Badlands National Park is a very unique park located outside Rapid City, South Dakota. It is known for its jagged rock formations (known as Buttes) among the prairie lands. The park features great hikes and takes you through many unique sceneries. Make sure to check out these best hikes in Badlands National Park along with a guided itinerary for spending a full day for exploring.
🌍 Are you ready to make your next adventure unforgettable? The right gear makes all the difference. These are the same trusted tools I use on every trip, ensuring you’re equipped for any adventure.
💼 Why Choose the Curione Travel Gear List?
- Tested by a Pro: I’ve road-tested every product in real-world travel for reliability.
- Eco-Conscious Options: Reduce your footprint while exploring the world by choosing gear that will last.
- Adventure-Ready: Reliable gear for every type of travel, from hiking to city-hopping.
🎒 Ready to gear up? Equip yourself with the tools that seasoned travelers swear by!
Hiking Backpack 🎒 I chose the Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack that’s lightweight, durable, and spacious enough for all my gear during a hike.
Waterproof Hiking Boots 🥾 The Merell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes Provides ankle support and grip for rough terrain, ensuring comfort and safety.
Moisture-Wicking Socks 🧦 The Women’s and Men’s Smartwool Classic Hike Crew Socks keep your feet dry and blister-free during long hikes.
Hydration Pack 💧 I recommend the Camelback Crux 2L Water Bladder for a hands-free way to stay hydrated with an easy-access hose.
Collapsible Trekking Poles 🦯 Grab the Trekology Collapsible Nordic Hiking Poles for additional stability on uneven trails.
All-Weather Jacket 🌧️ The Men’s and Women’s Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket protects against wind and rain while staying breathable for comfort.
Quick-Dry Pants or Shorts 👖 Go with the Women’s and Men’s Eddie Bauer Rainier Pants. Lightweight and water-resistant, perfect for changing weather conditions.
Base Layer Shirt 👕 For colder temperatures, the Men’s and Women’s Under Armor Base 4.0 Regulates body temperature by wicking sweat and insulating warmth.
Portable Water Filter 🛶 I travel with the Lifestraw Go Series Water Bottle to ensure safe drinking water from natural sources, no matter where I hike.
Compact First Aid Kit ⛑️ The J&J Travel Emergency Kit is a tiny, portable first aid kit that Includes bandages, antiseptic, and other essentials for minor injuries.
High-Energy Trail Snacks 🥜 My Favorite hiking snack are Chocolate Brownie Cliff Bars.
Headlamp with Extra Batteries 🔦 The Black Diamond Astro Headlamp is a great for starters and essential for early starts, late finishes, or overnight hikes.
Multi-Tool or Pocket Knife 🔧 I carry the Victorinox Skipper Blue Pocket Knife for repairs, food prep, and emergencies. I love its polished blue color with orange accent.
Sunscreen and Lip Balm 🧴 Octinoxate and Oxybenzone free, Sun Bum SPF 50 Spray Protects against harmful UV rays during long sun exposure.
Bug Spray or Repellent 🦟 Organic and Deet-Free, Victoria’s Lavender Insect Spray Keeps pesky insects away so I can focus on the trail.
Lightweight Sleeping Bag or Blanket 🛏️ The Big Agnes Torchlight Down 30°F Bag is my go-to for overnight hikes to stay warm and comfortable.
Compact Cooking Set 🍳 My Stanley Adventure Two Cup Cookset is great for boiling water or preparing a freeze-dried meal on longer hikes.
Anthony and Gianna on the Door Trail in Badlands National Park
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Quick Facts about Badlands National Park
Location: 1hr East from Rapid City, SD
Size: 250,000 acres! (Comparison: Yellowstone – 2.3 million acres, 750,000 acres)
What to see: Fossils, Bighorn Sheep, Prairie Dogs, Bison, Ferrets, Pronghorn, Butterflies.
I had the chance to visit Badlands National Park with my girlfriend during our cross-country roadtrip from New York to California. For its small size and remote location, the park has tons of unique aspects that make it well-worth visiting. There are also many amazing places nearby to visit such as Mt. Rushmore and Custer State Park.
Map of Badlands NP, North Side
Best Hikes in Badlands National Park: Planning Our Day in Badlands
Our day in Badlands was prioritized by hikes and pull-off locations throughout the park. Here are some of the hikes we completed, along with some recommendations to see the most of what the park has to offer.
Favorite Overlooks in Badlands National Park
1. Panorama Point Overlook – A wide view of the vast badlands rock and prairie lands
Panorama Point Overlook, Badlands NP
2. Yellow Mounds Overlook – Beautiful red and yellow rocks that add rich color to the park
Yellow Mounds Overlook, Badlands NP
Best Hikes in Badlands National Park
1. Notch Trail
Length: 1.5 mi
Difficulty: Moderate
What to look for: Climbing ladder, overlooks, canyon trail.
Notch Trail Gallery
2. Door Trail
Length: 0.9 mi
Difficulty: Easy
What to look for: Stunning views, easily accessible, relatively flat.
Door Trail View, Badlands NP
3. Window Trail
Length: 0.3 mi
Difficulty: Easy
What to look for: Easy stroll, great views, family friendly.
Gianna on the Window Trail, Badlands NP
4. Fossil Exhibit Trail
Length: 0.4 mi
Difficulty: Easy
What to look for: Fossils, self-guided, short.
Fossil Exhibit Trail on Alltrails
5. Castle Trail
Length: 10.3 mi
Difficulty: Moderate
What to look for: Longest route, backcountry, isolated.
Getting Around in Badlands
We entered Badlands National Park through exit 131 in Cactus Flats, or the Northeast Entrance. You can also enter the park through the Northwest Entrance in Wall, SD.
Inside of the park, there are two main roads you are able to use: Badlands Loop Road, and Highway 44.
Badlands Loop Rd will take you through all of the main trails and look-outs that the North side of the park has to offer, and is what we did and recommend! Keep in mind that Highway 44 is a dirt road and should only be accessed by off-road / 4-wheel drive vehicles.
Closing Thoughts
However you choose to enjoy the scenery in Badlands, make sure to stop and check out some of the recommended hikes and overlooks so that you can make the most of your one day in the park!
Anthony at the Badlands sign, Badlands NP