Badlands + Rushmore
A Journey into the Heart of the American Prairie
Badlands National Park, spanning 244,000 acres in southwestern South Dakota, is a breathtakingly rugged landscape characterized by dramatic rock formations, deep canyons, and expansive prairies. This otherworldly terrain, shaped by millions of years of erosion, reveals layers of colorful sedimentary rock, creating a stunning mosaic of cliffs, spires, and pinnacles. The sight of the amber light sweeping across these formations as the sun sets is a spectacle that must be seen to be believed. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore one of the most geologically rich and visually captivating environments in the United States. Badlands is one of the last refuges for the American Bison, the largest mammal in North America, making it a significant site for wildlife enthusiasts. Whether driving the scenic loop, hiking the park's trails, or simply soaking in the vast, open vistas, Badlands National Park promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of America's Great Plains.
Where We Stayed: Rapid City RV Park
Rapid City RV Park in Rapid City, South Dakota, provides a convenient and comfortable base for exploring the Black Hills and nearby attractions like Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Badlands National Park. This well-maintained park features spacious sites with full hookups, clean facilities, and amenities such as a swimming pool, laundry services, and a dog park. The front office staff were very helpful in walking Addison on our long day of exploring the park. Its location offers easy access to downtown Rapid City, where you can enjoy local dining, shopping, and entertainment. We tried El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant for Drew’s birthday dinner and it was as delicious as Texas’ Mexican food. With its welcoming atmosphere and proximity to some of the region's most iconic landmarks, Rapid City RV Park is an excellent choice for travelers looking to experience the beauty and history of South Dakota.
Tips for Visiting Badlands National Park
Go Early: Arriving early in the morning is ideal for spotting wildlife and beating the crowds, especially in the summer. Thankfully since we were here in early September, we did not have to worry about the crowds.
Fuel Up: Make sure to fuel up in Wall, right outside the park’s Pinnacles entrance, as there are few gas options around the park.
Entrance Fees: A $30 per vehicle fee is required, or if you plan to visit more National Parks within the next 12 months, consider purchasing the America the Beautiful Pass for $80, granting access to over 2,000 sites nationwide.
Cell Service: Cell service is generally good in the park, except in the more remote Sage Creek area.
1-Day Itinerary
With only a single day to explore Badlands National Park, I carefully planned our itinerary to ensure we could see everything we wanted in the most efficient order possible while also considering what the family could handle.
Big Badlands Overlook
One of the best sunrise spots in the park, Big Badlands Overlook offers a quintessential view of the Badlands' iconic red and white striped hills. Just a short 0.2-mile out-and-back trail, this easy hike is located close to the eastern park entrance, making it a convenient start to your day. The panoramic views from here are truly breathtaking and set the tone for the adventure ahead.
Hike the Window & Door Trails
The Window and Door Trails in Badlands National Park are two of the park's most accessible and popular hikes, offering visitors a chance to experience the unique geological formations up close. The Window Trail is a short 0.3-mile out-and-back path that leads to a natural "window" in the Badlands' rugged wall, providing stunning views of the eroded landscape beyond. The Door Trail, slightly longer at 0.9 miles round-trip, starts with a boardwalk and then transitions to a more rugged path, guiding hikers through a break in the Badlands Wall, known as the "door," and into the heart of the formations. These trails are relatively easy and family-friendly, making them ideal for all ages. Along the way, you'll be surrounded by towering spires, sharp ridges, and the stark beauty of the Badlands' unique terrain. Both trails offer a hands-on introduction to the park's extraordinary landscape, making them a must-do for anyone visiting Badlands National Park.
Cliff Shelf Nature Trail
An unexpected gem, Cliff Shelf Nature Trail is a 0.5-mile roundtrip hike through an oasis of juniper trees in the middle of the Badlands. This trail offers a spectacular sunset vantage point and provides a cool respite under the shade of ancient junipers. With modern boardwalks and beautiful views, it's a trail we return to every time we visit the park.
Hike the Saddle Pass Trail
For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Saddle Pass Trail offers a steep but rewarding ascent with epic views. This 0.7-mile trail starts near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center and connects with the Castle Trail at the top. The sweeping panoramas from the summit stretch south toward the town of Interior, making the effort well worth it. The loose gravel made the trail quite slippery, and after a few falls, Hawkins decided to turn back early. Emmie and I, however, pushed on—sometimes crawling to keep our balance! The descent proved just as challenging, and we found ourselves sliding down on our feet or bottoms for much of the way. It was a comical sight, watching grown adults navigating the steep natural slide with a mix of determination and laughter.
Ben Reifel Visitor Center
The Ben Reifel Visitor Center is an essential stop, offering valuable resources to enhance your park experience. Located near the eastern entrance, it features interactive exhibits, educational displays, and an 18-minute film on the park's geology, history, and wildlife. The knowledgeable staff can provide trail recommendations and maps, while the bookstore and gift shop offer souvenirs and literature.
Panorama Point
Panorama Point is one of the park's best viewpoints, offering iconic views in all directions. It's especially impressive during stormy conditions when you can watch clouds roll in from the distance. The viewpoint is easily accessible from the main park road, with boardwalks leading to the stunning vistas just steps from the parking lot.
Discover Yellow Mounds
The Yellow Mounds are a must-see, offering a surreal landscape of vibrantly colored hills created by ancient sea drainage and plant decay. These mounds are a great photo opportunity and are located just after Conata Basin Overlook as you drive from the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. While popular in peak summer months, they are often quiet during the off-season.
Pinnacles Overlook
Just past the Pinnacles entrance station, Pinnacles Overlook provides an awe-inspiring view of the vast Badlands landscape. From this cliffside vantage point, you can often spot bighorn sheep navigating the ridgelines and bison grazing in the distance. Pinnacles Overlook, along with Panorama Point, is one of the best spots to observe bighorn sheep in the park.
Roberts Prairie Dog Town
No visit to the Badlands is complete without spending time at Roberts Prairie Dog Town. This park is home to countless prairie dogs, and their settlements, known as prairie dog towns, are scattered throughout the area. We saw easily 1000 prairie dogs! These intelligent, communicative critters are endlessly entertaining, as they scurry about, yipping and yelping to each other, creating a lively and amusing atmosphere.
As we traveled down the gravel road past the prairie dog area, we kept an eye out for bison, the noble beast of the plains. There’s a reason why the American Bison is our national mammal—there’s nothing quite like seeing this emblem of the American West ambling along amidst vast open spaces. With around 1,200 resident bison, the Badlands, particularly on the Sage Creek side, offer a unique opportunity to witness these majestic creatures.
Wall Drug
Wall Drug, located in the small town of Wall, South Dakota, is a quirky and iconic roadside attraction that has become a must-visit stop for travelers heading to the Badlands and Mount Rushmore. What began in 1931 as a modest pharmacy offering free ice water to weary travelers has grown into a sprawling complex of shops, eateries, and entertainment. Today, Wall Drug is famous for its old-fashioned Western charm, with attractions that include a life-sized T-Rex, a cowboy-themed arcade, and an enormous jackalope statue perfect for photo ops. The store offers everything from souvenirs and Western wear to homemade donuts and hearty meals at its Western-style café. Wall Drug’s blend of kitsch, history, and hospitality makes it a beloved landmark that captures the spirit of American roadside culture. Whether you're stopping in for a bite to eat, a unique souvenir, or just to stretch your legs, Wall Drug is a fun and memorable destination for travelers of all ages.
Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is one of America's most iconic landmarks, symbolizing the country's history and ideals. Visiting Mount Rushmore was a long time bucket list item for me having seen this iconic location in photos, movies, and on TV growing up. This monumental sculpture features the 60-foot faces of four of the nation’s most revered presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln—carved into the granite face of the mountain. The carving of Mount Rushmore National Memorial took 14 years. The original plan called for carving each figure from the waist up but funding ran short amidst a depression and a looming world war and that plan was abandoned. Completed in 1941 under the direction of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, Mount Rushmore represents the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the United States. Beyond its grandeur and artistic achievement, the monument stands as a powerful tribute to the enduring principles of freedom and democracy. Wander through the museum to watch a movie depicting the carving of the mountain between 1927-1941, learn about the artist, Gutzon Borglum, and see the equipment used by the workers who had to climb 700 stairs just to get to work where they spent their days hanging off the side of the mountain while they carved the rock. Next, take the walk to the base of the monument and stop along the way to look up — straight up into George Washington’s nose.
We had a wonderful time exploring the picturesque areas of the Badlands, Mount Rushmore, and the Black Hills. We initially planned to visit Wind Cave National Park during this trip, but our plans changed when we learned that cave tours were suspended until late fall to early winter due to elevator replacement. Since the park’s main attractions revolve around the caves (as the name suggests), we decided to skip it and head to Rocky Mountain National Park a day early.
The vast, seemingly endless landscapes and magnificent formations of Badlands National Park left an indelible mark on me. The broad quiet of the prairie envelops you in a way that only a national park can. Gazing into the unending maze of badlands, twisting into the distance like wrinkles in the palm of your hand, and hearing nothing but the lonesome prairie wind is a truly breathtaking experience.
National parks are the landscapes of our dreams, where the spirit of adventure and the peace of solitude unite.