A man walking on Badlands National Park trails.

The Badlands National Park is a spectacular location. You’ll see some things in the park that you will not be able to find anywhere else in the United States. Because of Badlands National Park unique and awe-inspiring nature, there are many hiking trails to explore. We know because many nature lovers and avid hikers pick Rushmore Express as their home base for a vacation. If you are eyeing Badlands National Park as a vacation destination or even as a brief stop, make Rushmore Express your bed for the night. Here are the three best hiking trails in Badlands National Park.

The Door Trail

The Door Trail is the best trail to start on. It’s a great all-around trail and an easy trail to start on. It’s about one mile long. Due to the phenomenal views and the ease of hiking this trail, be prepared to navigate some traffic. At peaks times, it can get crowded, but for a good reason. You are not going to want to skip over The Door Trail. This is also an excellent trail for families.

Notch Trail

This is also another heavily trafficked trail, but it’s another one you will not want to miss. This trail will take about one hour to navigate. Notch Trail is more complicated than The Door Trail, but by no means is this a very challenging trail to walk. However, you can’t complete this trail in sandals and a sundress. Be prepared to climb as there are ladders to reach the higher areas. To get the most out of this trail, you will need to do a bit of prep, but it’s not a treacherous path to navigate, and the views from up top are unforgettable.

Sage Creek Loop

This is the most challenging trail on this list, but it will allow you to see a lot of Badlands National Park. The entire loop wraps around a total of almost 30 miles. It’s possible to complete the trail in around eight hours. It’s an ideal trail if you are backpacking. Because of all the ground you will cover on this trail, you are bound to see a lot of South Dakota wildlife in their natural habitat. 

Get out There and Explore Badlands National Park

These three Badlands National Park trails have something for all skill levels. The best part is that this is only a sampling of all of the trails in Badlands National Park. It’s an incredibly gorgeous place in the United States. Rushmore Express is nearby, and we offer the best place to recharge and relax after a day or afternoon of hiking Badlands National Park. We are near more parks, hiking trails, and wildlife. Rushmore Express has relaxing amenities and luxuries like granite fireplaces, 55-inch televisions, free wifi, whirlpools, and in-room coffee. You’ll also be near several spectacular restaurants, including the Ruby House, Sherpa’s Kitchen, and Jane’s Boardwalk Pizza. Book directly online or call today at 605-666-4483.