Ultimate Guide to Badlands National Park

My XO Adventures offers tours of the Badlands in the morning, afternoon, evening, and into the night.

We’ve invested much time getting to know the land and its wildlife. On a guided tour, we’re eager to share what we’ve learned and show you places most visitors never see. Each tour is tailored to your interests, ensuring a truly personal experience.

Secrets abound, not the kind you can find online or in a book. The Badlands is an ever-changing landscape that we genuinely love.

Wildlife, peace, serenity, and beauty describe this incredible landscape. We bring star charts, blankets, binoculars, drinks, snacks, and lasers at night. While the Badlands is beautiful to drive, it’s something different to experience and understand. Step into the heart of the Badlands, where every turn reveals something extraordinary. Let us show you its hidden wonders.

6 Reasons You Should Visit Badlands National Park

Wildlife – With its rugged terrain, Badlands National Park is home to over 60 species of mammals, including bighorn sheep, bison, swift foxes, badgers, prairie dogs, and pronghorns, creating a dynamic ecosystem that captivates nature enthusiasts. You’ll also see an impressive array of birds, from majestic bald and golden eagles soaring above to colorful songbirds inhabiting the park’s unique environment.
Spectacular Landscapes – The stark beauty of the Badlands landscape is truly breathtaking, with towering buttes, steep canyons, and razor-sharp spires that seem to emerge dramatically from the earth. As the light shifts throughout the day, the interplay of shadows and vibrant colors reveals constantly evolving vistas that are unparalleled in their ability to inspire awe and wonder.
Incredible Sunset – The sunsets in Badlands National Park are second to none, painting the sky in vibrant hues that contrast beautifully with the sharp and jagged rock formations below. Watching the fading light transform the rugged terrain into a peaceful and almost otherworldly scene is an unforgettable experience, making this park a must-visit for sunset lovers.

4. Stargazing – With its remote location, almost no light pollution, and perfect viewing conditions, Badlands National Park Stargazing is considered one of the best locations in North America. Trust us, it’s true. Book Our Badlands National Park Sunset and Night Sky to find out why the Golden Hour, Sunset, Blue Hour and Dark Night Sky are our Favorite.

5. Fossils – A major draw to Badlands National Park is its fossils. Badlands National Park is home to an abundance of fossilized wonders, ranging from ancient plants and animals, to tracks and burrows of creatures long gone. Fossil beds can be found throughout the park, but look don’t touch. If you find a fossil, report it to a Park Ranger!

6.) Golden Hour -Animals come out during the Golden Hour. If you’ve made it all the way to South Dakota and skip a Badlands tour, you’re missing out on one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth—plain and simple. It’s like going to Italy and skipping the pasta, or heading to Paris and ignoring the Eiffel Tower. Don’t make that mistake; the Badlands aren’t just worth visiting—they’re unforgettable. Trust us, your future self will thank you for not being “that person.”

Badlands National Park Photos of Vistas, Wildlife, Sunset and NightSky

Overview of Badlands National Park

The Badlands National Park in South Dakota is an awe-inspiring landscape of beauty and mystery. Formed over millions of years by erosion and the forces of nature, this rugged landscape offers visitors a glimpse into its past with its unique geologic formations, including spires, buttes, canyons, gullies, and ravines.

The park’s 244,000 acres are also home to many animals that call the area home, such as bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets. More than 400 species of birds are also found in the park year-round or during their seasonal migrations. For those seeking adventure, there are plenty of activities to choose from while in the park. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding on various trails throughout the area. Climbing is also permitted in some areas with proper registration.

For those wanting a more leisurely experience, there are plenty of scenic drives to take where you can marvel at the spectacular views surrounding you. There are also campgrounds within the park and cabins and lodges, allowing visitors to spend extended time immersed in nature’s beauty.

Directions to Badlands National Park

Most visitors to the park enter through the north side of the park on I90. Take exit 110 at Wall, SD, to enter Badlands Loop Road. You can also continue past exit 110 to exit 131, located at the Minuteman Missile Museum.

Alternatively, you can enter through the south side by taking Highway 44 to the town of Interior, SD, where you’ll find the entrance. Rangers are located at all entrances.

Badlands Loop Road

The Badlands Loop Road is 32 miles long and designed in part by Peter Norbeck. This is no ordinary road. It was constructed to highlight the most beautiful views of Badlands National Park. In total, there are 14 marked overlooks with parking.

In addition, there are pull-offs where you can stop and take in the scenery. Driving the loop straight through takes a little over an hour. With a guide, it can easily take 2 hours to view the entire route.

Sage Creek Rim Road

This is the most overlooked area in the park and perhaps the most stunning. It’s a dirt road, which makes some uneasy, but don’t worry, it’s meant for your enjoyment. Sage Creek Rim Road has extensive views and just so happens to be the most likely place to see Bison, Prairie Dogs, Coyotes, Badgers, and Deer.

Badlands National Park at Night

This park is one of the best places to view stars, satellites, and meteors. The best time to arrive is at least one hour before sunset and stay about two hours after. The animals are out during this time, and the sky is extraordinary. The sun lights the spires, buttes, peaks, and prairie land. Red, pink, and orange are just a few colors that will light up your evening.

After the sun sets, the sky gets even more Interesting. This Is known to photographers as the Blue Hour. Make your way to a location in the park away from headlights and lower in elevation. Fossil Trail is a great place. Here, you can get out of the car, and enjoy the silence and the show. Stars abound and all you have to do is watch.