The park also contains the largest, protected mixed grass prairie in the United States. The most endangered land mammal in North America, the black footed ferret, was re-introduced to the 64,000-acre (26,000 ha) Badlands Wilderness Area. The park also contains some of the world's richest fossil beds from the Oligocene epoch, dating back around 20-35 million years.
Understand
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The park is divided into two sections (on either side of State Route 44, which cuts through at the park's narrowest point):
- The North Unit, the most popular area with most of the easily-accessible attractions.
- The South Unit (also known as the Stronghold District), a largely-roadless backcountry on the Pine Ridge Reservation co-managed with the Oglala Sioux Tribe.
Natural history
[edit]During the youth of the Rocky Mountains, about 60 million years ago, large number of streams carried eroded soil, rock and other materials eastward from the range. These materials were deposited on the vast lowlands which are today called the Great Plains. Dense vegetation grew in these lowlands, then fell into swamps, and was later buried by new layers of sediments. Millions of years later, this plant material turned into lignite coal. Some of the plant life became petrified, and we can find large amounts of exposed petrified wood in the badlands. While sediments continued to be deposited, more streams cut down through the soft rock layers, carving the variety of mesas, buttes, rock formations, pinnacles, spires and valleys are the features of the badlands seen today.
Human history
[edit]For eleven thousand years humans used the area for hunting. They hunted bison, rabbits, and other animals.
Fossils hunters arrived after the 1840s. Trappers traveling from Fort Pierre to Fort Laramie collected fossils. One fossil ended up being described in the American Journal of Science. Within decades new species were being discovered.
Homesteaders arrived at the end of the 19th century and the US government removed the natives from their land. This culminated in the massacre at Wounded Knee, which is approximately 45 miles (72 km) south of the park in the Pine Ridge Reservation.
The Dust Bowl of the 1930s prompted many homesteaders to move elsewhere. Some who stayed are still there today.
The United States Air Force took possession of more than 340,000 acres (140,000 ha) of the Pine Ridge Reservation and about 340 acres (140 ha) of what was then Badlands National Monument and used it extensively between 1942 and 1945 as a gunnery range. This is now the Stronghold unit of the park and is co-managed with the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Unexploded ordnance remains in the area.
Flora and fauna
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While the badlands terrain may appear to be barren, there is a great variety of wildlife and plant life here. The minimal annual precipitation feeds the grasses and wildflowers of the badlands. The brilliant colors of the blooms add to the palette of grays, browns, reds, ochres and greens of the land. The wildlife includes nearly two hundred species of birds, (mule and white tail) deer, prairie dogs, pronghorn, big horn sheep, and bison. Other mammals in the park include bats, rabbits, and coyotes. The park has reintroduced the black footed ferret, the most endangered land mammal in North America, to the Sage Creek Wilderness area. Reptiles and amphibians include frogs, toads, and snakes.
Non-native species of plants
[edit]Dozens of non-native species of plants have been brought by settlers through deliberate or accidental means. The park is actively working to remove the non-native plants and restore the prairie to its original condition.
Climate
[edit]The park is windy. Summers are hot and winters are cold.
Winter begins in November, although blizzards in late October may occur. High temperatures around 40°F (4.4°C) with lows below 0°F (-18°C) and high winds creating much lower windchill. Snow is likely and blizzards are possible.
March is difficult. Temperatures may fluctuate dramatically within a few hours. Blizzards are still possible, and so is 60°F (15.5°C) weather.
Spring begins in April. With snow melting and April rains, the park is very wet. The unpaved roads can be difficult or impossible to pass and trails may be slippery and unpleasant. Temperatures at night is typically below freezing. The park receives most of its rain between April and June. Showers may be brief or last for days.
July is hot and dry. Daytime temperatures can surpass 90°F (32°C).
August is the hottest when temperatures can break 100°F (38°C). Evenings are about 75°F (24°C).
In September the temperatures begin to cool off in the second half of the month.
October is much cooler although a few days may break 80°F (27°C).
Geology
[edit]The badlands are formed by water and wind erosion, losing about an inch (2.54 centimeters) a year. About five millions years ago the land uplifted and triggered the erosion processes that created the badlands.
Paleontology
[edit]The fossils found in the park date from The Age of Mammals, including ancestors of the modern day rhinoceros, horse, dog, and others. Fossilized sea shells and turtle shells have also been found in the park. There are no dinosaur fossils in the park.
Approximately 30 million years ago the area was warmer and lush. Many mammals roamed the area and died in floods and quickly buried in sediment, providing an abundance of vertebrate fossils.
Digging and/or moving fossils or artifacts from their locations in the ground is prohibited by Federal law. Offenders are subject to heavy fines and possibly jail.
Visitor information
[edit]Dogs and other pets are allowed in the park but only in developed areas such as campgrounds, parking lots, and along the roads. Leashes are required and must not be longer than 6 feet (1.8 meters). Pets are not allowed on the hiking trails. Dogs and other pets are not allowed in the Badlands Wilderness Area.
Digging and/or moving fossils or artifacts from their locations in the ground is prohibited by Federal law. Offenders are subject to heavy fines and possibly jail. If you find some fossils or artifacts, note all details, and then stop by the Cedar Pass Contact Station and make a report.
The park's goal of maintaining the prairie ecosystem requires using fire. Park visitors, however, should not start any fires anywhere in the park.
Get in
[edit]The park is about 50 miles (80 km) southeast of Rapid City, the only large city within a few hours' drive.
By car
[edit]Interstate 90 passes near the north side of the park.
- Exit 131 (Interior) leads to the 1 Northeast Entrance.
- Exit 110 (Wall) leads to the 2 Pinnacles Entrance.
State Route 44 passes near the south side of the park and the 3 Interior Entrance.
From Rapid City, both routes have a similar drive time to the Visitor Center in the east part of the park, but I-90 provides better access to the Pinnacles Entrance.
By plane
[edit]Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP IATA) is served by five airlines with nonstop service to Minneapolis, Denver, Chicago, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City. There are also seasonal direct flights to Charlotte and Orlando. Onsite car rental services are available.
By bus
[edit]Greyhound serves Rapid City.
Fees and permits
[edit]Entrance Fees as of 2020 are:
- $15 Individual (Hiking, Bicycling, etc.)
- $25 Motorcycle
- $30 Private Vehicle
- $50 Commercial Van, 7 to 15 passenger capacity
- $60 Commercial Minibus, 16 to 25 passenger capacity
- $150 Commercial Motorcoach, 26 or more passenger capacity
Members of the Oglala Sioux tribe can buy the 7-day pass at half price.
The America the Beautiful Pass, also called the Interagency Pass, provides entry to Badlands National Park and all national parks, as well as some national monuments, national wildlife refuges, and national forests. A single pass applies for an entire group traveling together in a private vehicle, or up to four people on foot or bike. There are several pass types:
- The Annual Pass (valid for twelve months from date of issue) can be purchased by anyone. $80 normal price, $20 for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over, and free for current military personnel (must show a Common Access Card (CAC) or Military ID).
- The Lifetime Pass (valid for the life of the holder) is available for $80 to U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over, and free for veterans and Gold Star families (families of servicemembers who were killed in action). Applicants must provide documentation showing they are eligible. This pass also provides a 50% discount on some park amenities.
- The Access Pass (valid for the life of the holder) is available for free to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Applicants must provide documentation of citizenship and permanent disability. This pass also provides a 50% discount on some park amenities.
- The Volunteer Pass is available for free to individuals who have volunteered 250 or more hours with federal agencies that participate in the Interagency Pass Program.
- The free Annual 4th Grade Pass (valid for September to August of the 4th grade school year) allows entry to the bearer and any accompanying passengers in a private non-commercial vehicle. Registration at the Every Kid Outdoors website is required.
The National Park Service offers free admission to all national parks on five days every year:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January); next observance is January 15, 2026
- The first day of National Park Week (third Saturday in April); next observance is April 18, 2026
- The National Park Service Birthday (August 25)
- National Public Lands Day (fourth Saturday in September); next observance is September 27, 2025
- Veterans Day (November 11)
Get around
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By car
[edit]The Badlands Loop Road, also designated State Route 240, is a 27 mi (43 km) scenic drive that connects most of the attractions in the park. It is the only paved road in the park. The speed limit is 45 mph (72 km/h) unless otherwise posted.
The Sage Creek Rim Road is an unpaved (but well-maintained) road leading to a few viewpoints west of the Pinnacles Entrance.
Pull off to allow faster traffic to pass, but only where there is sufficient space for your vehicle. Do not pull off onto the grass.
By bicycle
[edit]Bicycles are allowed only on designated roads (paved, gravel, and dirt) within the park. Off road bicycling, bicycling in the backcountry, or bicycling on hiking trails is prohibited. Bicycle racks are located at the Cedar Pass Lodge and some trailheads.
Remember to carry enough water and wear appropriate clothing and sun protection. Be sure to check road conditions, especially gravel and dirt roads.
By horse
[edit]A part of the Sage Creek Campground is designated for horses. However, no water is suitable for human consumption and horses unaccustomed to badlands water likely will not drink. Bring one gallon per person per day of water and five gallons per horse per day. Feed must be pellets or weed free hay; contact park staff for details. Hitching posts available and horses are not allowed to run free. Picket pins should be moved frequently to prevent overgrazing. Maximum stay is fourteen nights. There are no horse trails.
See
[edit]North Unit
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- 1 Ben Reifel Visitor Center, 25216 Ben Reifel Rd, Interior (9 miles (14 km) south of I-90 exit 131), ☏ +1 605 433-5361. Summer (May-Sep) 8AM–5PM, Winter (Oct-Apr) 9AM–4PM, daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years. The main facility in the North Unit, with exhibits on wildlife, geology and paleontology. The Badlands Natural History Association operates a shop with educational materials for sale. Bus and RV parking is available.
- Badlands Loop Road Scenic Drive. The 27 mi (43 km) Badlands Loop Road offers many overlooks with parking lots. The road itself is not actually a loop; drive it one-way from either entrance, or make a loop with I-90 or SR-44. Restroom facilities are located at a few overlooks. Allow about 2 hours for a leisurely drive and a visit to each lookout.
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- 4 Yellow Mounds Overlook. Features the brightly-colored yellow rock layer, one of the oldest layers in the park.
- 5 Conata Basin Overlook.
- 6 Homestead Overlook. A view of the marginal White River Valley farmlands that homesteaders tried to make work in the late 1800s.
- 7 Burns Basin Overlook.
- 8 Prairie Wind Overlook. Interpretive signs describe the vast prairie to the north.
- 9 Panorama Point. An immersive view of the badlands landscape towards the White River.
- 10 Big Foot Pass Overlook. The route through the badlands chosen by Chief Big Foot on their ill-fated flight to Wounded Knee in 1890.
- 11 White River Valley Overlook.
- 12 Big Badlands Overlook.
- Sage Creek Rim Road Scenic Drive. This 7 mi (11 km) unpaved (but well-maintained) road heads west from the Pinnacles Entrance, for an option to extend your loop. Allow about 30 minutes.
- 13 Sage Creek Basin Overlook.
- 14 Roberts Prairie Dog Town.
- 15 Badlands Wilderness Overlook.
- 16 Hay Butte Overlook.
South Unit
[edit]- 17 White River Visitor Center, 2734 BIA 2, Porcupine (30 miles (48 km) south of Scenic in the Pine Ridge Reservation), ☏ +1 605 455-2878. Daily May-Sep 9AM–4PM, closed in winter. The main facility in the South Unit, with an information desk, movie, exhibits, restrooms, picnic areas, and water. The center also has information about the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, on which it is located.
- 18 Red Shirt Table Overlook, BIA 41 (South of Red Shirt on the Pine Ridge Reservation, about 30 miles (48 km) outside of Hermosa). Provides a great view and hike for those who wish to see the Stronghold Unit of the Badlands, which may be ideal for those staying in the Black Hills or Custer State Park who may not be able to travel through the official loop.
Do
[edit]Hiking
[edit]The North Unit features eight established trails, with trailheads along the Badlands Loop Road.
Six of them are less than 1.25 mi (2.01 km) each, making them easy to combine with the scenic overlooks for a full day of exploration.
- 1 Cliff Shelf Nature Trail. Moderate 0.9 mi (1.4 km) loop. This trail provides spectacular views of the White River Valley. It includes some boardwalk and stairs and climbs approximately 200 feet (61 meters). The parking lot cannot accommodate long vehicles or vehicles towing trailers.
- 2 Door Trail. Easy 0.75 mi (1.21 km) round trip. The first 150 yd (140 m) is accessible boardwalk. This trail focuses on geology. The trail goes through a break in the Badlands Wall called "The Door".
- 3 Fossil Exhibit Trail. Easy 0.3 mi (0.48 km) loop. This trail is fully accessible. The trail includes exhibits of now extinct creatures that once roamed the area. During the summer, presentations by park naturalists are offered.
- 4 Notch Trail. Moderate to strenuous 1.5 mi (2.4 km) round trip. This trail climbs up a ladder and through a slot canyon to a wonderful view of the White River Valley and Pine Ridge Reservation. This trail is not recommended for those with a fear of heights, and can be very dangerous just after rains. Sturdy hiking boots and plenty of sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) are recommended.
- 5 Saddle Pass Trail. Strenuous 0.3 mi (0.48 km) and very steep, it connects Castle Trail and Medicine Root Loop to the Badlands Loop Road. The trail is impassable after rain.
- 6 Window Trail. Easy 0.25 mi (0.40 km) round trip. This trail is accessible to athletic wheelchair users or with assistance. This trail goes to a natural "window" in the Badlands Wall.
Two longer interconnecting trails create a small network of hike options.
- Medicine Loop Trail. Moderate 4 mi (6.4 km). Here the mixed grass prairie combines with long distance views of the Badlands. Be on the lookout for prickly pear cacti.
- Castle Trail. Moderate 10 mi (16 km) round trip. This is the longest trail in the park. The trail is mostly level and winds through some formations. The Medicine Root Trail makes a loop within the Castle Trail from any connecting trailhead.
Open Hike Policy
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Unlike many other National Parks that tightly control off-trail travel, at Badlands you are allowed to hike off-trail anywhere in the park that you can visit safely, including the informal social trails leading up to interesting formations. The rate of erosion in the park is so fast that the impact from a respectful hiker will wash away with the next rainstorm.
The Open Hike Policy also means that you are free to walk off a cliff, unencumbered by the fences and signage you may be accustomed to. Hike at your own risk.
Ranger talks
[edit]Several ranger talks are offered throughout the day at various locations. The schedule changes frequently; inquire at a visitor center.
There is an amphitheater in the Cedar Pass Campground, near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. In the summer months, park rangers give a 40-minute presentation on an aspect of the park.
Buy
[edit]Ben Reifel Visitor Center and Cedar Pass Lodge both have large gift shops with a variety of handmade gifts and crafts, apparel, and sourvenirs. Convenience food and snack items are also available.
If you need more shopping options, head to Wall.
Eat
[edit]- Cedar Pass Lodge Restaurant. Open daily from mid April to mid October—Summer Season Hours: 7AM-8:30PM; Fall Season Hours: 8AM- 4:30PM. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy a view from your table of the badlands. The restaurant is AAA approved and buses are welcome.
Picnic areas
[edit]There are picnic areas at Big Foot Pass Overlook, on Conata Road, and both visitor centers. Picnic tables are also located near the Cedar Pass Campground.
No water is available and fires are strictly prohibited.
Drink
[edit]Water is available at the visitor centers and in the campground April 15 - October 15, weather dependent.
Sleep
[edit]Lodging
[edit]- 1 Cedar Pass Lodge, 20681 South Dakota Highway 240, Interior, ☏ +1 605 433-5460, toll-free: +1 855 765-0737. Mid-April through mid-October. The only overnight lodging within Badlands NP. Reservations can be made in advance and are recommended. The 26 cabin units are Eco friendly and are equipped with custom, regionally made pine furniture, Energy Star refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, on demand hot water, flat screen TV, ceiling fan, and AC/heat.
There are hotels just south of the park in Interior and further north in Wall.
Camping
[edit]There are two campgrounds within the park.
- 2 Cedar Pass Campground (near Ben Reifel Visitor Center). 96 level sites with scenic views of the badlands formations. This campground offers flush toilets and coin operated showers in the summertime. $23 Tent, $38 RV Sites, $40 Group Campsites (2020 rates).
- 3 Sage Creek Campground (off State Highway 377). A free primitive campground, and all sites are first-come, first-served. Pit toilets. The campground rarely fills to capacity. Free.
Backcountry
[edit]Backpackers can camp anywhere in the park that is at least one half mile from the road. Open fires are not permitted within the park. All backpackers are urged to stop at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, to better plan your trip and to alert the Park Service rangers to your presence.
Stay safe
[edit]- Weather. Temperatures can exceed 100°F (38°C) in the summer, while winter temperatures can dip below 0°F (-18°C). Temperatures fluctuate through the day, sometimes widely. Thunderstorms and blizzards can come up suddenly. Rain makes many routes in the park impassible.
- Wildlife. The animals in the park are less of a threat to visitors who pay them the proper respect. However, ending up on the wrong end of a bison can mean a hospital stay or death for the park visitor. Visitors should also be wary of the venomous (but seldom deadly) prairie rattlesnakes.
- Prickly pear cactus. These small cacti hide in the prairie grass. Wear shoes with thick soles and watch your step. If their flowers are blooming, they are easier to spot.
- Water. There is no potable water in the park except at the visitor centers. Boiling, filtering, or treating with chemicals does not make the water drinkable.
- See also: Hot weather, Dangerous animals
Hiking and activities
[edit]- Exposure. Carry plenty of water (1 gallon per person per day), a hat, appropriate sunscreen, and sunglasses. Also consider that the park can be very windy.
- Getting lost. The vast areas of the park off the established trails can become very confusing. Good map reading and land navigation skills required.
- Unexploded ordnance. The Stronghold unit has any number of unexploded bombs and shells left over from the 1940s when the United States Air Force used the land as a gunnery range. When exploring the area keep an eye out. Do not touch any unexploded ordnance. Note the location and notify park rangers as soon as possible.
Go next
[edit]Nearby towns and attractions:
- Interior, 2 miles (3.2 km) south of the park on Highway 44. Services and facilities include a post office, grocery store, gas stations, and auto service year round.
- Wall, 30 mi (48 km) northwest of park headquarters. Motels, banking, pharmacy, medical clinic, gas, restaurants, and most services are available, especially the famous Wall Drug store.
- Rapid City, 75 miles (121 km) west of the park headquarters.
- Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. This ICBM site could rain down nuclear devastation six thousand miles away in 30 minutes. Guided tours of launch control are available.
The Black Hills to the west feature a variety of popular sights and destinations:
- The Crazy Horse Memorial. A massive sculpture that is still being built on the side of a mountain to honor a famous Native chief.
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The faces of four famous American presidents carved into the side of a mountain.
- Custer State Park. Home to a large herd of bison as well as other wildlife. Scenic drives.
- Jewel Cave National Monument. Jewel Cave is the second longest known cave in the world.
- Wind Cave National Park.
- Black Hills National Forest.
There are other badlands areas elsewhere in the US and in Canada.