We enjoyed this Park for 2 nights staying at the Cedar Pass Cabins in the Park. Large visitor center with friendly rangers and large gift shop. In our opinion, the nicest part of the Park is when you enter near the visitor center area. The Views are SUPERB! Plenty of pull offs to read the park plaques and do a hike, whether you choose easy or strenuous. Carry water as it’s hot and sunny, with no shade.

I would normally describe this area as barren, yet it is also beautiful. We thoroughly enjoyed spending two days taking in all of the park. One day we hiked several of the short trails near the NE park entrance to some spectacular viewpoints. The second day we drove the main park road round trip, stopping at every viewpoint and taking time to really look at the view. It took us four hours to drive the 44 miles round trip. If you have the time, it is well worth it. As an added bonus, there are several places to pull off and watch the Prarie Dogs. We also saw a few bison and big horn sheep.

Stunning geological formations along a loop road. Wildlife (prairie dogs, coyotes, bighorn sheep, antelope, bison, elk) all sighted during our visit. Excellent roadway and turnouts with good markers. The scenery changes from before sunrise through the daylight hours with varying colors and formations. Enjoy a half day or longer in this National Park. Signs warning of rattlesnakes are necessary but unnerving! Park rangers were friendly and knowledgeable.

Driving in from Mitchell we took Hwy 240 south at the Interior exit - to do the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway. We followed this road through part of the Badlands and ended in Wall, SD. Very nice drive with several stopping areas including a short hike (walk) to the "door".

Make sure you have a full tank in the morning before setting off. Grab the ice cooler and make sure you have food and water in it. After you get in the park, make sure you head to the bathroom. It is going to take at least three to four hours to truly appreciate this place. Make sure the phones are charged up and you have brought charging cables. I know it sounds stupid but . . . If/when you get out to walk around, watch out for rattlesnakes. They do not have to coil or rattle to strike. Beautiful place. Give the bison plenty of room. They are wild and will mess up your vehicle.

Don't go during a snow storm but that's probably obvious to anyone except for me. Roads going in and coming out are not well plowed. That being said, if you're looking for solitude and to be alone with literally no other people around then this is a great time to go. The trails like door, window and notch are not shoveled so you'll need to bring boots.

A short trail but go beyond the observation deck as the trail continues. Starting on the right you will see a series of yellow poles. Follow them out into the Badlands for a real feel. There are about 10 poles the trail out and back is flat and only about a mile.

We have visited so many times and the loop drive is always a favorite. We saw so much wildlife and the views are forever beautiful with especially amazing brilliant colors early in the day or at dusk. There aren’t a lot of trail hikes but the ones that are labeled are very good on all levels and with great end point views. Our favorite The Notch, moderate difficulty with a rope/log ladder to climb and descend on the return trip. Great views at the top - follow the posts for the most manageable hike. The Cliff Shelf is another hike which was easier with boardwalk or well maintained trail the entire way. It has steps but the view is amazing at the mid point when you get to the top of the stairs. The cedar forest you walk through is beautiful and very fragrant. Take your time in this often overlooked and underrated park.

Badlands National Park is amazing. It is one of my favorite National Parks and one of the coolest national parks you’ll see in the United States. The scenery is unearthly. It feels like you’re on the moon. There are also many trails you can take. My favorite was the notch trail. You also hear many rattlesnakes surrounding you in the tall grass. There are a few visitor centers and overall, I highly recommend coming here.

A great experience and glad I did it! There is a small town gas station outside of the park, I would stop there before entering and fill up. The visitors center has some nice informational sections that are good for adults and kids! The Rangers at the desk were also very helpful! The showed me on the map where to go and where to stop. The park is a big drive thur with stops you can get out and walk on. There aren't trails necessarily but you are still free to hike and explore! It was a bit too hot the day I went so I didn't venture much! But I got some great pictures! You could spend hours looking at the amazing rocks and mountains! It was truly amazing! On the way out I was lucky enough to see some bison and Prarie dogs! A must see if you are in the area!