Breathtaking views with intriguing rocks and wildlife! I would encourage you to visit Badlands National Park located in a central South Dakota. Our family vacation this year included exploring this mysterious national park.
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Do you like to visit the west? I would also recommend a Rocky Mountain National Park Adventure.
After buying our national park pass, we drove up to the first scenic parking lot and noticed Bighorn Sheep up on a butte. They were so fascinating and didn’t mind us taking their picture.
My family chose to explore the area through horseback riding, hiking the trails, and driving the Badlands Loop Road. One unforgettable experience was watching the sunrise over the Badlands. It was totally worth it!
Horseback Riding
What a beautiful way to explore the Badlands!! We chose Hurley Butte Horseback, which is a privately owned ranch outside the national park.
Our guide Casey was fantastic! She took us around Hurley Butte and through the grasslands. She shared with us the rich history of the land, including the spot where her great grandparents homestead & an old railroad bridge.
Hiking the Trails
Our first hike started with the short Fossil Exhibit Trail. Then the family explored the rocks on their own. The rock is like dried mud and is very crumbly and soft. It seemed the unmarked trails were endless.
We were able to catch the sunrise at the Big Badlands Overlook. The sun was rising in the east and a storm was brewing in the west. Very striking and beautiful.
Before the storm hit, we were able to take in an easy hike called the Cliff Shelf Nature Trail. The sites and smells on the short hike were wonderful. I loved the smell of the juniper trees, and views overlooking the White River Valley.
After the storm passed, we went back to the park and hiked the famous Notch Trail. It’s 1.5 miles round trip and includes a steep rope ladder to continue on the trail. This was my favorite hike in Badlands National Park.
The rope ladder was easy to climb, but a bit trickier to get back down. It’s best to take this hike in the morning to avoid lines at the ladder. I would definitely recommend sturdy shoes. The views and uniqueness of the rock formations are fabulous!
Our last day in the park we hiked the Medicine Root Trail via the Saddle Pass Trail. We topped out at the peak of the Saddle Pass (note where my daughter is pointing) and then began on the moderately flat medicine root trail.
The Medicine Root Trail is a 4 mile loop that doesn’t appear to have much traffic; at least based on the narrow pathway and signage. The trail took us through grasslands, around buttes, and near interesting drop offs and rock formations.
Badlands Loop Road
Follow SD 240 to drive the Badlands Loop Road. The road is winding and steep in places and is approximately 32 miles in length. (Note: I get motion sick when I’m a passenger on these types of roads, especially when I’m trying to look around too. I opted to be the driver when our family explored the loop.)
The yellow mounds near Dillon Pass were fascinating! We stopped at the overlooks and got out to explore the yellow mounds.
Right after the Pinnacles Overlook you’ll have the option of continuing on Route 240 or taking the Sage Creek Rim Road. The road is unpaved but not difficult.
On the Sage Creek Rim Road we saw buffalo resting at the bottom of the buttes and lots and lots of prairie dogs. Visiting Roberts Prairie Dog Town is fun! We enjoyed watching the prairie dogs. Many of them had young ones that were wrestling with each other or darting around the prairie.
Visit Badlands National Park
People come from all over the world to visit this national park. The unusual rock formations, wildlife and beautiful grasslands are magnificent!
I encourage you to explore a trail or two while visiting the Badlands. Horseback riding was one our highlights of the trip! You can actually experience the sights, sounds and smells of this incredible area.
A couple tips to leave with you:
- visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center
- come prepared with plenty of food and water
- rattlesnakes like to sun themselves on the rocks; so watch your step & back away when you hear their telltale rattle
- be prepared to be outdoors (hat, sunscreen, bug repellent, sturdy footwear)
- cell service is marginal (good time to unplug & disconnect)
- visit the spires and trails early in the morning
I hope you enjoyed learning more about why to Visit Badlands National Park. My family thoroughly enjoyed getting outdoors and learning more about this beautiful area!!!
Taking time out of a busy routine to explore benefits my physical and mental health. Spending time with the people I love is healthy for our relationship as a family. Learn more about how Vacations can Improve Your Health.
Do you have additional tips to leave with readers about this area?
Pursing Better Health Together,