Badlands National Park
Location:
South Dakota
Size:
242,755 acres
Peak Season:
Late Spring & Fall
Closest Airport:
Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) – 1 hr
Topography:
Eroded Buttes, Prairie
Recreational Opportunities:
Hiking – Unique trails like Notch Trail and Castle Trail.
Wildlife Viewing – Bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs roam the landscape.
Scenic Driving – The Badlands Loop Road offers panoramic views.
Fossil Hunting – Home to some of the richest fossil beds in North America.
Camping – Rustic camping in Cedar Pass and Sage Creek Campgrounds.
Points Of Interest:
Pinnacles Overlook: A viewpoint that offers dramatic views of the park's jagged rock formations.
Badlands Loop Road: A scenic drive that offers numerous overlooks and access to key viewpoints.
Fossil Exhibit Trail: A short trail showcasing fossil displays from prehistoric animals that once roamed the area.
Sage Creek Rim Road: A road that offers stunning views of the park and is known for wildlife sightings.
Top 5 Hikes:
Notch Trail
Castle Trail
Window Trail
Door Trail
Saddle Pass Trail
Camping:
Cedar Pass Campground (frontcountry)
Sage Creek Campground (primitive)
Backcountry camping (allowed anywhere at least 0.5 miles from roads)