The first time I laid eyes on Badlands National Park was in the winter of 2020. I was on a road trip to Montana, and honestly, stopping at the Badlands wasn’t even part of the plan. My crew and I had just left Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and were making our way to Rapid City. I’ve always preferred driving through the night, it’s peaceful, less traffic, and somehow, the road feels like it belongs only to me
On this particular drive, we were making better time than I anticipated. We were set to arrive in Rapid City far earlier than expected. Since we were well-rested, I wanted to make good use of the extra time.
We were cruising west on I-90 when I started browsing online to see what was along the route. That’s when I discovered that Badlands National Park was just off the interstate. Since visiting every national park in the U.S. is one of my goals, this felt like the perfect impromptu opportunity to check one more off the list.
🧭A First Look at Badlands
Badlands wasn’t a park that had been heavily advertised to me. I wasn’t sure what to expect from it. But the pictures I saw online looked amazing: rugged, alien, and beautiful. That fueled my excitement to see it.
We entered the park at about 4:30 a.m., well before sunrise. In the pitch black darkness, the rock formations were invisible. I didn’t know what to expect. In the void of night with the sound of wind whistling outside, we waited in the car, as the first light of dawn began to break.
The sun slowly crept up over the horizon, casting soft light across the buttes. The formations took on a dark gray tone with hints of deep brown stripes running horizontally across each ridge, like someone had carefully painted them on with a level brush.
Then the sun rose.
The fiery orange light hit the rocks and made them glow like embers. It set the entire landscape ablaze with fiery orange hues. Shadows stretched and shifted with the changing light, creating a surreal, animated effect that made the landscape look more like a painting than reality. It took my breath away. It was hard to believe such vivid color could be so natural.
I was stunned. This wasn’t even part of the road trip plan, yet here I was, surrounded by raw, unexpected beauty. It made me fall even more in love with road-tripping. No plane ride could have delivered a moment like this.
👟Exploring the Park
As the sun fully rose, I ran around the park, completely mesmerized by the landscape. I spent time reading information signs and dashing back to the car to warm up from the icy wind before going back out again. We spent a good chunk of time along Highway 240, also known as the Badlands Loop Road, stopping at every overlook we could find.
🚗My Return In 2024
I returned to Badlands in the summer of 2024, again during another road trip. This time, I arrived during the day and had to show my America the Beautiful Pass for entry.
From these two visits—one spontaneous and wintry, the other planned and summery—I picked up a few tips that could be useful if you’re planning a stop.
🎟️Planning Your Visit to Badlands National Park
Entrance Pass Options:
- Standard Pass (Valid for 7 days, private vehicle): $30
- Annual Badlands Pass: $55
- America the Beautiful Annual Pass (all national parks): $80
Note: These prices are for private vehicles. Different rates apply for motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and other modes of transport. Find more information here.
🦬Wildlife in Badlands
One of the park’s best features is the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat. But remember, that means these animals aren’t used to human interaction. Keep at least 100 feet of distance from all wildlife. Also, be aware of rattlesnakes, especially in the summer.
Here are some animals you might see:
- Bison: Frequently spotted near the North Entrance and along Sage Creek Rim Road.
- Bighorn Sheep: Look for them on Castle Trail or at Big Badlands Overlook—bring binoculars!
- Prairie Dogs: You’ll see plenty-guaranteed.
- Black-Footed Ferrets: Rare and endangered—I didn’t spot any.
- Pronghorns: Can reach speeds of up to 55 mph.
- Rattlesnakes, birds, butterflies, bats, and more.
🛣️Must-See Stops on Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240)
The Badlands Loop Road is a scenic, two-way paved drive through the heart of the park. Be cautious—there are steep grades and sharp curves..Use pullouts when stopping to take photos or to allow other vehicles to pass. If you’re traveling with pets, they must be on a 6-foot leash at all times.
Recommended Overlooks & Stops:
- Big Badlands Overlook
- Pinnacles Overlook
- Panorama Point
- Yellow Mounds Overlook
- Ancient Hunters Overlook
- Burn Basin Overlook
- White River Valley Overlook
- Bigfoot Pass Overlook (has a picnic area)
- Conata Basin Overlook
- Prairie Wind Overlook
- Conata Picnic Area
- Homestead Overlook
📍Other things to do at Badlands National Park
- Ben Reifel Visitor Center – Learn about the park’s geology and history.
- White River Visitor Center – Another great info hub
- Fossil Preparation Lab – See paleontologists at work
- Night Sky Programs – Join rangers and astronomers after dark.
- Backcountry Camping – No permit required (no dogs allowed)
- Day Hiking – Dogs allowed in cooler seasons (winter, spring, fall). Avoid summer hikes with pets or small children.
- Horseback Riding – Do your research to ensure ethical treatment of horses.
- Cycling Through the Park – Bring your own bike; no rentals available
🚑 Safety Tips
Badland National Park is like no other. Its eerie beauty and rugged terrain make it an unforgettable stop, even for just a few hours. But it’s also a place that demands caution.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Stay away from the edges of buttes: They’re often fragile and unstable
- Wildlife safety: Stay 100 feet away from animals
- Stay hydrated: The summer heat can be dangerous. Make sure you and your dog are hydrated as well
- Snake safety: Be vigilant—especially with dogs and kids during the summer
- Cell service is unreliable: Download maps before entering
For official park updates, closures, or alerts, visit the National Park Service website.
Final Thoughts
Badlands National Park is a place of striking contrasts—fiery sunrises, chilling winds, and a landscape that looks like another planet. Whether it’s your destination or just a spontaneous stop along I-90, this park is worth every minute.
You don’t have to plan every magical moment. Sometimes, the best ones happen when you least expect them.
Between Tales & Trails 
Leave a comment