Badlands National Park

A wilderness of layered rock formations, soaring spires and steep canyons, wild and wonderful Badlands National Park spans 242,756 acres in southwestern South Dakota.

Archaeological finds show people have been in and around the badlands for as long as 12,000 years. The park’s South Unit is located entirely on tribal trust land, held in trust by the federal government for the use and benefit of Oglala Sioux tribe members. However, a great number of associated tribes have histories throughout the park’s natural and cultural landscape. Later, homesteaders moved to the Midwest in search of a new life, some ultimately settling in the scenic surrounds.

Situated in a mixed-grass prairie ecosystem, the ever-changing, deeply eroded expanse of buttes, pinnacles and spires — deposited as early as 75 million years ago — reveal fossilized remains buried in the rock beneath.

The Weather

Weather is known to change quickly in the badlands, with highly variable, extreme temperatures that range from 116 F to -40 F. June is the wettest month and violent thunderstorms can occur during hot, dry summers. Meanwhile, the badlands are no stranger to hailstorms; the occasional tornado can occur; and winter typically brings

The Flora And Fauna

A place at once striking and stark, ancient horses and rhinos once roamed here. Today, the badlands welcome bighorn sheep, pronghorn, bison, blackfooted ferrets (one of North America’s most endangered animals) and comical, curious — not to mention vocal — prairie dogs, who pop up from holes in the ground. Meanwhile, birds of prey coast overhead in search of their next meal, perhaps venomous, thermosensitive prairie rattlesnakes. Roughly 206 bird species and 69 documented species of butterflies and amphibians — from frogs to toads — have also been found in Badlands National Park.

12 to 24 inches of snow. Because changes in weather can be both sudden and dramatic, it’s important to dress in layers, wear protective sunblock and carry adequate water for hiking. Always check weather conditions on the park’s website to help prepare for visits.

THE HIKES, DRIVES AND VIEWPOINTS

Notch Trail

Wind through a canyon and climb a log ladder, following a ledge to vistas of the White River Valley on the 1.5-mile, out-and-back Notch Trail, the park’s most popular hike. Note, however, that it’s treacherous during or after heavy rains or snow.

The Door Trail

Set out on a .9-mile hike along The Door Trail, where a boardwalk leads to an opening in Badlands Wall, revealing a rugged, otherworldly landscape.

The Window Trail

Requiring caution and a climb of 900 feet, 5.5-mile The Window Trail drops into Oak Creek Canyon to the pouroff, with its spectacular desert vistas. Depending on conditions, Oak Creek may be flowing and therefore must be crossed several times. Note that the top of the pour-off is slickrock, without railings.

Saddle Pass Trail

Climb up the Badlands Wall for views over White River Valley on the .7-mile Saddle Pass Trail, where it’s possible to connect with the Castle and Medicine Root Loop Trails. While among the park’s shorter trails, it’s also one of the steepest, with a 300-foot change in elevation.

South Dakota Highway 240

Don’t skip the surreal, 39-mile loop drive on South Dakota Highway 240, between the towns of Cactus Flat and Wall. It’s so dramatic — and so thrilling — it has been featured in driving video games. With 16 overlooks, view everything from the Pinnacles to the Burns and Conata Basins, as well as the Yellow Mounds, bands of yellow, orange and beige rock from a drained, ancient sea.

LOCATION

Near the Black Hills, east of Rapid City

ESTABLISHED

November 10, 1978

AREA

242,756 acres