Saddle Pass Trail

A labyrinth of gullies, hoodoos, and ravines, Badlands National Park in western South Dakota is a welcome break from the unrelenting flatness of the surrounding prairie. The remote park is also a paradise for backcountry hikers and campers who really want to escape the crowds and explore wilderness far from trails and roads. With a famously dark night sky perfect for stargazing, easy to see wil...

About 4 miles south of the Northeast Park Entrance, just past the Castle Trailhead, is the Cliff Shelf Nature Trailhead. It sits on the outside of the cliff formation facing open space just through Cedar Pass. There is a parking lot here typically filled with people soaking in the panoramic views. Park and head up the loop trail to step into Badland's past. The trail heads up stairs through bo...

Notch Trail is on the south end of the Door Trail car park.The Trail sorta follows a dry river bed but there is also a actual trail you can also follow. It winds through the gulch and about half a mile or so you come to a 50 foot ladder. The ladder is a pretty easy climb up but can be a little more difficult on the way down. Beyond the ladder is a bit about 50 yards or so the trail gets very cl...

The Window Trail is the perfect beginner trail or starting point for a Badlands hiking experience. It only takes about 15 minutes to get to the viewpoint (and back!), but it serves as the perfect place to whet your appetite for all the awesomeness the Badlands is about to throw at you.  The trail is only about 1/8 mile from the parking lot that leads you to a viewing deck nestled in what is re...

Very flat trail that is 10 miles round trip from the Door Trailhead to the Fossil Exhibit Trail and back. There is also parking along Old Northeast Road. Trail connects with the Saddle Pass Trail. Hiking in the summer can be very hot and the trail offers no shade. Beautiful views of the badlands with the chance to escape the crowds during the summer. Wild flowers can be seen on the Medicine Roo...

A perfect intro to the magnificence of Badlands National Park, the Door Trail is located in between the Ben Reifel Visitor Center and the northeast entrance of the park. Other trails that can be accessed at this parking lot are the Door Trail, the Window Trail, the Notch Trail and Castle Trail. The trail begins on a boardwalk for .1 miles, cutting around the formations and right into the...