Loop Road, Badlands National Park: Address, Phone Number, Loop Road Reviews: 5/5
Loop Road
5
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Main route through Badlands National Park.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,970 reviews
Excellent
1,716
Very good
226
Average
23
Poor
2
Terrible
3
Nyormirror
Bay City, MI1,227 contributions
We spent 6 hours here on our trip thru the plain states. We drove the 39 mile loop road and did some short hikes. There are numerous pullouts, overlooks, and short trails right off the well paved roadway. Every turn will present an even more stunning view then the last. There is a gas station and gift shop near 240 NE entrance. We started there so we could end up in Wall.
We had the National Park Annual Pass but if you don't a day pass for a passenger vehicle is $30. Sunset/sunrise are the best times for viewing because the way the sunlight hits off the badlands. Make sure you have a full tank of gas. It is hot and windy so bring a sunhat with a chin strap, sunscreen, plenty of water and snacks. I would definitely recommend and would return.
We had the National Park Annual Pass but if you don't a day pass for a passenger vehicle is $30. Sunset/sunrise are the best times for viewing because the way the sunlight hits off the badlands. Make sure you have a full tank of gas. It is hot and windy so bring a sunhat with a chin strap, sunscreen, plenty of water and snacks. I would definitely recommend and would return.
Written September 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mirage1
Tempe, AZ131 contributions
Solo
Gorgeous scenery, almost surreal. I live in Arizona and wasn’t expecting South Dakota to have something like this - the geology is fascinating. I highly recommend visiting early or late in the day so you have the beautiful light.
I had hoped to hike a bit but I had a pet with me and they’re not allowed on the trails (at least none of the trails I saw). You can still see a lot from the pullout areas along the road, though.
I had hoped to hike a bit but I had a pet with me and they’re not allowed on the trails (at least none of the trails I saw). You can still see a lot from the pullout areas along the road, though.
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stephanie C
Brooklyn Park, MN141 contributions
This is a must do if you are visiting the Badlands area! There are several stops along the way to either hike or just take breathtaking photos of the landscape. Keep your eyes out for bison, prairie dogs and bighorn sheep; you're sure to see them at some point on this drive! We made this part of our road trip from Minneapolis to Rapid City and actually did it again on the way home because it was that cool. There is a visitor's center along this route that is also a nice place to stop. There is a ton of history about the area in the center as well as a gift shop and you can see people preparing fossils that have been found there. Very cool and well worth the fee to get in both ways.
Written June 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brian
1 contribution
Friends
The badlands loop is a beautiful place it's to bad it's so poorly managed. A group of 6 bikes a a truck planned to go through the loop earlier this July 2020 we called the automated number and were told price per bike was $10 awesome we had people that had seen it and some that had not, at that price we were all in. We get there and they tell us it's $25 per bike and $15 for a passenger!!!???
First off, that is called bait and switch, if a company or business did that it would be illegal and charges would be brought.
Secondly, I was able to find out that $10 was the price from 2018 and they never took the time to update it, how convenient?
So that is a 150% increase in just 2 years, how many people have had 150% increase in pay over the last 2 years??
Thirdly, why are you charging bikes so much? 2 people on a bike is $40 but a minivan or a crossover could have 6 to 8 people and that's only $30???
We turned around and left that day, we would have been fine with $15. Had you pushed it to $20 that MIGHT have been ok w/out the passenger charge. You are tricking people making SD look like thrives on a state level and you are over charging.
First off, that is called bait and switch, if a company or business did that it would be illegal and charges would be brought.
Secondly, I was able to find out that $10 was the price from 2018 and they never took the time to update it, how convenient?
So that is a 150% increase in just 2 years, how many people have had 150% increase in pay over the last 2 years??
Thirdly, why are you charging bikes so much? 2 people on a bike is $40 but a minivan or a crossover could have 6 to 8 people and that's only $30???
We turned around and left that day, we would have been fine with $15. Had you pushed it to $20 that MIGHT have been ok w/out the passenger charge. You are tricking people making SD look like thrives on a state level and you are over charging.
Written July 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jloug
Columbus262 contributions
Couples
What a mindboggling drive. Just when you're like, "yeah, I've seen all these rocks," the Badlands throw you a change-up. We stopped at a lot of the overlooks, but especially liked the Prairie View at sunset. Just the two of us, the grasslands, and the sun.
I also recommend driving down Conchata Road a bit (until you hit the road surface change), then turn around and reenter the park. Absolutely stunning.
I also recommend driving down Conchata Road a bit (until you hit the road surface change), then turn around and reenter the park. Absolutely stunning.
Written July 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
windstarID
Twin Falls, ID289 contributions
Family
What a beautiful drive! Worth a side trip off the freeway. Lots of spots to pull off and enjoy the view. Road is is good condition. It's a pleasant drive in the off-season, not sure what it's like when the summer crowds are there. $30 entrance fee applies (payable at the visitor center in the off-season). No services in the off-season.
Written November 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GoingWherever
Little Silver, New Jersey, USA267 contributions
Nice drive with lots of cool things to look at. Saw a bunch of wildlife even though it was mid-day; bison, mountain goats, hawks, prairie dogs. There are plenty of pull-offs to take it all in. One WARNING: this is NOT a LOOP road - you come in and then go back out of the park on it, you don't loop back to where you started.
Written September 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Megan
Malinta, OH84 contributions
Driving the Loop Road was a great way to view the park. There are many scenic stopping points to view different areas. Make sure to go early, as it gets very hot and crowded in the afternoon. You can easily stay in your car the entire time, but I recommend at least getting out to view the scenery. My husband and I did a few small hikes throughout our time there and really enjoyed them. Be careful, as there are really no railings or anything to prevent falling. Wear sunscreen and bring lots of water! This would have gotten a five from me if the visitor's center would have been open for us to enjoy. Unfortunately, it was still closed due to COVID. Other than that, it was a great drive!
In regards to COVID- bathrooms were still available which was nice, but they are few and far between. In the camp store, the cashier was not wearing a mask but was behind plexiglass. Make sure to bring hand sanitizer as some of the bathrooms are more primitive.
In regards to COVID- bathrooms were still available which was nice, but they are few and far between. In the camp store, the cashier was not wearing a mask but was behind plexiglass. Make sure to bring hand sanitizer as some of the bathrooms are more primitive.
Written July 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sarish Kasat
Chicago, IL46 contributions
This has been a bucket list item for us for a very long time, and it didn't disappoint! The loop road which goes through the park has a bunch of great stops. Make sure you get there early (we got there around 7am) to avoid the crowd, especially in the high season. The few hikes we took were fun and not too strenuous. Loved the history, and the geology. We chatted with a very nice park ranger for a little while -- she answered all of our questions about the area and formations.
Written August 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wanderingmom 🦉
Dallas, TX120 contributions
Family
You feel like you are in a different planet with different rock formations and topography. We drove in the early in the afternoon and came back out again around sunset time with the color shading being deeper and prettier around sunset time or early morning. We saw some wildlife too along the road. Worth visiting!
Written July 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David A
Minneapolis, MN46 contributions
The Badlands Loop Road is not really a loop, correct? That is,
Tomsharon1
Colbert, WA26 contributions
Are the views on Loop Road mainly to the south or the north?
theoljohnnyboy
New Florence, PA1,363 contributions
Coming into the park from Wall has the highest ground and the best sweeping overlook views. As you head south towards the visitor center the views become more diverse- prairie, rock formations, and a few sweeping overlooks blended together. Depends on what kind of views you are looking for
Hi Casey. I am planning on a trip to Idaho from MIchigan the first week of September. I pull a 30 foot travel trailer with a full size van. Is the loop going to be do able with my rig, or should I park the trailer somewhere before I attempt it? Did you see any other travel trailers on the loop? Thanks for your time.
Cassbella
Bentonville, Arkansas, USA170 contributions
Loop is paved and fine for trailers
Patricia P
Box Elder, SD14 contributions
Can we take a 35 ft 5th wheel on the loop?
Mark M
Plainfield, IL116 contributions
There are a few tight curves but you should be able to make it.
Chris
Chicago, IL108 contributions
Does the Badlands loop road have any drop offs with no guardrails or very little shoulder next to the drop-off?
Dean_Amy-2004
Gettysburg, PA5,599 contributions
No major drops. There’s one pull that I recall having a drop off the parking area. No worries on driving.
dachuda
Edinburg, TX16 contributions
My wife and I are visiting on July 10. What hours of the day is best to see wildlife? Thank you!
Richard R
Jacksonville, IL134 contributions
We went through at mid-day and had quite a little wait for part of a bison herd to decide if they were ALL crossing the road, or some of them. ::chuckling:: It was a fun and interesting experience, though after the first 30 minutes, we turned on the air conditioning and closed the windows, as the stench was staggering as they came up out of the mud hole beside the road.
Michelle D
Cincinnati, OH43 contributions
Hello! We have a handicap passenger travelling with us on our upcoming trip. If we strictly want to drive the loop rd, how much time should we allow? Thanks!
twdenman
Edgewood, KY217 contributions
A couple hours.
ELKW
United States11,507 contributions
Hi, people said there are 15-17 points to stop along the road, so in each stop points or overlook points, will there be a sign so that we know it's a point to stop and take pictures? and there will be pullouts on those points, right? and if we drive along the loop road and stop at all stops, how many hours would be needed? thanks.
BillUsma74
Canton, GA336 contributions
There are so many places to stop and pull off to take pictures and admire the view. Many are marked and have off the main road parking, but some of your best pictures may come from a wider spot of the road and a view only you see. Give yourself plenty of time if that’s how you travel.
Are there restrooms along the way?
FDOPSBC
Rockerville, SD37 contributions
Yes, there are restrooms at the visitor's center, a restaurant inside the park, and at several of the larger parking lots. You shouldn't have to drive more than 30-45 minutes between restrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions about Loop Road
- Hotels near Loop Road:
- (8.48 mi) Sunshine Inn
- (7.92 mi) Frontier Cabins Motel
- (8.34 mi) Best Western Plains Motel
- (8.35 mi) Super 8 by Wyndham Wall
- (8.25 mi) Welsh's Motel
- Restaurants near Loop Road:
- (8.57 mi) Badlands Saloon and Grille
- (8.56 mi) Red Rock Restaurant & Lounge
- (8.58 mi) Wall Drug Store Cafe
- (8.31 mi) Dairy Queen
- (8.27 mi) Wall Food Center