The Badlands earned its name hundreds of years ago from the Lakota people, who referred to this area of modern South Dakota as “Mako sica” – which literally means “the bad lands.” They called it that because when it rains, the clay becomes slick and sticky, making it difficult to cross. Craggy canyons and buttes have always made navigating the area extremely difficult. The winters are cold, wet, and windy while the summers are hot and dry, with few permanent water sources. 

Have we convinced you to come visit yet? As foreboding and harsh as the area is, the landscape here is starkly beautiful and mesmerizing, truly unlike anywhere else in the Midwest. Badlands National Park is one of the world’s richest fossil deposits, where time has etched its history in rugged rock formations. This is a place where otherworldly landscapes, teeming with life from past and present, meet modern-day adventure. 

Badlands National Park is absolutely worth visiting – especially in the spring and fall. During the shoulder seasons, chill mornings and warm afternoons create an ideal backdrop for a day of exploration. In this article, we’ll craft the perfect one-day itinerary for Badlands National Park. 

Big Badlands Overlook 

The best place to catch the sunrise at Badlands National Park is at Big Badlands Overlook. There’s something incredible about watching the day’s first light break over the rugged terrain, and it makes for an awe-inspiring start to your day in the park. 

Even if you decide to sleep in and skip the sunrise, the panoramic views of the dramatic landscape are the perfect appetizer to a day in the park. We recommend entering from the Northeast Entrance, about 20 minutes east of Wall, South Dakota. 

Notch Trail

After your first glimpse of the terrain from Big Badlands Overlook, it’s time to dive in. Notch Trail is a short and moderately challenging hike that will take you into the heart of a landscape sculpted by millennia of wind and water. The trail leads you up a wooden ladder to a notch in a canyon wall, rewarding you with sweeping views of prairie grass and rock formations. 

Be sure to bring sturdy shoes with you on this hike. Despite being short, the trail still presents a moderate challenge. 

Fossil Exhibit Trail 

Now that you’ve had a chance to familiarize yourself with Badlands’ landscape, it’s time to peel back the layers of time and learn about the ancient life that once dominated the area. More than 19,000 fossils have been uncovered in the Badlands, making it one of the richest fossil beds in the world. 

The Fossil Exhibit Trail is a leisurely 0.4 mile stroll where you’ll find replicas of the different fossils discovered here over the years. This trail serves as a window to the past, giving you a deeper appreciation for the Badlands’ remarkable geological and paleontological significance. 

Panorama Point 

Class is over for now, and it’s time to move on. After a quick visit to the Fossil Exhibit Trail, it’s time to visit one of Badlands’ most iconic points. At Panorama Point, the Badlands unfold before you in all their stark glory, stretching as far as the eye can see. This is a perfect spot for photographers and for spotting wildlife such as pronghorns and bighorn sheep. 

Make sure you take your time here and soak in the view. The longer you look, the more the intricate details of the rugged formations reveal themselves to you. Panorama Point is a great place to ponder and reflect on just how bad – and beautiful – the Badlands really are. 

Yellow Mounds 

The Yellow Mounds are one of Badlands National Park’s most striking and unique features. These mounds are composed of ancient sediments that come through as yellows, purples, grays, and stripes of red. 

Definitely the most colorful section of the park, take a few minutes to explore the area and enjoy the juxtaposition of the brightly colored mounds with the austere stone of the surrounding buttes. 

Sage Creek Rim Road 

At this point in the day, you’ve gotten a good feel for the rugged terrain of Badlands National Park. Now it’s time for a little bit of a break and an incredibly scenic drive. Sage Creek Rim Road is an unpaved route that will give you a glimpse into the park’s vast grasslands and provide plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings. 

As you drive along, keep your eyes peeled for pronghorns, bison herds, and even the occasional coyote. Remember to follow all park rules and regulations to help conserve this incredible habitat as you drive. Sage Creek Rim Road will immerse you in the untamed beauty of Badlands National Park. 

Roberts Prairie Dog Town 

The further down Sage Creek Rim Road you go, the more wildlife you’re likely to encounter. Roberts Prairie Dog Town is the most accessible large prairie dog town in Badlands National Park. Take some time to stop, watch, and listen here. If you pay attention, you’ll hear the squeaking of the prairie dogs as they pop in and out of their little mounds. 

While enjoying the spectacle, it’s vital that you respect these animals and their habitat by keeping your distance by leaving nothing behind when you leave. 

Sage Creek Trail

Located near the western edge of the park, Sage Creek Trail offers a gentle and easily accessible hiking experience in the Badlands’ expansive grasslands. This trail will envelop you in a landscape dominated by tall prairie grasses, a beautiful contrast to the exposed and rocky trails in the eastern part of the park. 

It’s not uncommon for hikers to come across bison that roam the area. While these creatures are definitely a highlight of the trail, it’s essential to maintain a safe distance – at least 25 yards – and never approach or touch these animals. 

Sage Creek Trail is an easy place for quiet contemplation of the park’s unique and serene beauty, making it a perfect addition to your day in Badlands National Park. 

Pinnacles Overlook 

As the day draws to a close, make your way to Pinnacles Overlook, easily the best spot in the park for the day’s grand finale – the Badlands bathed in the warm, golden light of the setting sun. 

We saved this iconic viewpoint for last because of how the panoramic vistas come alive with hues of oranges, reds, and purples during the last hours of the day. Make sure you arrive well before sunset to secure your spot, as this is a popular section of the park. Pinnacles Overlook is a fitting end to your day in Badlands National Park, sure to leave you with unforgettable memories of this remote and mesmerizing natural wonder. 

Stay at Hansen Inn & Cabins 

Badlands National Park really is a diamond in the rough, an underrated treasure waiting to be discovered. A day in this remote wilderness unveils a tapestry of geological marvels, ancient history, and vibrant wildlife. 

Just 15 minutes away from Pinnacles Overlook is Hansen Inn & Cabins in Wall, South Dakota. This comfortable retreat not only offers proximity to the Badlands, but also a cozy respite after your day of exploration. Plus, Hansen Inn & Cabins is within walking distance of the world-famous Wall Drug Store and some of the region’s finest restaurants. 

Book your stay and get ready to lose yourself in the beauty of the Badlands.