Badlands National Park

Welcome, intrepid travelers and fellow scholars, to the dramatic and unforgiving expanse of Badlands National Park. As we stand here at the precipice of this otherworldly environment, you are looking out over an ocean of eroded…

Standing here at the Big Badlands Overlook, situated near the Northeast Entrance, we are granted an unparalleled, panoramic view of the eastern portion of the Badlands Wall. This massive geological feature separates the upper and…

We have now arrived at the trailhead for the Window and Door Trails, an area that provides remarkable, accessible intimacy with the formidable Badlands Wall. The Door Trail, a quarter-mile accessible boardwalk, takes you directly…

Prepare yourself for what is arguably the most famous and thrilling hike in Badlands National Park: The Notch Trail. This trail is roughly one and a half miles round trip, but do not let the short distance deceive you. …

We now transition to a remarkably different ecosystem within the park: the Cliff Shelf Nature Trail. Thus far, we have been immersed in an arid, stark landscape dominated by barren rock and sparse grasses. …

Our journey now takes us deep into the prehistoric past at the Fossil Exhibit Trail. This accessible, quarter-mile elevated boardwalk offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient life that once flourished in this region. …

We have now ventured onto the Sage Creek Rim Road, an unpaved, rugged route that escorts us into the more remote, untamed northern wilderness of the park. The scenery here transitions from the tightly packed spires of the…

We conclude our exploration of this magnificent park at the celebrated Pinnacles Overlook. This particular vantage point is widely considered the absolute best location in the entire park to witness the sunset. …