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One Day In Badlands National Park

One Day In Badlands National Park

One Day In Badlands National Park

South Dakota is home to some truly jaw-dropping landscapes and some of the best views in the whole state can be found in Badlands National Park.

If you’re planning a visit, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with the rugged terrain like I did.

Here is my one day itinerary to make the most of your time in the park!

Where is Badlands National Park?

Badlands National Park is located in the Southwest corner of South Dakota.

It’s located 1 hour & 20 minutes from Rapid City.

The closest towns are quite small. Interior is 7 minutes away and Wall is 33 minutes away.

Read: SOUTH DAKOTA ROAD TRIP ITINERARY – 6 EPIC DAYS

When to visit?

Summer is the most popular time to visit but it can sometimes be so hot that hiking long trails is difficult in the heat.

I visited in the off-season and had much of the park entirely to myself! If you don’t mind some gift shops or nearby hotels being closed, the winter can be an excellent time to visit!

One Day Itinerary

Big Badlands Overlook for Sunrise

Set your alarm because sunrise at Big Badlands Overlook is an absolute must!!

Since I was there in winter, I was the only person there at sunrise and it was a spectacular way to start my day.

Big Badlands Overlook is perfectly positioned to see the sunrise.

It’s located right next to the parking lot and requires no hiking to see the sun coming up over the rugged landscape.

One Day In Badlands National Park

Hike the easy but fun Door Trail

.75 miles & only 20 minutes

After sunrise, head over to hike Door Trail.

This is a flat, easy hike that is less than a mile but so fun and the views are spectacular.

You will get to venture off the boardwalk and follow yellow markers across the landscape. It’s fun to hunt for the yellow markers as you go!

One Day In Badlands National Park
Door Trail

Hike Notch Trail to go up a ladder and scale some heights

1.5 miles & 1.5-2 hours

After your short easy morning hike, head over to do the Notch Trailhead for a really unique trail!

This hike scales up a ladder and brings you near the edge of some cliff sides so it’s not recommended for people with a serious fear of heights.

I absolutely loved this hike. I’ve never hiked a trail quite like it.

You’ll need good shoes for this hike.

One Day In Badlands National Park
One Day In Badlands National Park
One Day In Badlands National Park

Drive the scenic loop and keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep

The scenic loop through the Badlands provides some truly remarkable viewpoints.

If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some wildlife as you drive!

One Day In Badlands National Park

See the prairie dogs by Pinnacles Ranger Station

These adorable little pipsqueaks call Badlands National Park home and it’s very easy to spot them near the Pinnacle Ranger Station.

The prairie dogs will be scuttling from hole to hole and making all sorts of noise, you can’t miss it!

Photo by Michael Alain

Visit the infamous Wall Drug nearby

As you drive through South Dakota, it’s impossible to not see signs for Wall Drug everywhere. “350 miles until Wall Drug…. 300 miles to Wall Drug…”

You will bombarded with advertising for this infamous roadside attraction.

It started in 1931 as a small town drug store that drew in weary travelers with the promise of free ice water. Now more than 2 million people stop each year in Wall, South Dakota to see the shops and quirky oddities at Wall Drug.

It’s located just 12 minutes from the Badlands.

US Park Pass

If you plan to visit multiple national parks in a year, make sure you get the unlimited season pass!

The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country. A pass covers entrance, standard amenity fees and day use fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle at per vehicle fee areas (or up to four adults at sites that charge per person).

You can buy it here.

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Emily Rose

Hi, I'm Emily Rose! In 2018, I sold all my stuff and moved into my suitcase to travel full time and work around the world! Follow along for the best travel jobs, photos to fuel your wanderlust and epic adventures!

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