you are prepared with navigation tools, plenty of water, and are aware of the rugged, exposed terrain.

Absolutely. For a very accessible and short walk, The Door Trail is a great choice. It starts on a boardwalk and leads to a stunning panoramic view of the badlands formations. The Fossil Exhibit Trail is another excellent option; it's a quarter-mile accessible boardwalk featuring fossil replicas that are fascinating for all ages.

Safety is key in the Badlands' exposed environment. Always carry more water than you think you'll need, as there is no water available on trails. The sun can be intense, so wear a hat, sunscreen, and protective clothing.

Be aware of wildlife, including bison and rattlesnakes. Give animals plenty of space and never approach them. Watch where you step, especially in tall grass or around rock ledges to avoid snakes.

No, pets are not permitted on hiking trails, in public buildings, or in the backcountry areas of Badlands National Park. They are only allowed in developed areas like campgrounds and parking lots, and must be on a leash no longer than six feet.

That would be the Notch Trail. It's a popular 1.5-mile round-trip hike that includes climbing a sturdy log ladder up a cliff face. After the ladder, the trail follows a ledge to a dramatic viewpoint overlooking the White River Valley. It's considered a moderate and adventurous hike.

The longest trail is the Castle Trail, which is about 10 miles (16 km) round-trip. It's a moderate hike that runs along the base of the Badlands Wall, offering a different perspective as it weaves through the prairie landscape with views of the distant formations.

The park's landscape is famous for its sharply eroded buttes and colorful, layered rock formations. These layers represent different geological eras, and the area is one of the world's richest fossil beds. As you hike, you're walking through millions of years of history, with the potential to see where ancient mammals once roamed.

Badlands National Park is a great place for wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and prairie dogs. The Sage Creek Rim Road area is particularly well-known for spotting wildlife. Remember to always observe from a safe distance.

Yes, there are loop options. The Cliff Shelf Trail is a popular 0.5-mile loop that takes you through a juniper forest below the Badlands Wall. For a much longer and more challenging trek, the Sage Creek Loop is a difficult 20-mile (32 km) route through the remote wilderness area.

The trails in this region are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the otherworldly landscapes and the unique experience of walking among the dramatic rock formations. The freedom of the park's "Open Hike Policy" is also a frequently mentioned highlight for more adventurous visitors.

The park is full of accessible viewpoints. The Big Badlands Overlook, right at the park's northeast entrance, offers sweeping vistas. The Door Trail and Window Trail are both very short walks that lead to spectacular openings in the Badlands Wall, framing the landscape perfectly.

Yes, for an immersive prairie experience, the Deer Haven – Sage Creek Wilderness trail is an excellent choice. This moderate 5.3-mile (8.5 km) hike takes you through the expansive mixed-grass prairie, offering a sense of solitude and a chance to see different flora and fauna than the hikes within the rock formations.