Summer Scenic Drives

Badlands by Day or Night 

The Badlands can be experienced in two very different ways, and both are worth the drive. Go by day if you want trail time, pull-offs, and classic scenic overlooks in bright morning light. Go by night if you want to time your visit around dusk, then finish with the park’s evening ranger program under the changing sky.

 

Either way, this is a route that rewards slowing down. Start with the light, build in time for a few short hikes, and give yourself enough flexibility to enjoy Wall before or after the park.

Plan Your Day

At a Glance

Day route: Exit 131 → Badlands overlooks and trails → Wall → Wall Drug

Night route: Wall → Badlands at dusk → Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater → Exit 131
 

  • Total time: Half day to full day, depending on day or night route 
  • Accessibility & pacing note: Best with a flexible pace, especially if you plan to hike Door, Window, or Notch Trail 
  • Reservations or fees: Park entry fees may apply; check ranger program timing 
  • Estimated driving time: About 1–2 hours through the park, plus stops 
  • End point: Wall or Exit 131 
  • Start point: Exit 131 or Wall 
  • Best for: Scenic travelers, families, road-trippers, first-time visitors 

Day Experience

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1. Morning: Enter from Exit 131

A strong morning start

Badlands National Park

This approach gives you the Badlands in the soft light of morning. 


What to do here

  • Enter the park early 
  • Begin with scenic overlooks


Pacing tips

The earlier you start, the more time you’ll have for trail stops and photos

2. Mid-Morning: Door Trail, Window Trail, and Notch Trail

Classic Pull-Offs and Trails

Door Trail - Badlands

These trails give you easy-to-moderate ways to experience the landscape up close.

  • Time on site: 1.5–3 hours total, depending on how many trails you do


What to do here

Stop at scenic overlooks

  • Explore Door Trail
  • Visit Window Trail
  • Hike Notch Trail if you want a bigger challenge


Pacing tips

Wear good walking shoes and leave time between stops

3. Afternoon: Scenic Loop Through the Park

Scenic pull-offs and overlooks

Badlands Loop Scenic Byway

The loop gives you a broad look at the buttes and layered landscape.

  • Time on site: 1–2 hours


What to do here

  • Stop for photos
  • Take in additional overlooks
  • Enjoy the drive between trailheads


Pacing tips

Keep the day flexible so you can stop when a view catches your eye

4. Late Afternoon: Wall Drug

The natural finish to a daytime Badlands loop

Wall Drug Store

It gives the day a classic road-trip ending.

  • Time on site: 45–90 minutes


What to do here

  • Grab a donut or hot meal
  • Explore Wall Drug Store


Pacing tips

A good place to slow down after time in the park

Evening Experience

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5. Early Evening: Wall

The pre-dusk launch point

Wall-Sunflowers-Field

It gives you an easy place to reset before the evening drive.

  • Time on site: 30-60 minutes


What to do here

  • Browse before closing time
  • Grab a snack or quick meal


Pacing tips

Don’t linger too long if you want to catch dusk in the park

6. Badlands at dusk

A different kind of scenic drive

Badlands National Park at dusk

Evening light gives the buttes a dramatic glow.

  • Time on site: 1–2 hours


What to do here

  • Drive slowly toward the evening program
  • Stop for sunset views and photos


Pacing tips

Build in extra time so you’re not rushing to the amphitheater

7. Night Finish: Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater

Evening Ranger Program

The view of Badlands National Park at night

It turns a scenic drive into a full park experience.

  • Time on site: 30 minutes


What to do here

  • Attend the ranger program 
  • Enjoy the park after sunset


Pacing tips

Start times shift seasonally:

  • June - July: 9:30pm
  • August: 9:00pm
  • September (through Sept. 7): 8:30pm
Plan Your Trip Based On This Itinerary

Optional Add-Ons

If You Have Extra Time… 

  • Hike more than one trail
  • Spend longer at overlooks
  • Add extra time in Wall before or after the park


Right Now in the Region

  • Start early for the best morning light
  • Bring water, snacks, and sun protection
  • Check trail and weather conditions before hiking
  • Allow extra time if you plan to stay for the evening program

Take the Next Step

Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association
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1851 Discovery Circle Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 355-3700

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