Visiting Badlands National Park
The Badlands offers a unique national park opportunity. Please protect your park so it is enjoyable for everyone. Badlands rock is soft, and rockfalls are common. Admire formations at a distance, and do not climb on them.
The entire Park is open to you to explore by foot. There is no back country permit system and you are not limited to trails. However, all vehicles, including bicycles, must remain on designated roads. The speed limit is 45 miles per hour, unless posted otherwise. The Badlands Loop Road is paved and 32 miles in length. All other roads in the park are gravel and may become impassable after rain. Check at the Visitor Center or entrance station for information on road conditions before setting out on an unpaved road. Pedestrians have the right of way.
Visually, the Badlands are at their best early or late in the day when deep shadows define their forms. Badlands National Park experiences weather extremes- summers can reach 100 degrees F while winters may be well below freezing. Be prepared for any weather with layers of clothing, sunscreen, water and sturdy walking shoes. Be careful on cliff edges and on Badlands formations, especially when surfaces are wet. Hikers should carry maps, a compass, extra clothing and lots of water. There is no source of potable water in the back country.
Pets are allowed only on paved or gravel roads and in developed areas such as campgrounds. Pets are not permitted on trails or in the back country and must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.
Remember to leave rocks, animals, fossils and plants as you find them. If you do find something or interest, take a photo but leave the object behind for others to enjoy. If you find something unusual, report it to park staff at the Ben Reifel or White River Visitor Center.
