Making the Most of a Half-Day in Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park in western South Dakota offers a remarkable landscape of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires. You could easily spend 1-2 days exploring Badlands. We recently visited the park on our road trip from Chicago to Denver (taking the northern route). We only had a half-day to spend in the park, so we set out to see whether it is possible to see the highlights of the park in just a half-day. If you’re pressed for time and just have a half a day to explore the Badlands, here’s our compact guide to making the most of your visit, from historical sites to breathtaking overlooks and enjoyable hikes.

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How to Get to Badlands National Park

If you’re flying in, the Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is the closest airport, offering flights from various major cities. Car rental services are available at the airport, providing a convenient option for exploring the park at your own pace. We use and recommend Discover Cars for our car rental bookings.

By Car: Badlands National Park is easily accessible by car, located in southwestern South Dakota. The nearest major city is Rapid City, which is approximately a 75-minute drive to the park. Consider downloading a self-guided audio tour to learn more about the park as you explore.

Public transportation is not available to the park, nor are there shuttles within the park. If you don’t want to drive (or potentially bike), the best option for visiting the park is via a guided tour.

Top Tours of Badlands National Park

Here are the top rated tours to visit Badlands National Park (all have 5 star reviews). Most are combined with a visit to nearby sites, or are private, so that you can customize how much time you’d like to spend at each site.

Badlands National Park Entry Fees

Visiting Badlands National Park does require an entry fee. Here are the current fee options:

Free Entry Days

The following days are free to enter the park for 2024:

• Monday, January 15 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Saturday, April 20 — First Day of National Park Week
• Wednesday, June 19 — Juneteenth
• Sunday, August 4 — The Great American Outdoors Act
• Saturday, September 28 — National Public Lands Day
• Monday, November 11 — Veterans Day

Entering the Park

There are three entrances to the park (Pinnacles, Interior, and Northeast). Our suggested loop starts at the Interior entrance and finishes at the Pinnacles entrance near Wall, running east to west. You can of course reverse this if preferred.

Before entering the park, make sure that you have a full tank of gas in the car, plenty of drinking water, and snacks or a picnic lunch. The Badlands Trading Post just south of I-90 in Interior has a Conoco gas station, restrooms, snack options, and plenty of water and drinks to bring along. You can fill up your water bottles at the visitors center in the park as well.

If you have pets along, keep in mind that they are only allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots, and other developed areas and roads open to motor vehicles. They must be kept on a leash no more than 6-feet long.

Enter the park at the Interior entrance and start on the scenic Badlands Loop Road. Your first major stop on your half-day tour should be the Big Badlands Overlook. You’ll see the vast, rugged expanse of the park stretched out before you, offering one of the most iconic views of the Badlands. This is a great spot to walk around and take photos.

Hiking the Classic Trails

Next, gear up for some short but spectacular Badlands hikes, perfect for your half-day adventure. The Door, Window, and Notch trails all leave from the same parking lot, allowing you to easily explore as few or as many of these hikes as you’d like.

Door Trail

The Door Trail provides a 1/4 mile almost flat handicap accessible boardwalk through a break in the Badlands Wall, leading to an expansive view of the jagged terrain. The trail leaves from the Door Trailhead. Beyond the boardwalk, visitors often walk through the jagged landscape. Do this at your own risk, as the trail is not maintained beyond the boardwalk.

Window Trail

The Window Trail is an easier stroll, lasting only 0.3 miles. It offers a quick peek into a natural window in the rock formations.

Notch Trail

The Notch Trail is a moderate 1.5 mile out and back trail, with 127 feet of elevation gain. Most of the trail is fairly flat or with just a slight incline, except for the 50 foot ladder climb in the middle of the hike. Note that the terrain is very uneven throughout. Sturdy boots, such as our recommended Salomon boots, are recommended. We recommend downloading the trail map before getting to the Badlands, so that you can follow the map even when you are out of cell range.

The start of the trail is fairly straight forward. Though uneven, it is not particularly challenging. You’ll reach the ladder about half-way through. It is best to do this ladder one at a time. There were just a few people ahead of us when we visited in May, but it does get crowded during high season. Be prepared to wait a bit.

If you traveling with children, judge their abilities to carefully climb the ladder to determine if this is something you are comfortable with doing.

The ladder is challenging, and is not ideal if you are afraid of heights. The first part of the ladder is walkable, while the top portion is steep and requires you to hold on with both hands. Be sure to put any items you are carrying in a pocket or backpack, so that both of your hands are free for the hike.

After reaching the top of the ladder, the trail winds its way quite close to the edge of the ridge. Watch children carefully on this section. You do have to do a bit of clambering on the rocks, but nothing too challenging. The end of the trail was not too obvious. After checking our downloaded map, we found out that we had gone past the end of the trail. Enjoy the views, then retrace your steps, carefully descending the ladder one at a time.

A Leisurely Walk and Lunch

The Cliff Shelf Trail is a gentle 0.5 mile loop that wanders through juniper forests to viewpoints overlooking the Badlands. This is a quick but scenic stop. The first part of the trail (to the first viewpoint) is accessible, while there are stairs beyond this point.

If you’ve packed a picnic lunch, you’ll find tables in a number of areas, including the parking lots for this and the other hiking trails you just completed.

Alternatively, after your hike, stop at Cedar Pass Lodge for a hearty lunch.

Visitor Center and Fossil Exhibit Trail

After refueling, make your way to the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. This is the main visitor’s center on the north side of the park. Whether you’re visiting Badlands for a half day or more, it is worth taking the time to gather information about the park and its geology. Check out the ranger talks and programs, the natural history bookstore, and the museums. Take a break from the sun outdoors and watch the park movie, “The Land of Stone and Light.” It runs every 25 minutes except in winter, when it’s shown on demand. For paleontology fans, chat with the park paleontologists working in the Fossil Preparation Lab.

After gaining information in the Fossil Preparation Lab, take a short drive from the center to the Fossil Exhibit Trail. This is an easy 0.4 mile boardwalk featuring replicas of fossils found in the park, illustrating the ancient life that once thrived here.

If you’re interested in a longer hike, consider heading out on a portion of the 10.3 mile Castle Trail, which has a trailhead across the street from the Fossil Exhibits parking lot.

Panorama Point to Pinnacles Overlook

As you continue along the loop, don’t miss Panorama Point for breathtaking panoramic views of the park. The Yellow Mounds area showcases uniquely colored and textured hills, which make for stunning photos.

Wrap up your scenic drive at the Pinnacles Overlook, a dramatic viewpoint. Though you can view the pinnacles from the parking lot, it is worth the short walk down the stairs to the overlook to get a panoramic view.

Departure towards Wall

Your half-day in the Badlands is coming to a close. Before you leave, be on the look out for the bison, which frequent the area near the Pinnacles Entrance to the park. Keep at least a 100-foot distance from all park wildlife, per park regulations. Bison can run faster than you’d imagine looking at them, faster than 30 miles per hour. Their sharp horns can cause severe injury, and can be fatal.

Exit the park through the Pinnacles Entrance and consider stopping in the nearby town of Wall.

It’s hard to miss the many Wall Drug signs as you drive towards the Badlands on I-90. Wall Drug is an easy stop to get free water, 5 cent coffee, or a meal or souvenir. Keep in mind that Wall Drug is incredibly touristy, before deciding if you’d like to stop here. There are more things to do in Wall though, such as stopping to see the chainsaw art. You can also easily get on I-90 East or West from Wall if you prefer not to stop here.

Is a Half Day Enough for Badlands National Park?

A half-day visit to Badlands National Park, while brief, still gives you enough time to see the park’s highlights if planned well. You can immerse yourself in the landscape and unique rock formations by spending your half-day focusing on the scenic Badlands Loop Road, key overlooks like Big Badlands and Pinnacles, and shorter hikes such as the Notch, Door, and Window trails. Additionally, stops at the visitor center and nearby attractions like the Fossil Exhibit Trail can enrich the visit. If you have the time, come back for a spectacular sunset in the park.

To truly appreciate the park’s extensive offerings and for more leisurely exploration, a longer stay would be beneficial. For those limited by time, a half-day provides just enough time to capture the essence of the Badlands and its intriguing history, whether done on your own or with a tour.

Top 3 Things to Do Near Badlands National Park

While the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park is a major draw, the surrounding area offers several other attractions that are worth exploring. Here’s are the top 3 things to do near Badlands National Park:

Custer State Park

This park is known for its scenic drives, such as the Needles Highway with its impressive granite spires and the Wildlife Loop, where bison, pronghorns, and elk roam freely. Custer State Park has a broad variety of things to do, including incredible hiking, fishing, and boating.

It’s about a two-hour drive from Badlands National Park. We’d recommend spending 2-3 days in the park if you enjoy wildlife and hiking. Custer is a great place to stay, while taking easy side trips to see Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Just a 90-minute drive from Badlands, Mount Rushmore is one of America’s most iconic sites. Featuring the carved faces of four U.S. presidents, this historic monument is a testament to the nation’s history and ingenuity. Besides viewing the sculpture, you can explore the museum and walking trails that provide more insight into the monument’s creation. We visited on a rainy day recently, where the presidents appear to be crying. While we could visit the museum, it was raining hard enough that we didn’t explore the hiking trails.

Crazy Horse Memorial

Located near Custer State Park, the Crazy Horse Memorial is an ongoing tribute to the Native American warrior, Crazy Horse. The massive mountain carving, once completed, will be the world’s largest sculpture. The visitor center includes a museum of Native American artifacts and culture, providing valuable context about the indigenous people of the region. Be sure to take time to explore the museum, see the cultural exhibitions, and watch the movie. You can enjoy a great meal in their restaurant, and can take a bus closer to the base of the memorial for photos. If you’d like to walk to the base of the memorial, you can do this twice a year during the Volksmarch.

These attractions, along with your half-day in Badlands National Park, make for a memorable and diverse South Dakota adventure, showcasing both natural wonders and significant cultural and historical sites.

Essential Hiking Tips

• Mountain weather: Always check the forecast before heading out and watch for rapid weather changes. When you see bad weather coming, get below timberline.
• Hydration and Fuel: Bring more water for your day hikes than you think you’ll need. Electrolytes can help you stay hydrated (e.g., Nuun and LiquidIV). Don’t drink water from streams and ponds, unless you are using a LifeStraw or similar. Pack energy-boosting snacks like nuts, fruits, and energy bars.
• Leave no Trace: Preserve the natural beauty by following the Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
• Wildlife Awareness: Be aware of the wildlife in the area. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising animals and know what to do in an encounter with local animals.
• Navigation: If you are using a map on your phone, make sure that it is downloaded. Cell service can be unreliable in the wilderness areas. Inform someone of your hiking plan and expected return time.
• First Aid: Carry a basic first aid kit for minor injuries. This should include, at minimum, Band-Aids, antiseptic, aspirin, mirror, matches, and a jack-knife, a whistle, flashlight, and multi-tool.
• Check our post on Day Hike Essentials for a more comprehensive list of items to bring on your day hike.

Where to Stay Badlands National Park

There are a variety of lodging options near Badlands National Park. For those wanting to explore Badlands over multiple days, staying within the park is a convenient option. Many also stay in Wall (just outside the Pinnacles Entrance), or in Rapid City, roughly 75 minutes west of the park. Rapid City is a convenient option for those wanting to explore both the Badlands and the Black Hills. For those wanting to spend more time exploring Custer State Park and the Black Hills, the lodging in Custer State Park is a wonderful choice.

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