Badlands National Park
Categories: Active Life Parks Active Life Hiking Parks, Hiking
20695 SD Hwy 240Interior, SD 57750
(605) 433-5362
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
30 reviews for Badlands National Park
30 reviews in English
-
Review from Tonya T.
12/28/2011
I wasn't expecting anything, but we were on a road trip with a National Park pass, so I wanted to stop everywhere we were remotely near. =)
That being said, this place blew me away! We just drove through, and stopped at a few pull-offs to walk around for a bit and take pictures. It was really cool and very colorful. If you're passing through SD, you definitely don't want to miss this.
Oh, and we were there at the tail end of Sturgis, so there were lots of Harleys and Choppers on the road with us. It was a really cool and awesome experience to be around so many bikers....kind of makes me want to join a biker gang so I can ride to beautiful places. =) -
Review from Denny B.
La Cañada Flintridge, CA
5/7/2012 1 photo
This is a place for hiking. http://www.yelp.com/bi... We drove through the park and stopped at numerous turnouts to view the beautiful rock formations.
Out of the way for some people, but if you are on I-90, it is worth the small detour to see.
The slopes are very smooth and very accessible from the road if you would like to take a walk among the colors.
Warning: this place pales in comparison with Canyonlands NP, Zion NP, Bryce Canyon NP, Capitol Reef NP and Arches NP. All of those are in southern Utah and completely dwarf this place for natural beauty and color.Listed in: Your Government in Action
-
Review from Ryan S.
2/29/2012 3 photos
After leaving Mount Rushmore and heading east to Minneapolis, what is there to do? I'm afraid to say that the Badlands are about it.
Don't get me wrong, the Badlands are an amazing place with rock formations I had never seen before. We drove around the loop and stopped at most of the lookouts, walked around a little bit, took pictures, but it didn't seem like a place where I would want to spend an incredible amount of time. If I'm ever back in the Black Hills area, I'll definitely stop by, but I don't think it will ever be a destination for me.
I'm glad I was able to see this park and mark it off of my list. -
Review from Jean K.
12/5/2011
LOVE the Badlands!!
Was an amazingly beautiful mini Grand Canyon in the middle of South Dakota.
Didn't have much time to explore the park, so unfortunately we couldn't take in a trail or two. But we did explore much by car...spending several hours twisting around the roads that wind through out the park.
The colors are amazing. Can go from a chippy colored clay to some of the best reds and purples I have seen.
We got up close to some antelope feeding on grass on the side of the road. Our first real wildlife viewing! And we were standing a few feet from them! Some idiots wanted to get closer and got right up to them, luckily the ranger was there to shoo the tourists away. Those antlers look like they can poke your butt pretty darn good!
Was too much to hope that the campground wasn't booked for the night. Would have loved to see the sunset and rise on these amazing formations...but we'll just need to take another trip to see that! ~ -
Review from Tamara S.
5/29/2011
Not that I fancied myself one, but if I ever thought I was a badass, Badlands National Park would have quickly taught me that I'm most certainly not. I'm from the east, I'm used to hiking in forests and wooded areas--the buttes and peaks and rocky ground at Badlands was mostly new to me. I did a whole lot of butt scooting, nervous flailing, and took one fall.
The park is gorgeous--completely stunning. We had sort of shitty weather--a fair amount of rain, lots of wind. I was totally terrified on the Notch trail hike--it's pretty short, but involves making your way up a steep staircase/ladder. I'm scared of heights and I said my goodbyes to my boo before beginning my descent. Regardless, the views of the White River Valley from the top were amazing. The Window and Door "trails"--both shorter--also afford great views.
We spent one mostly wasted day here due to steady rain. We drove the Sage Creek gravel road, the only part of the park where you'll see bison up close--we saw tons, as well as prarie dogs. (Sage Creek also has free, backcountry camping). We camped out at the Cedar Pass Lodge's restaurant with lunch, free wifi, and a whole lot of coffee. We later endeavored a part of the Castle trail, which was super muddy. We endured, and saw a really cool trio of bighorn sheep up on a ledge, but I lost my footing in the mud right at the end of the hike and went down hard. I'm so fucking cool.
The next day was finally sunny and we got to do the full Castle Trail (5 or 6 miles one way, an out and back trip) and the Medicine Root Loop (either 2 or 4 miles, I'm not sure.) Medicine Root was through flatter terrain but still offered amazing views, and the Castle Trail was awesome. You can see the view from Saddle Pass without doing the steep hike if you approach from Castle Trail.
We camped two nights at the Cedar Pass Campground, which was a little steep, IMO, at $15 a night. The sites are relatively nice, but RVs are closeby. The picnic tables are covered by a little awning which is cool--we tied our tarp to the awning and then staked one end to the ground to protect ourselves from the rain, worked pretty well.
I loveloveloved the Badlands and look forward to returning.Listed in: the great outdoors, summer 2011 roadtrip: atlanta…
-
Review from Anthony V.
Gilberts, IL
9/25/2011
I wasn't that impressed with this park. Being that it is a national park, this could be the reason why.
There are designated areas where you can stop to get out of the car, but make sure to stay in them. If you go onto the side roads to walk around be very careful. There are cactus and all sorts of sharp rocks. It's very easy to fall and hurt yourself if you are not careful.
The views are awesome! The only problem I had is that it was more of the same every time you would see more scenery.
The price was $15 per car. The attendant was not very friendly and I felt that it could have been cheaper. When it comes down to it, it's just a bunch of rocks! -
Review from Durga N.
Ann Arbor, MI
8/24/2011
Badlands, there's frankly nothing bad about it! We covered the park during our road trip from CA to MI. We stopped at Wall the night before and it was very convenient to catch Sunrise! Breathtaking indeed!
Then we did the Highway 240 loop road, which covers major part of the park, stopping by the lookouts. We didn't hike except for the Fossil exhibit trail. Also by noon, it was so hot and we were glad to finish the loop and get onto I90! -
Review from Krsna V.
6/3/2008
I never felt so insignificant in my life. It's the feeling of realizing you are nothing but a minuscule part in a vast world.
You have to drive through Badlands to understand the grandeur of it. The tall mountains stand against vast stretches of land and challenge you. They tell you that you have been nothing but an egotistical bastard, and you need to let go of that, because you are nothing compared to the magical sight of sun setting against the Badlands.
You know like that Carly Simon song "betcha think this song is about you, don't you?". Nope. It is not about you at all. I think every egotistical and over confident person needs this trip to bring them back to reality.
I found myself in the Badlands, I really did.
P.S. You know it is worth visiting when a cold hearted, ruthless, and mean bastard like me gets all teary eyed and philosophical.
P.P.S. Watch out for the rattlesnakes if you go hiking.Listed in: Chicken soup for the soul, Road trippin'
-
Review from pat b.
New York, NY
3/23/2009
Everyone should make the cross country drive once in their life. Truly, in order to determine who you are, you have to reach outside of your comfort zone. It gives you an ability to determine what is truly important in one's life.
::: end soul searching portion of review, begin with the fun :::
I have never seen so much wildlife, up close and personal. Ever have a staring contest with a mountain goat? Seeing a buffalo pie with a buffalo print in the middle should provide at least a smirk out of the most cold hearted individual, because, well, poop is funny. The NBC peacock symbol does no justice to the real thing.
In my Mind Story #1: Around the camp site, there is a small river & pond. This was first on my list, because I had to catch me some vittles. I go deep into enemy territory and come up to a gate with a sign that reads-
"Attention Anglers:
Two Trout Limit
Minimum of 18 inches"
After shedding a tear of joy, I sprinted ahead while thinking of all the smacktalk that would be told to my father when I get myself one of these babies!.... then stopped dead in my tracks. Two buffalo, ten feet in front of me... mmmmhmmm, I think I'll back track a bit. I got about a quarter mile down the river and set up shop (again). The buffalo follow me. Darn it, I just got a bite, time to rebait... why are these buffalo walking towards me again? and why are there 4 of them now? ... Guess I'll back track some more, I hope they dont keep multiplying and / or corner me, its getting dark... I cant believe I got flushed out of my fishing hole by six, wait, now there's six!?! sigh. Alright, tomorrow morning Im going back.
In My Mind Story #2: Late September, its dark, no cell phone reception (or else we would have been TOLD there was a tornado warning that night). Great! Time to set up camp. Did I mention Ive never gone camping before, and its 40 degrees? Good thing I have zero common sense and have to set up this tent in the dark. Wow, the stars look great, no wonder the college conference out here is "The Big Sky Conference." ...
Great wild life, good hiking trails, and the sky is big enough to fill any guys / girls fantasy. Just beware of the buffalo, they keep an eye on you while fishing. -
Review from Kate T.
6/8/2010
I love Badlands.
I've driven through twice now, once in mid-August and once in early June, and it was very different.
During the August drive, lots of the grass was already yellow and brown, so the rock formations weren't as dramatic. In June, however, the grass is all still green, and the contrast is wonderful.
If you like desert scapes and craggy rock formations, you'll love the Badlands. If you're more of a lush forests-type, then it's probably not for you.
(And a note: they're doing a LOT of road construction in the park right now (summer '10), which is good, because the roads were in horrible shape. However, it does mean a lot of delays and even some closed scenic overlooks.) -
Review from George R.
9/14/2008 3 photos
The Badlands National Park was definitely worth seeing. From I-90, turn south on to Highway 240 (the Badlands Loop Road) and follow the road through the park. There are several places to pull off the road to take pictures.
I enjoyed the vastness and beauty of the rock formations. Strata type layers and colors in the rock formations like gold, burgundy, and gray were impressive. If you like the outdoors, you'll like the Badlands.
The park was arid and dry (in August 2008) and temperatures were in the upper 90's. For that reason, I opted not to hike the trails. Regardless, be sure to pack plenty of drinking water when visiting. I must have gone through at least six bottles of water with all the driving and stopping along the way. I was in the park for several hours.
I met another traveler whose travel companion was a real, stuffed fox (seriously, it was a real animal) seat-belted in the passenger seat of his car. It made me chuckle seeing this fox in his car each time I'd catch up to them at another roadway stop to take a few more pics. He said he borrowed it from a friend. What a fun (and funny) way to travel!
If traveling through South Dakota, make sure to drive through the Badlands. Your pictures may all start to look pretty much the same after 10 or 20 shots. But pictures can't capture the true beauty or expansiveness of seeing this park firsthand. And if you do plan a visit, consider going before dusk or after dawn for more dramatic pictures. -
Review from Christina C.
Warrenville, IL
8/4/2009 3 photos
This is my FAVORITE national park in the U.S. by far. On a roadtrip to Yellowstone National Park and Great Teton National Park, we decided to camp here for a night. It was honestly amazing. It is so peaceful and serene here--and honestly, sometimes unbelievable. It is just so amazing that words can't explain the true uniqueness of this place.
When everyone fell asleep at the campsite, we decided to take a walk around the campsite. I have NEVER seen the stars as I did that night. I felt like I could reach out and grab like a handful of stars cause they were just so clear and they were everywhere. Living only 30 minutes from Chicago, the city lights really ruin the true beauty of the stars. If you want an unforgettable view of the stars, go to the Badlands--breathtaking!
If you ever go, get up before the sun to check out the sunrise! Also, you will see a good amount of wildlife if you get up early because there isn't motorist scaring all the animals away. You will get some amazing pictures. I will have to post some of mine soon.
This place is totally worth the drive. It def is a must-see place in my book! -
Review from S N.
Brooklyn, NY
5/15/2010
I will come back. As frequently as possible. Perhaps even to die.
Horses + Cowboys + Old Granddad + Badlands = BIGGEST WIN OF MY LIFE
And also perhaps the biggest bruises. Ouuuugh. -
Review from Dan L.
9/30/2009
I had truly an amazing experience traveling through the Badlands. It was just me and my Dog. We were on our way across country- Mi to Seattle. The goal of the trip was to camp most of the way.
I don't think paying for camping if you are just passing through is right, so I try to focus on free campsites. I knew that I wanted to see the badlands and saw that there is a free campground in the buffalo graizing area. Score!
We drove slowly and stopped at all the spots, unfortunately Captain was not allowed off the beaten path, but that's to be expected.
We got to the campground- Sage Creek just before sunset. I set up my tent in the middle of thousands of Bison tracks. I fought to stay awake past dark because I knew it was such a clear night I would be sure to see some amazing stars. It was amazing! Truly some of the best I have ever seen.
Throughout the night I heard tons of howling coyote's, truly an eerily awesome sound. When I woke up I went to use the on-site bathroom (Just a pit toilet, but nice to not have to dig a latrine) and about 15 feet from it was a giant buffalo. After watching it for 10 or 15 min it walked far enough away that I felt safe to get into the bathroom.
Really a great experience. -
Review from Nick S.
Chicago, IL
6/2/2010 1 photo
Camped outside of the national park just off the White River and spent an entire day on a day hike. Castle/Medicine Root trail is well worth it if you feel that the Notch, Window, and Door trails are way to short (and they are).
The Sioux called this place 'mako sica' (land bad) and the French even called it 'les mauvaises terres' (the bad lands). It is what it is.. remote, beautiful, awesome, and lonely.
I feel for the poor sod busters unlucky enough to have won a government lottery to get a tract of land here back in the day because you can barely farm here, the summers are blistering and the winters freezing. That being said, if I lived closer I would visit this place frequently year 'round. -
Review from Andy C.
7/13/2011 3 photos
Oh triumphant day, I have made it to 200 reviews. And yes - I strategically did some filler reviews so that Badlands would land exactly on 200.
Proximity to major roadways: 4 out of 5
When you are traveling on I-90, you'll see signs for Wall Drug. Don't go to that overgrown flea market. Instead - if you are coming from the Rapid City area, take the same exit, and go south. Basically you will be traveling on route 240, which will take you directly to the Pinnacles Entrance.
Admission Price: 4 out of 5
I think it was 10 dollars for a motorcycle - for what you see and the amenities of the park, it's very reasonably priced.
Quality of Roads: 5 out of 5
Route 240, or Badlands Loop as it may be referred to as, in stunning shape. And don't be fooled by it - although it's not what people would refer to as a hardcore motorcycling road in terms of technical difficult, there was a series of curves near the Pinnacles Entrance that took me by surprise because they were TRUE sweeping curves. Please use safety and common sense, of course. Do not treat the Loop like your personal racetrack because a)there are rangers there, and b)there are other visitors who are driving RVs and larger vehicles. The overlooks are well-maintained and clean, and the roads are in superb shape.
Selection of things to do: 5 out of 5
Truly, there are some amazing things you can do in Badlands National Park. Even if you just stick with the loop, there are overlooks where you can picnic, there are trailheads where you can actually walk through and on the formations, and of course there is the visitors center. Had I know about all the things to see and do prior to my trip that included the Black Hills area, I would have devoted more time to hiking around the area, instead of just "passing through" on my way back to Chicago.
Scenery: 5 out of 5
Stunning. After I got home, I wrote this in my blog:
"Tomorrow morning when I go to work, instead of seeing the steel skyscrapers and the urban jungle, I'll have the views of the Badlands in my head. I can only imagine what the ancient Native Americans thought as they gazed out upon such greatness; someone has aptly ventured that they are "holy," and in a way, they are. My fear, though - is that next week I'll forget a little; I'll get caught up in the hubbub of work and life, and I'll start seeing the skyscrapers again. The Badlands will fade away in my mind, only captured by distorted memories and photos with dust particles in the lenses. That is my fear. My hope is that I always remember this experience. I hope that I remember what it's like to be awed by greatness. I hope I remember what the silence of my being and soul feels like. I hope I remember that there are still good things out in the world - things that haven't been abused, or adulterated. I hope I always remember what it feels like to be just a speck in existence. Dale [a friend] has told me that ego and insecurities are sides of the same coin. I think when you're in the presence of the Badlands, it doesn't matter. There is no ego. There are no insecurities. Because neither of them matter in the scope of what you're seeing and experiencing." The pictures I will contribute, and the pictures already on this site - don't capture everything that I saw or felt.
Overall: 5 out of 5
Gorgeously epic. -
Review from Matthew P.
Berkeley, CA
2/6/2009
This was one of many stops we made when I was a child heading up to Canada, via the Dakotas.
My family and I camped out in the park, as it was cheaper than 7 people in a hotel.
It's an amazing sight, not as cool as the grand canyon, but it's really something people should see. We spend a couple days inside before heading north.
I took some great photos (with a 110 camera) and still can remember a lot from the park.
It really left an impression with me. -
Review from Red Tail H.
Sunnyvale, CA
7/3/2010
This is my second visit - first time as an adult. Last time I went as a teenager with a school group, and I recall it being beautiful.
Seeing it as an adult, after having visited so many other National Parks, I wasn't as impressed. Until we went out to Sheep Mountain Table.
That place - the remoteness of it, the views from on top of the butte into the Badlands, the starkness, the lack of people.... that reminded me of the wonder I felt when I first came here over a decade ago.
Sheep Mountain Table is in the Southern part of the Park, and it's a 7 mile drive/hike. You will need either a high clearance vehicle (a Cute Ute can make it) or lots of skill to get your car past the 4ish mile mark. We only had an Altima 2.5S, and got it to just around mile marker 6. Guess which of those categories the spouse falls in. Now that that car's tasted dirt, it's never going back to being just another passenger car! -
Review from Henry H.
Las Vegas, NV
9/18/2010
I don't get what's so great about the badlands that makes it deserve national park status. We went there on a road trip this summer. A friend of my brother had just rode through there on a motorcycle trip and highly recommended seeing badlands.
So we left yellowstone at midnight and drove overnight straight to badlands. When we arrived my comment was "this is it?". Badlands is basically washed out hills of 50,000 year old mud. You have vast grasslands on one side, and old mud on the other. And the mud wasn't even differently colored layers or have any other redeeming qualities. It was brown.
After seeing the major parks like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, yosemite, etc., badlands is lacking in national park quality. And I like barren landscapes. Death valley is one of my favorite parks. But badlands just didn't do it for me.
Unless you are really into old west history, or prehistoric mammals, don't go to badlands. -
Review from Mike W.
Woodstock, NY
8/8/2008 3 photos
And to think, I almost brushed my friend off when he said that we should definitely visit the Badlands.
Almost.
After spending a day wandering around Devil's Tower and the Black Hills, we made our way down route 44 from Rapid City to Interior. Originally, we planned on taking the interstate but I was convinced that route 44 would be a much better road to take if only to view the desolation of the area directly south of the Badlands. The wind whipped the isolated road causing tumbleweeds to become ensnared in the barbed wire fences running through the landscape. We could see the rock formations in the distance, but for that stretch of road we were surrounded by endless expanses of eroded prairie.
After stopping at the bar in Interior, we backtracked and took the dirt road into the national park. All in all, we traveled over 50 miles of dirt road within the park and the surrounding area. We got out of the car to do some hiking around, but there are many parking areas where you can get out, view the beautiful formations, and not worry too much about hiking. Also, if you drive around on the dirt roads, it seems as though you are much more likely to spot herds of bison. Take the advise of all the signs and warnings though and DO NOT get out of your car when you encounter a bison. My friends and I stupidly got out of the car and almost had an incident with a few pissed off bison. Anyway...
The Badlands seems to be a different breed of national park than Yosemite, Yellowstone, Arches, the Grand Canyon, Zion, etc. Less hiking, less amenities, and, better yet, less crowds. The area is incredibly vast, and the weight of the landscape bears down on you heavily. Do not pass it up! -
Review from Ashley B.
South Gate, CA
12/10/2010
I didn't spend as much time in the Badlands as I would have liked to, but I passed by the Visitor's Center and they have some wonderful information for people who want to go hiking, they have trails and approximately how long it will take in addition to having a lot of information concerning the area and the Native Americans. It is absolutely spectacular and I hope that I get to visit it again
-
Review from Harry K.
San Francisco, CA
1/17/2009
I had the best time at Baldands national park. I camped here with my summer camp when I was 15 years old. It is so barren...The shapes and figures found in the rock (sand?) are incredibly unique, and I have yet to come across anything like it.
-
Review from Quinn E.
3/31/2008 2 photos
Easily the best thing in South Dakota. Picture it, you're driving along for hours upon hours, looking out the window at...yellow dead nothingness. Then, out of nowhere, this Jurassic Park mountainous formation sprouts up on the distance. There's a lot of nature out in this thing, which blew my city-dwelling mind. Bizarre and awesome, the Badlands is scary, gorgeous and touristy all at once.
Listed in: Let's Go Outside!
-
Review from Mike D.
Brighton, MA
9/16/2008
If you're like me and can't afford to take a trip to the moon, this may be your next best bet. The terrain is alien (especially to an Easterner who'd rolled in off the plains and hadn't even seen sage brush before) and makes a great place to go space out. A word of advice: if you want to hike here (and if you go here you really should hike) don't bring a dog because he'll have to stay in the car, and it gets wicked hot there.
-
Review from Alden C.
Fort Collins, CO
1/4/2010
What gorgeous scenery of the Badlands! It is especially worth going to at dawn or dusk where you can see the colors reflect, mingle, and hover over the cliffs here in this awesome park! Well worth going to when going to South Dakota or through it.
-
Review from Bill G.
7/4/2010
Apparently there's a really significant erosion problem at Badlands National Park. Most of the land has been washed away by wind and rain, leaving only skeletal fins of ancient volcanic ash. You'd think the Park Service would do more to prevent this kind of damage. I'm surprised the Sierra Club isn't all over them for it. People who see this beautiful erosion might be tempted to go home and try eroding their own backyards to discover what geologic wonders are buried 2000 feet down. Wouldn't that be a shame if everyone tried it.
-
Review from Rosavida C.
San Bruno, CA
7/17/2008
this was my favorite stop on my NJ to CA roadtrip. the way the land is formed is just so colorful and vast. you can climb a lot of places and the view is phenomenal. my brother longboarded the road for a mile while we followed a little far behind him in a minivan.
it was awesome!
afterward, visit the town of Wall and buy some souvenirs! -
Review from Bradley N.
Woodside, CA
9/19/2009 2 photos
The Badlands defies conventional descriptions. It's a feature of breathtaking rawness and silent splendor. Driving the Badlands Loop, esp. at sunrise or sunset, is quite nice, but nothing compares to a day or two spent in the park itself. The Cedar Pass Lodge is a perfect base camp. Stargazing nirvana. The Pinnacles Overlook, and the Castle Trail are unforgettable. If you take the time to get out of your car and wander into the park beyond the pavement, you will not regret it. It is a voyage of self-discovery as much as a journey into the American heartland.
-
Review from John F.
7/21/2006
Striking rock-like formations (they are really very hard dirt) are the highlight of this famous national park, which is very easy to access due to its proximity to I-90. They also have a prairie dog village and some interesting plant species. Much can actually be seen by car but there are trails as well. Along with the Black Hills, this renders western South Dakota into one of the most interesting sectors of the United States.
-
Review from Team Pfeiste X.
Saint Louis, MO
11/28/2009
If you see anything in the state of South Dakota, make sure it's the Badlands. More impressive than Mount Rushmore by far. Plus, if you go there on Thanksgiving, like we did, you will not have to pay an admission price, because there is no staff. Beautiful- try to make time for a hike.
