Badlands National Park

South Dakota is blessed to have Badlands National Park, which has the treasure of the richest fossil beds in the world.

Established in November 1978, the park is spread around the 244,000 acres of land that is situated near to the Rapid City and has attractive acutely eroded buttes, mesmerizing spires, crowning point pinnacles, and has mixed-grass prairie.

Due to the wind and water dance, the landscape has become picturesque giving out layers colored in purple, yellow, tan, grey, red, orange and white.

During ancient times, the land was the home for mammals like giant rhinoceros, saber-toothed cat, three-toed horses. Today the land is a home for bison, prairie dogs, black-footed ferrets, bighorn sheep, bluebirds, and whitetail deer.

Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park

March to June and September to October

The maximum average temperature in March and April can be mild from 17°c to 18°c, in May it can be 25°c which can be a cozy one, whereas in June and September it can be warm at 31°c and 27°c and in October it can be mild at 20°c.

Things to Carry

Before knowing the things to carry please do note that you should not litter the park.

Hiking Shoes

Hiking shoes with a good sole and strong grip is a must in any national park for a good walk.

Safety Supplies

Do carry Insect repellent, emergency kit, water bottles, sunscreen, sunglass electrolyte powder and sunhat.

Propane Stove

It is prohibited in the badlands for an open fire, so do carry propane stove for cooking.

Dome Tents

Due to strong winds, only dome tents are more stable than other tents.

Portable GPS System

You might not get good network on cellphones thus it is necessary to have a portable GPS system so that you don’t get lost.

Tips Before Visiting

  • Sunrise can be best seen at the Door and Windows Trailhead on the east side of the park and the sunset can be seen best at Pinnacles Overlook.
  • Head towards Sage Creek Wilderness Area in the northern part of the park to see buffalo, antelope, bighorn sheep, and other faunas.
  • Summer is a season where you can witness the Badlands Astronomy Festival. So don’t miss to see this festival.

Number of Visitors

Total number of visitors visited Badlands National Park during 2018 was 1,008,942