The best walks and hikes in Badlands Wilderness

Yes, Badlands National Park has an "open hike" policy, which means you are free to explore off-trail. This is especially popular in areas like the Sage Creek Wilderness Area. However, you must be experienced in navigation as there are no marked trails, and it's easy to get disoriented among the similar-looking formations. Always carry a map, compass, and GPS device.

Absolutely. For a very short and accessible walk, the Fossil Exhibit Trail is a great choice. It's a flat, 0.3-mile (0.4 km) boardwalk loop with fossil replicas that is perfect for all ages. Another excellent option is the walk to Pinnacles Overlook, which offers stunning views for minimal effort.

No, permits are not required for day hiking or overnight backpacking in the Badlands Wilderness. However, it is strongly recommended that you check in with park rangers at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center or Pinnacles Entrance Station before heading out, especially for overnight trips. They can provide updates on water sources and weather conditions.

Preparation is key for a safe hike. The terrain is rugged and exposed, with extreme temperature swings.

Water: Carry at least one gallon (4 liters) of water per person, per day. Water sources are unreliable and any found must be filtered.

Sun: There is very little shade. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Wildlife: Be aware of bison and rattlesnakes. Keep a safe distance and never approach wildlife.

Navigation: If hiking off-trail, carry a map and GPS, as the landscape can be disorienting.

No, pets are not permitted on hiking trails, in public buildings, or in the backcountry of Badlands National Park. They are only allowed in developed areas like campgrounds and along roads, and must be on a leash no longer than six feet (1.8 meters).

Hikers often start their adventures at several well-regarded spots. The Sage Creek Wilderness offers a true backcountry experience. For marked trails, the Notch Trail is a very popular and fun hike featuring a log ladder, while the Door Trail provides a dramatic entrance into the eroded landscape. For incredible panoramic views, the Big Badlands Overlook is a must-see.

While many routes in the Badlands are out-and-back to specific features, there are loop options. For a significant challenge, the Sage Creek Loop is a demanding 19.9-mile (32.1 km) circuit for experienced backpackers. For a much shorter loop, the Cliff Shelf Trail is a 0.5-mile path that offers great views and a look at a juniper forest.

The Badlands are home to a diverse range of wildlife. You have a good chance of seeing bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and prairie dogs, especially in the mixed-grass prairie areas like the Sage Creek Wilderness. Keep an eye out for coyotes and various bird species as well. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.

Hiking here is like walking through a natural history museum. The landscape is famous for its sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires, which create a surreal, almost moon-like environment. The colorful layers in the rock formations, like those at the Yellow Mounds, tell a story of millions of years of deposition and erosion. The park also contains one of the world's richest fossil beds.

No, the Badlands is a dry, arid environment characterized by eroded rock and prairie. There are no permanent waterfalls in the park. Water is scarce, and any streams you find are typically temporary and dependent on recent rainfall.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique, otherworldly landscapes and the sense of solitude and adventure found when hiking off-trail. The opportunity to see iconic wildlife like bison and bighorn sheep in their natural habitat is also a frequently mentioned highlight.