Badlands National Park doesn’t have many hiking trails, but what they do have range from easy 0.25-mile (0.4 km) walks to 10-mile (16 km) treks through badlands formations. The park also has an Open Hike Policy, meaning you can just strike out and hike off-trail.

The view along the Window Trail, Badlands National Park / Rebecca Latson

 

There are eight marked trails at Badlands with fitness levels ranging from easy to strenuous. Depending upon the season you visit the park, those fitness levels might all become a little more difficult (think snow and icy ground).

Here are the official trails, courtesy of Badlands park staff:

Door Trail

0.75 miles/1.2 km (round trip)
Easy. An accessible ¼ mile boardwalk leads through a break in the Badlands Wall known as "the Door" and to a view of the Badlands. From there, the maintained trail ends. Travel beyond this point is at your own risk. Watch for drop-offs.

Window Trail

0.25 miles/0.4 km (round trip)
Easy. This short trail leads to a natural window in the Badlands Wall with a view of an intricately eroded canyon. Please stay on the trail.

Notch Trail

1.5 miles/2.4 km (round trip)
Moderate to strenuous. After meandering through a canyon, this trail climbs a log ladder and follows a ledge to "the Notch" for a dramatic view of the White River Valley. Trail begins at the south end of the Door and Window parking area. Watch for drop-offs. Not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights. Treacherous during or after heavy rains.

Castle Trail

10 miles/16 km (round trip)
Moderate. The longest trail in the park begins at the Door and Window parking area and travels five miles one way to the Fossil Exhibit Trail. Relatively level, the path passes along some badlands formations.

Cliff Shelf

0.5 miles/0.8 km (round trip)
Moderate. This loop trail follows boardwalks and climbs stairs through a juniper forest perched along the Badlands Wall. A small pond occasionally exists in the area and draws wildlife, such as deer or bighorn sheep. Climbs approximately 200 feet in elevation. Please stay on the trail.

Saddle Pass

.25 miles/.40 km (round trip)
Strenuous. This short trail climbs up the Badlands Wall to a view over the White River Valley. The trail ends where it connects with the Castle and Medicine Root Loop Trails.

Medicine Root Loop

4 miles/6.4 km (round trip)
Moderate. This generally rolling trail connects with the Castle Trail near the Old Northeast Road and at the intersection of the Castle and Saddle Pass Trails. Trail users are provided the opportunity to explore the mixed grass prairie while enjoying views of the Badlands in the distance. Watch for cactus.

Fossil Exhibit Trail

0.25 miles/0.4 km (round trip)
Easy. Fully accessible boardwalk trail features fossil replicas and exhibits of now extinct creatures that once roamed the area.

Reading the exhibits along the Fossil Exhibit Trail, Badlands National Park / Rebecca Latson

Open Hike Policy

If you don’t feel like following a marked trail, Badlands National Park has an Open Hike Policy, meaning you are allowed to hike off-trail and can explore social trails like Deer Haven, the Sage Creek Wilderness Area, or any other part of the park you can visit safely. Just remember to exercise caution. Going up might be easier than going down, or vice versa. Cell service is spotty to non-existent in places, and you want to keep your distance (at least 100 feet / 30.5 m) from wildlife. Watch where you step and where you place your hands on the rocks to avoid rattlesnakes.

Hiking the landscape of Badlands National Park / Rebecca Latson

If you are considering backpacking for more than a day and intend to backcountry camp, you don’t need a permit but you do need to know other things to prepare for a multi-day backcountry hike. Click that link above for more detailed information.