The name Badlands itself is a whisper of danger, a promise of the untamed. This formidable landscape in the heart of South Dakota is more than just a national park; it is a sprawling, open-air chronicle of Earth’s violent and majestic past. We embarked on a four-night camping trip to the Badlands. Below are the 5 BEST things to do in Badlands National Park!
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A Wild Community
5. Roberts Prairie Dog Town
An essential Badlands experience often lies at eye-level, among the grasses of the expansive prairie: the vibrant, bustling colony of Roberts Prairie Dog Town. While the colossal formations seize the horizon, this community offers a rare, intimate look into the social architecture of the ecosystem.
Here, hundreds of prairie dogs—the “Engineers of the Plains”—govern a complex subterranean metropolis. Observe them as they stand on their hind legs to survey the perimeter for apex predators.
The complex network of burrows is not merely shelter; it is a highly evolved environmental system. Witnessing their intricate communication and social structure provides a profound understanding of their way of life.
Arrive in the golden, subdued light of the early morning or late afternoon. Move with a hunter’s patience and silence. Keep your distance, allowing yourself to become a quiet observer in their active world—a privilege reserved for the respectful traveler.
Hit The Road
4. Loop Road Drive
The Badlands Loop Road is the adventure. This 39-mile circuit is the heart of the park and the easiest way to knock out dozens of mind-blowing views straight out of your car. Pull off at every overlook! Plus, keep those eyes peeled for the Bison traffic jams (they have right-of-way, always!) and the majestic Bighorn Sheep chilling on the cliff edges.
Budget about 2–3 hours minimum for this drive (and that’s without stopping for too long!). Gas up before you enter—there’s zero fuel in the park, and you don’t want to run out mid-epic sunset.
The Best Hike in the Park
3. Notch Trail
The Notch Trail is where you earn your view! It is a 1.5 miles roundtrip hike that is moderately challenging. This hike is legendary in the Badlands for one iconic reason: The Log Ladder. This is your must-do challenge. Don’t skip the ladder! Once you scale it, you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping, unmatched vistas of the park’s peaks and valleys. Sunscreen and a sturdy shoe grip are mandatory. There is zero shade and the final scramble is serious business.
The Colors
2. Yellow Mounds Overlook
Prep your camera because Yellow Mounds Overlook is unlike anything else in the park. While the rest of the Badlands is tan and red, this spot is a straight-up explosion of vivid yellows, oranges, and mustard hues.
This area is a geological anomaly—the colors come from ancient volcanic ash and iron deposits. It looks like a painting! There are ways to hike down and explore the foothills (wear those grippy hiking boots!) to get super close-up shots of the layered colors.
There is a reason why the photo I have of us on my nightstand is at this overlook. It is BREATHTAKING! The Yellow Mounds Overlook in Badlands National Park offers a striking view of yellow and orange hues of the mounds. This creates a vivid contrast against the more typical browns and reds found elsewhere in the park, making for a visually stunning landscape. The soft, undulating hills and unique colors are the result of ancient volcanic ash deposits, adding to the area’s rich geological history. This overlook provides visitors with an opportunity to witness a less-visited, yet equally impressive, side of the park. The vibrant colors and tranquil beauty make it a must-see spot for photography, exploration, and an appreciation of the park’s diverse landscapes. Make sure to wear your hiking boots in order to capture all of these mesmerizing colors up close!
The Best View
1. Big Badlands Overlook
The Big Badlands Overlook offers in my opinion the most stunning and panoramic views of the park’s striking landscape. It perfectly sums up the entire National Park experience. This is usually the first big viewpoint you hit, and it’s the best way to get your bearings. Go early! The light is incredible, and you can beat the crowds that roll in mid-day. It’s the moment the Badlands truly hits you. The scale, the silence, the rugged beauty—it all makes you feel incredibly small and incredibly inspired. This is the top of the list for a reason.
