Driving Badlands Loop Road
Badlands Loop Road (SD 240) is a spectacular way to see the North Unit of Badlands National Park. This two-lane paved road is appropriate for all motor vehicles but does include several steep passes and sections with reduced speed limits.
What is the best time to visit the Badlands? Due to the uptick in sightseers, the best time to visit the park is during the shoulder seasons of spring, April through June, and fall, September through November. If you find yourself in the park during the peak season of summer, be sure to hit the trails as early as possible to avoid crowds and the heat.
Then, How many days do you need in the Badlands? Start to Finish: Park rangers suggest spending two full days to truly experience the park, but you can certainly visit in less time. If you have one full day to spend, plan on being at the park for both sunrise and sunset – the light cast over the Badlands is incredible.
How long is the Badlands scenic route? Its roughly 38 miles contains numerous passes, 15 overlooks, eight trails to get and stretch on and a great visitor center.
FAQ
Are there bears in the Badlands?
Nice thing about South Dakota: There are no bears in Black Hills or Badlands!
Do Badlands get snow? Summers are hot and dry with occasional violent thunderstorms. Hailstorms and occasional tornadoes can descend on the Badlands.. Winters are typically cold with 12 to 24 inches of total snowfall. The park gets about 16 inches of precipitation annually, most of which falls during the warmer months.
Does it cost to drive through the Badlands? Badlands National Park is waiving the typical entrances fees of $30.00 for private vehicles, $25.00 for motorcycles and $15.00 for bicyclists. The entrance fee waiver does not cover amenity or user fees for camping.
Do you need reservations for Badlands? Accommodations for overnight stays in the Badlands are limited. It’s imperative that you make reservations in advance. Cedar Pass Lodge is actually a collection of cabins near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.
Is there cell service in the Badlands?
Cell phones will not work in most areas of the park, so do not rely on them if you become lost or disoriented.
What is the best route to take through the Badlands? The most popular route in the park is the Badlands Loop Road. Starting in the town of Wall {be sure to stop in at Wall Drug!}, drive south on Highway 240 and stay on this road to pass numerous viewpoints, trailheads, and the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.
Are the badlands close to Mt Rushmore?
The Black Hills & Badlands of South Dakota
From the four faces carved high on Mount Rushmore and the Cathedral Spires of Custer State Park to the wondrous caverns of Wind Cave, from the otherworldly Badlands in the east to Devils Tower in the west – the Black Hills are home to many truly monumental places.
Are there rattlesnakes in Badlands? Badlands National Park is home to one species of rattlesnake — the Prairie Rattlesnake. Prairie Rattlesnakes can grow up to 5 feet long.
Are there Grizzlies in the Badlands?
Predators like the wolf and grizzly bear, which once culled the bison herds are no longer allowed to live in this part of the country. Now, it is the responsibility of the park to periodically remove some of the bison, so their numbers do not increase beyond the capacity of the area to support them.
Are there cactus in the Badlands?
Cacti can be found throughout the Badlands. Close-toed shoes help protect hikers against cactus spines.
Is Mount Rushmore worth the trip? Is Mount Rushmore worth it? Ultimately, yes it is. History buffs can read all the exhibits and learn about the history of Mount Rushmore and its four presidents. You’ll get to see an American landmark and check it off your travel bucket list.
What is Badlands like in the winter? Winter Overview
Winter in the Badlands often sees snow blanket the landscape while temperatures range from the low teens to the high 30’s. The park sees very little visitation in the winter months and some of the more remote parts are inaccessible.
What wildlife is in the Badlands?
Prepare for plenty of impromptu encounters with the animals of the northern plains and mountains in the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota. Be on the lookout for bison, deer, pronghorn (commonly called antelope), bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, elk and more.
What is unique about the Badlands? The Lakota people dubbed this region “mako sica,” or “bad lands,” long ago because its rocky terrain, lack of water and extreme temperatures made it difficult to traverse. Today, the Badlands are a great place for hiking, fossil hunting, taking a scenic drive and spotting wildlife.
Do I need reservations for Badlands?
Reservations are not required at either campground, it’s strictly “first come, first served” which is a good thing, and a bad thing.
Can you drive through the Badlands at night? I have done a night drive in the Badlands, Just take your time use your high beams when you can and take it slow. You may see something amazing. Dusk is the time when the animals are MOST active.
Can you Boondock in the Badlands?
The so-called Badlands Boondocking dispersed camping area is located just north of the National Park on State Highway 240, which connects the Badlands to the town of Wall, SD. The camping area is approximately 3 miles north of the Pinnacles Entrance to Badlands National Park.
Is the interior entrance to Badlands open? Park Hours. Badlands National Park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Entrance fees are collected year round. In the winter or in extreme weather events, roads going through the Badlands may be closed.
Do you have to pay to camp at Badlands?
For those interested in front-country camping, the park offers two official campgrounds. The Cedar Pass Campground is a paid campground with 96 sites total, some designated for RV camping with electric hookups.
How many days do you need in Wind Cave National Park? How long to stay in Wind Cave National Park: You can see Wind Cave in two days, with one each dedicated to underground and aboveground sights. Combined with more sites in the Black Hills region, your trip could easily occupy a full week.
