The Cathedral Spires trail is one of the most stunning hikes found in Custer State Park in South Dakota.

The Cathedral Spires trail is located south of Sylvan Lake on the state park’s famous Needless Highway. As you can guess from the name, the hike takes you directly to the Cathedral Spires, or “The Spires” as locals call them.

These Spires are stunning, and highly unusual rock formations, which were formed millions of years ago and slowly eroded into granite formations that look like claws jutting out of the landscape. Because of their unique beauty, they are a registered national natural landmark within the state park. This is definitely a trail you shouldn’t miss – not only do you go through some beautiful forested areas, but once you reach the Spires it’ll feel like you are about to climb Mount Doom with Frodo Baggins in Lord of the Rings.

The length of the hike is about 2.3 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 500 feet. It can take you approximately 1:30-3 hours depending on how long you stop for pictures, or how long you want to hang out in this gorgeous trail; of course, your fitness level will also determine how long you need to hike.

This trail is marked as “moderate to strenuous” on the sign that leads to the hike because there is a steep section over boulders you will need to climb – this is by far the toughest part of the hike. There are other some parts where you will encounter rocky areas and might be a bit more daunting, but all in all it shouldn’t be too hard.

Tip: In the summer, be prepared for thunderstorms which can bring along hail, lighting, and rain. Make sure you bring the appropriate clothing (more on this later on the blog).

The Cathedral Spires hike

There is a very small parking section in the beginning of the trail; many try to park on the side of the curved road to get some extra space. When you park, you’ll immediately notice rock formations at the start of the trail which will give you a small taste of what is yet to come. Trust me when I tell you that this hike is totally worth the physical effort, as soon as you reach the Cathedral Spires you will be floored! The amazing views and opportunity to explore the area will lead to some memorable photos.

Tip: Custer State Park hosts a scavenger hunt throughout its many trails and attractions. The Spires is the site of one, so keep your eyes peeled for the clue!

To follow the trail, look for the painted blue diamonds identifying the path you need to take; the diamonds can be found either on rocks or trees. At the beginning of the trail, you will have to go up a few wooden steps, which are wider than you would expect. There are also several streams crossing from the trail including one where you will need to practice your balance skills! Remember you don’t need to be a mountain goat to hike this trail, but it has some challenging sections.

After a steep climb you will arrive at the base of the Cathedral Spires where you can find the best views of this amazing rock formations. You can continue following the trail until the end where you can find a couple areas to sit and relax. For the views it’s not really worth it, as the best view/photos is when you reach the canyon and you’ll just need to turn around.

Tip: You can combine the Cathedral Spires hike with the Little Devils Tower trail and Black Elk Peak trail #4. You will find a sign indicating the branch for these hikes in the Cathedral Spires trail. You can take a short cut to Little Devils Tower cutting your time in half by using the trail fork from the Spires. We highly recommend to do so you’ll save time and lots of energy.

Parking

There is a small parking space at the start of the trail located on Needles Highway. We highly recommend that you visit the Cathedral Spires early in the morning as it can get very busy and you probably will have a hard time to find parking.

What to bring

Sturdy shoes: Make sure they are suitable for rugged terrain. Even though we hiked in sneakers and we did just fine, it’s better to bring hiking shoes especially if the weather doesn’t cooperate with you. Below are our recommendations:

For women: Oboz sawtooth II low b-dry hiking shoe

For men: Oboz sawtooth II low b-dry hiking shoe

Water: Essential for when you are doing any hike. The Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle is a great choice as it is sturdy and comfortable to drink from; rolls up for compact travel; and attaches to your bag for quick access.

Extra clothes: It will be colder and windier as you go up. Make sure you bring a light jacket so that you don’t feel cold when you reach the Cathedral Spires.

Sunscreen: Vital during any hike! Protect your face by wearing Supergoop! and your body by wearing Coppertone.

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The Crazy Horse Monument, South Dakota, gives you the chance to have access to one of the best Native American cultural experiences in the country.

It’s always been about some version of cowboys vs Indians bouncing around my head. Some of my earliest memories were dressed up from head to toes in full Washington Redskins gear cheering the team on against the hated Dallas Cowboys. As I’ve grown older, this theme has played out time and time again leading to a love of all things Native American; eventually leading, in my opinion, to one of the most fascinating people in history – Crazy Horse. Coming to this memorial you are witnessing history in the making.

Crazy Horse is one of those figures in history that make other men look insignificant – a person who put the needs of his people above his own eventually leading to the ultimate sacrifice. I’ve always been fascinated by these larger-than-life heroes, who grow to mythic proportions in one’s imagination. It’s only appropriate that when we arrived at the memorial, we saw the most ambitious sculpture – Crazy Horse literally being carved out from a mountain. Simply put this was a jaw dropping moment. While you only have his head and top of his arm carved, it’s impressive to see how the mountain is transforming into a hero mounted on his horse pointing the way for his people.

Who was Crazy Horse?

Crazy Horse, born as a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe about 40 miles away from the current memorial site, lived during one of the most tumultuous periods of the American West. His story, that of war, leadership, and ultimately betrayal, is quintessential to the history of the West.

His most famous moment in history was the Battle of Little Big Horn which, in 1876, Crazy Horse shined in all his warrior glory leading a band of Lakota against Custer’s Seventh U.S. Cavalry battalion. Thanks to his leadership, the battle was a victory for the Lakota people – Custer and 289 others lay dead versus only 32 Indians. This was considered the biggest defeat ever to the United States Army until the 20th century.

To do the man justice, I recommend you read this excellent book, The Journey of Crazy Horse: A Lakota History, written by a member of the Oglala Lakota. The museum itself has a great summary about Crazy Horse’s life and what he meant to both his people, and the West on their website.

About the Memorial

When Chief Henry Standing Bear and other Lakota Chiefs partnered with sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski to begin work on the memorial, Ziolkowski had to rely on the descriptions from surviving members of the Battle of Little Bighorn. Crazy Horse was infamous for refusing to have his picture taken; like others he believed the camera stole a person’s soul.

Read blog: What to see at Mount Rushmore: 8 things you can’t miss

The Crazy Horse Memorial represents a hero for Native Americans, carved out of their sacred hills of their own accord. It is no accident the memorial is juxtaposed so closely to Mt. Rushmore – Chief Standing Bear proudly stated to Ziolkowski “My fellow chiefs and I would like the white man to know that the red man has great heroes also.”

In accordance with both Chief Standing Bear and Ziolkowski, the memorial has created a scholarship fund for Native Americans. Thus, the memorial is not just a sculpture but a key actor in the community.

What you can do

There’s lots of stuff to do on the memorial grounds, so take some time to explore.

Take a bus to get closer to the memorial: Take a bus to get to the bottom of the mountain and get a close-up view of Crazy Horse. The cost is $4 per person and it’s approximately a 25 minute round-trip. This is also a great opportunity to learn plenty of interesting facts about the Memorial.

Join a trip to the top of the mountain:Van rides to the top of the mountain are available through charitable giving to Crazy Horse Memorial. These rides are offered from Monday to Friday in the afternoon and all day on Saturdays and Sundays.

Visit the Native American Educational and Cultural Center: This on-site museum (built directly from rock blasted off the mountain during carving) features lots of original artifacts from all Native American tribes and nations. Personally, I loved this museum as I could see the actual headdress of Black Elk, weapons used by warriors during Little big Horn, and cultural items from all over the North America. What really surprised me was the number of original items that were exhibited throughout the museum. On top of museum you’ll have plenty of hands on cultural activities such as storytelling sessions, traditional dances, and learning to play traditional instruments.

Stop by the Laughing Water Restaurant: If you’re hungry there is a restaurant right across the museum courtyard with a spectacular view called Laughing Water Restaurant. You’ll have local and traditional menu items to choose from, like the Tatanka Stew, made from local Buffalo, or the Native American Taco which is served on traditional fry bread.

Visit Ziolkowski carving gallery: For those how are interested in the work and life of Ziolkowski, you can visit his carving gallery, which further memorializes Native American culture, or stop by the original log home called the “Big Room”.

Enjoy the Legends in Light Laser Show: If you are visiting the Crazy Horse Memorial between May 28, 2021 through September 30, 2021 enjoy a laser-light show which uses the Mountainside as a giant 500-foot “screen”. In addition to featuring colorful animations, the show features sound effects and laser beams choreographed to music.

Will Crazy Horse Memorial ever be finished?

Yes…one day! The current plan’s focus for the next 5 years is finishing the head, half the hair, shoulders, part of the chest, the extended arm and the horse’s head. However, this is an ideal plan if weather and funding cooperate.

The entire memorial is funded by public donations, this includes the administrative costs of running the park, the museum, and the work on the sculpture itself. This is the main reason as to why the sculpture has taken so long to complete; the other is due to the immense amount of rock they had to blast in order to start sculpting. All fees in the park – from entrance fees to bus rides – go directly to the operation of the memorial. As you can imagine, taking federal funds would be a betrayal to both Crazy Horse and the Lakota, so any little extra you donate is an immense step towards completion.

While Ziolkowski has passed away, his family has continued on his legacy in sculpting the memorial and ensuring the same principles are continued to be followed.

How long does it take to go through Crazy Horse Memorial?

You can spend quite a bit of time here as the memorial offers a variety of museums, tours, and events. Expect anywhere from 1-3 hours depending on the event schedule.

Tip: Events are all based around local Native American culture and history. You can enjoy special events, daily shows, cultural workshops and more.

Entrance Fee

Admission to the memorial is about $30, depending on how many people are in your vehicle when you pull up. The memorial’s website has a breakdown of cost, and the entrance fee is good for a readmittance to the memorial grounds that lasts up to three days.

Tip: The bus ride around the memorial is not included, but it’s only $4 per person extra. The guided van tour is a $125 per persona but is a charitable donation used to finish the monument.

Hours

The memorial is open year-round and usually from 8am-9pm. However, the times can change due to time of year and or events. Make sure to visit their website to get a detailed update.

Location

12151 Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, SD 57730. The Crazy Horse Memorial is located:

• 17 miles from Mt Rushmore
• 11 miles from Custer State Park
• 10 miles from Hill City
• 4 miles from Custer

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Learn about what you can’t miss when visiting this national monument.

When you think of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore is typically the first thing that comes to mind. Located in Keystone, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial pays tribute to four US presidents who symbolize the ideals of freedom and democracy.

The 60-foot four presidential figures were carved into Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. Gutzon Borglum was the visionary behind the sculpture’s design and oversaw the project’s execution, done in an exhausting pace, from 1927 to 1941 with the help of his son.

Borglum selected the four presidents he believed represented the most important events in American history: George Washington, the first president; Thomas Jefferson, who drafted the Declaration of independence; Theodore Roosevelt, who spearheaded the nation into the future while protecting its most valued resource by creating National Parks; and Abraham Lincoln, who preserved the Union in its most difficult period.

Over 450,000 tons of rock were removed from Mount Rushmore to be able to sculpt the four presidential faces. In all, 90% of the rock had to be removed with dynamite, just to being sculpting; the remaining work involved drilling with jackhammers and wedging the rock off the mountain.

We visited Mount Rushmore twice: once in the morning and we went back in the evening for the lighting ceremony. Below are a few considerations and tips you should know about when planning a visit to Mount Rushmore.

You don’t need a lot of time in Mount Rushmore and you can combine your visit with Crazy Horse. However, we do recommend you walk the Presidential Trail – it was the highlight of our visit. Plan to spend between 1-2 hours.

When should you visit Mount Rushmore?

Over 2 million visitors visit Mount Rushmore every year with the busiest months being June, July, and August. I recommend you visit Mount Rushmore in the early morning, as it’s the best time to take the iconic photo of the four presidents. You’ll not only have great lighting but the park will be fairly empty.

There are several activities you can do when visiting Mount Rushmore. See below our favorites:

What can you do in Mount Rushmore?

Walk the Presidential Trail: The Presidential Trail is a 0.6 mile walk which has a total of 422 steps scattered throughout. It’s not difficult to do, so if you have time, I highly recommend that you walk the whole trail. Watch for the wildlife – we saw a few deer when walking the trail.

Tip: If you are feeling tired, walk the trail in a clockwise direction, as you will go down the stairs instead of up for most of the trail. However, in my opinion the best pictures (the presidents’ faces framed by trees) are closer to the end of the trail, so if you are short for time walk the trail on the opposite direction.

As you “get closer” to each of the presidents, there are a few signs where you can learn some basic information about each, including when they were born, career and national highlights, among others.

Take an amazing photo of George Washington from stop 15 of the Presidential Trail: Stop 15 in the trail is a cave. Please go in as you will be able to take a great shot of George Washington. When you walk into the cave you will notice a whole where you can see George Washington’s face.

Walk the Avenue of Flags: The Avenue of Flags showcases flags which represent 56 states and territories. There is a great photo opportunity here where you can capture the flags and the presidential faces in the background.

Get an ice cream made with Jefferson’s original recipe: Head to the Carvers Café to try the vanilla ice cream based on Thomas Jefferson’s original recipe from 1780. It’s delicious! Note that you can purchase ice cream at the café from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. There was quite a line when we decided to get the ice cream so be prepared to have to wait. The best part: they serve massive portions!

Witness the lighting ceremony: From May through September, you can watch a ceremony at the outdoor Amphitheater. This is an opportunity to watch a video, the flag lowering ceremony, and the salute to veterans. The ceremony culminates with the lighting of the memorial.

• August 15 – September 30, 2021 – 8:00 p.m.
• October 1, 2021 – May 26, 2022 – No ceremony, sculpture is illuminated nightly at sunset.
• May 27 – August 13, 2022 – 9:00 p.m.
• August 14 – September 30, 2022 – 8:00 p.m.

Tip: Since it was full of people and we didn’t want to spend a long time waiting in line when the crowds all left at the same time, we paid for parking in advance, snapped the pictures quickly, and ran to our car so were among the first ones to leave. It’s like leaving a stadium at the end of game.

Take several shots of the presidents’ faces: There are several places where you can get different perspectives of the presidents’ faces, so do not only take a picture from the Grand View Terrace. The Presidential Trail offers magnificent shots throughout.

Visit the Sculptor’s Studio: Here you will learn about Gutzon Borglum, the carving process, demonstrations of the tools, and the details of the lives of the workers. The studio is now open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during the summer. Schedules are posted at both the Information Center and Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center.

Join Ranger walks (30 minutes): You can join these at various locations throughout Mount Rushmore. Schedules are also posted at the Information Center and Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center.

How much does it cost to visit Mount Rushmore?

The entrance to Mount Rushmore is free. However, you will have to pay for US$10 to park. Parking fees can be paid with cash or credit card at the several automatic ticket machines located throughout.

No visit to South Dakota is complete without a visit to Mount Rushmore. Take the chance to soak up the history of Mount Rushmore by exploring this amazing monument.

What should you bring to Mount Rushmore?

Make sure you bring comfortable shoes to walk around the National Monument as well as water and a hat to protect you from the sun.

We are part of several affiliate programs including Amazon and Viator which means that we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through the links included in this blog.

Badlands National Park, USA: Like a white river cutting through the Prairie, the Badlands of South Dakota is an unforgettable icon of the American West. Learn the best tips to spend the perfect day in this amazing park.

When we told a few of our friends about our plans to visit South Dakota, they were shell-shocked – we were asked many times why the heck we would even want to go to the middle of nowhere. I was puzzled by this response as with a little bit of help from Google, I kept seeing some of the most amazing attractions, and all within a close proximity, that are unique to South Dakota. It’s obvious many people only think of Mt. Rushmore when South Dakota is mentioned, and few are aware of the beauty of its otherworldly parks dotted throughout. However, Badlands stands a cut above the rest.

I know this might sound like a cliché, but I will say it anyway: The Badlands National Park blew our minds away. The beauty of this park is something that everyone should experience once in their lifetime. And since I have been back, I have been encouraging everyone to go.

Why is Badlands National Park famous?

The Badlands National Park houses one of the world’s richest fossil beds and consists of 244,000 acres full of canyons, pinnacles, buttes, and spires. Basically, it’s a photographer’s dream.

One of the aspects that impressed me the most was the utter silence you could experience at Badlands. I remember being at the Yellow Mounds Overlook, telling my husband to sit down and just “listen” to the silence all around us. We stayed there for a few minutes, absorbed in the natural silence, and soaking in the amazing landscape. It was an intense experience as we enjoyed the feeling of totally being alone in nature.

There are several species of wildlife who are really privileged to live in the park including pronghorn antelope, mule deer, prairie dogs and bison. We drove the famous Sage Creek Rim Road where we spent quite a bit of time looking at the bison – one evening we spent a couple of hours surrounded by the creatures! It’s really funny to watch how buffalo block the road and they don’t care if there is a long line of cars trying to move past.

What to do

Drive Badlands Loop Road (SD 240): Drive along the stunning ancient rock formations, cliffs, and colorful spires. Try to keep your eyes on the road, as the landscape constantly shifts around and it is simply mesmerizing. The road is a serpentine 40 mile loop, but you will stop frequently at the overlooks to take in the scenery and take hundreds of pictures (we took over 1000 pictures during our 7-day trip to South Dakota!). All in all, it takes 40-50 minutes but expect to spend a couple hours or more due to the stops, which are well worth the time. SD 240 is a winding road with several sharp turns so please drive carefully.

Do a hike or two: There are several trails to choose from in Badlands National Park. We hiked the Notch Trail which is the most popular and offers amazing views as well as a cool log ladder to climb. It’s short and not too strenuous so you can combine it with the Window 0.4 km (round trip) and Door trails 1.2 km (round trip), which are also short and easy, and conveniently located very close to the Notch Trail.

Read blog: Hiking the Notch Trail in Badlands National Park 3 things you must know

Other hikes that are more demanding and take more time are the Castle Trail (16 km round trip that cuts across open Prairie) and the Medicine Root Loop Trail (6.4 km round trip). We didn’t do these hikes as it was way too hot for us.

Stop by the overlooks: There are 16 overlooks along the loop road. The map you will receive when you enter the park lists all of them but it’s really easy to find them as you just need to follow the road. All overlooks offer great views, but our favorites were: Big Badlands Overlook, Pinnacles Overlook, and Yellow Mounds Overlook. Do not miss these overlooks as they will all take your breath away. Park your car when you reach the overlooks and explore the surroundings. There are a few paths you can follow to get closer to the rock formations and take pictures from several angles.

Read blog: Things to do in Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Tip: Watch out for the rattle sneaks. There are several signs warning about these animals. Thankfully we didn’t see any during our trip but please be careful.

Say hi to the wildlife: Seeing bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs, along with other animals, was one of the best experiences at Badlands National Park. Some of them won’t event react to your presence (goats) while others might get scared (prairie dogs) or just ignore you (bison). There is nothing cooler than seeing these animals in the closest thing to their natural habitat, and essentially in the wild. It really evoked memories of the stories of the Old West with animals meandering along the plains.

When to go

In summer (when we visited) temperatures can be brutal, so you should keep in mind that you won’t be able to be outside for a long time without getting drenched from head to toes. Also, thunderstorms can pop up out of nowhere in the afternoon; remember to pack adequate gear and take shelter. In winter, temperatures drop significantly and some of the roads can be closed. The shoulder season might bring lower accommodation prices, better temperatures, and smaller crowds.

How much time do you need at Badlands?

If you are pressed for time, you can stop at the main viewpoints and do a hike or two all in one day. However, we recommend you spend two days at this amazing park. Trust me when I tell you that the landscapes will take your breath away, and the evening hours provide a totally different experience. There were some overlooks that we enjoyed so much that we ended up visiting twice. If you don’t mind waking up early, head to the park in the early hours – you’ll feel as if the park as hardly anyone will be around.

Entrance fees and opening times

To enter to the Badlands National Park costs $30 per vehicle and is valid for 7 days. There is also an annual pass that costs $80. It is valid for one year from the month of purchase. Badlands National Park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Where to stay

We highly recommend you stay in the town of Wall, located approximately 10-15 minutes away from the entrance to Badlands National Park, where you will quickly reach the Pinnacles overlook. Wall is really small (I don’t recall seeing more than one traffic light) and there are a few motels and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat. We stayed both at the Days Inn and America Best Value Inn Wall. Both hotels were clean and comfortable – however, don’t expect luxury.

If you have time, visit Wall Drug, which is a popular attraction in the town and it started as a pit stop for free ice. The entire complex encompasses nearly 76,000 square feet so I’m sure you will find something to buy and take home. Wall Drug is also famous to grab 5 cent coffee and a homemade donut while visiting.

Tip: Service at some of the restaurants in Wall are slow…really slow and the food is inconsistent. Expect to wait 45 minutes for your food. Plan accordingly so that it doesn’t delay your schedule.

Alternatively, you can stay at the Cedar Pass Lodge located inside Badlands National Park which offers cabins and campgrounds. Make sure to book your reservation in advance as it can get filled up quickly – especially during the high season.

Where to eat while visiting Badlands

There is a restaurant at the Cedar Pass Lodge which offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We didn’t eat there so I can’t share our personal experience. We decided to drive to Wall instead and go the restaurant Red Rock. We ate hamburgers and they were nothing to write home about or anywhere for that matter. Service was also really slow. When we stopped at Wall Drug later in the day it was full of people so if you want to grab a bite to eat at this place note that you probably will spend quite some time waiting. Frankly, we recommend you stop by the local grocery store and make a picnic for lunch or dinner.

What to bring along

Hiking shoes: We brought sneakers and we did fine. But if we were visiting the Badlands National Park again, I would make sure to bring hiking shoes – especially if you are hiking the more arduous trails. If you are worried about rattlesnakes, you can always purchase a pair of snake guards that goes over your shoes/boots.

For women: Oboz sawtooth II low b-dry hiking shoe

For men: Oboz sawtooth II low b-dry hiking shoe

Sunscreen: Essential as you will be outside for most of the day. I recommend Supergoop! for your face and Coppertone for your body.

Hat: Another must bring item to protect against the sun’s heat is a hat. You can’t go wrong with The North Face Washed Norm Hat.

Water: Bring along water with you. We recommend the Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle which you can fill at the hotel in advance. Some overlooks have water fountains available to fill bottles.

We are part of several affiliate programs including Amazon and Viator which means that we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through the links included in this blog.

The Notch Trail in Badlands National Park is, by far, the best hike in the park. Not only it is easy, but you’ll have the best views of the park and the surrounding Prairie.

The Notch Trail is the most popular hike in Badlands National Park, famous for its stark landscape and awe-inspiring views. This trail also features the most “instagramable” landmark of the Badlands – the log ladder. The Notch trail is an easy hike, perfect for beginners (the only difficult part is descending the ladder, and that was nothing to write home about).

As I mentioned in my previous blog, we traveled to South Dakota in August and the summer heat made it almost unbearable to be outside – especially during peak hours. To avoid the heat and crowds, we decided to wake up really early (6:30 am) for our hike to the Notch Trail. Our hotel was about 15 minutes away, so we had the park all to ourselves.

Doing the hike, or any hike in the Badlands, needs to take into account the heat – there is hardly any shade (mostly coming from the shadows of the rock outcrops) on the trail. Make sure you avoid the searing heat if you hike the trail in the summer. Arriving early had the added benefit that we encountered hardly anyone in the trail, which allowed us to take our time to enjoy the park, and we had no issue finding parking.

How do you get to the Notch Trail?

The Notch Trail can be accessed near the northeast entrance of the Badlands National Park, which is found before the visitor center, and you’ll immediately recognize it by the rock formations and large parking area. This serves as the trailhead for many other hikes, with the Door and Window trails close by and the big trek across the Prairie, the Castle tail, across the street. For your convenience, park at the southern end (farthest part from the entrance) of the parking lot as you will be closer to the start of the trail.

Tip: I recommend you hike during the early morning since the sun will provide perfect lighting for your photos. There are tons of animals around, including rattlesnakes – thankfully we never encountered any during the morning hike.

How long does it take to hike the Notch Trail?

The Notch Trail is not too long (1.5 miles/2.4 km roundtrip) and it can take you between 1.5 to 2 hours depending on how long you stop for photos. The trail is marked as moderate to strenuous on the park’s official website. For Christian and I who are not hikers by any means, the hike was moderate and really easy in many parts. I believe it’s doable for most people, but it’s not recommended for anyone who has a fear of heights. The ladder looks more intimidating than it is, but you will be fairly high up. Once you reach the Notch itself, you may not want to look down as you will be high above the Prairie.

The trail is well marked, and easy to follow; there is a sign at the start warning that there is rough terrain ahead, and pets are not allowed. You will also see signs warning of rattlesnakes along the way so be careful – keep your eyes and ears open. Fortunately, we didn’t encounter any during the two days we spent at Badlands National Park, however they are a common predator in the area. Once you are ready to start the hike, you will follow a gravel and mostly flat road, which is not hard at all, throughout the lower end of the trail.

After a few minutes, you will get to the famed wooden ladder (do not forget to take a picture at this location, both from the bottom and the amazing perspective from the summit). If there are people going up or down, you will need to wait for your turn as it only allows for one-way traffic.

It’s not difficult but if you have a fear of heights it might be challenging. It was scarier to go down (for me) but I didn’t have any problems. Hold tight to the wooden logs and don’t look down while you descend. There is a part where you will feel tempted to hop off and walk down the side as the cliff transitions to the trail, be careful as this is very slippery.

After ascending the ladder, the trail gently meanders along the ridge of the shallow canyon. There are some great moments to soak in on this part of the trail including tons of incredible rock formations all around you. You will have a great view of a mini-canyon from above – it is truly spectacular. When walking along the rocks, please watch your step as there are a few potentially unstable sections, nothing major but if you are not expecting it you may slip.

Read blog: Things to do in Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Avoid hiking this trail after it rains and wait for better weather conditions; the trail is naturally very dusty, and the rain will cover everything in slippery mud. Remember to keep looking behind you because the changing perspectives offers great photo opportunities where you can capture the ladder in its surroundings – the amazing landscape will take your breath away (blog banner photo)!

The trail ends with a beautiful view over the White River Valley where there is a moderate incline to reach it. In my opinion, the rock formations that you will see along the way were the highlight of the trail; my husband loved the views from the top of the ladder and the end of the trail. There is only one way back – you will have to retrace your steps to go back to the parking lot.

What should you bring along?

Hiking shoes: We hiked this trail in sneakers (and we even saw people hiking like mountain goats wearing flip flops). However, you will encounter some trickier parts along the trail, so it’s better to wear hiking shoes to avoid a possible mishap.

For women: Oboz sawtooth II low b-dry hiking shoe

For men: Oboz sawtooth II low b-dry hiking shoe

Sunscreen: As I mentioned before there is hardly if any, shade along the trail. Please avoid a sunburn by wearing sunscreen. I recommend Supergoop! for your face and Coppertone for your body.

Hat: The sun can be brutal, so bring a good hat with you. The North Face Washed Norm Hat is really cute!

Water: You will get thirsty (especially during the summer months) along the way so bring water with you. We recommend the Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle which you can fill at the hotel in advance.

We are part of several affiliate programs including Amazon and Viator which means that we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through the links included in this blog.

Check out what to do in Badlands National Park. Located in South Dakota, this park gives you a true taste of what natural beauty really is on the Great Plains.

Our trip to South Dakota exceeded all of our expectations. When planning our trip, we had seen beautiful landscapes of the real American West in the pictures, but they did not adequately prepare us for what we experienced. Breathtaking scenery combined with visits from the real locals – the wildlife – made this trip unforgettable. We highly recommend you visit this under-the-radar travel destination, especially those of you coming from overseas.

Visiting Badlands National Park was the highlight of the whole trip, even surpassing the beautiful Custer Park and the Black Hills. Millions of people visit Badlands every year; this national park is most known for its impressive geological formations and collection of animal fossils. Badlands offers 244,000 acres of wilderness where you can witness bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, bison, black-footed ferrets, among many other animals, in their natural habitat. The park is truly a photographer’s dream.

This was a last-minute trip and we traveled in August, which means almost unbearable high temperatures and lots of crowds. In order to beat both the heat and crowds, we had to wake up really early to avoid getting cooked by an almost desert sun. Remember, this is part of the Great Plains where temperatures can range from 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer to negative 35 in the winter. We ended up relaxing in our hotel during the hottest parts of the day.

However, waking up early and following this routine had a bonus: we had Badlands for ourselves. There was hardly anyone in the early morning or evening, which allowed us to experience the utter silence there is in the park – an experience I won’t ever forget.

Entrance fees and opening times

There are plenty of things you can do at Badlands, so if you can, I recommend you spend two days in the park. One day will allow you to stop at the overlooks and do one of the many hikes the park offers. However, if you area able to spend two days, you will have more time and flexibility to do more hikes and go back to your favorite overlooks. We stopped by the overlooks at different times of the day and took in the beauty in the park without having to rush in search for the next picture. Some of the best photos we took all happened at sunset with the park’s wildlife.

Note that Badlands is open 24 hours all year round. The entrance to the park costs $30 per vehicle. Because we knew that we were going to visit it several times, we decided to purchase an annual pass which cost us $80. The park is worth every penny and we ended up saving some money with the annual pass.

What should you not miss in Badlands National Park?

The North Unit of the park is the most popular. Here you will find the Badlands Loop Road with several overlooks around the road as well as the Sage Creek Rim Road.

Drive Badlands Loop Road (SD 240):

This is a must do when visiting Badlands National Park. You can access this road by heading south from Interstate 90 via Exit 110 (the town of Wall) or exit 131. The highway 240 loop road is a two-lane paved road so you won’t need a 4X4 vehicle; it’s an easy drive and the scenery will mesmerize you. This winding road with several sharp turns will allow you to see amazing angles of all the landscapes the park offers throughout the drive so be sure to have your camera ready. Driving the length of the loop road will take you around 1 hour, without stopping. However, it’s impossible not to stop, so it will take you longer than that.

Stop by the overlooks:

There are several signs along the way announcing visitors of upcoming overlooks. Overlooks are a fun and convenient way to experience the stark beauty of Badlands National Park since you can get out of your car and enjoy the view; take this chance to go “off the beaten path” and explore more of your surroundings.

Tip: In some of the overlooks, you will be able to walk around and get shots from different perspectives. Don’t miss the opportunity to do this but be careful where you step, the terrain might be slippery and please do not get near the edge. Also, the prairie rattlesnake is a common creature of the area, so keep your eyes – and ears – open.

There are 16 amazing overlooks throughout Badlands Loop Road, each with its own unique beauty. Here are a few of my favorites:

Pinnacles overlook: This overlook is the highest elevation in the North Unit and offers magnificent shots, especially in the evening. If you are lucky and it’s a clear day you might be able to see the Black Hills casually popping up in the background.

Keep an eye out for wildlife – we saw bighorn sheep and the cutest lamb grazing next to the parking area during our visit. This is one of the most popular overlooks in the loop road so it can get busy if you stop by in the peak hours. It is also a great spot to watch the sunset.

Yellow mounds overlook: This overlook was my favorite – it was hard to believe my eyes when I saw the colors dancing along the different rock formations. Yellow, purple, gray, green and reddish colored mounds were everywhere I looked. We took advantage to explore the area, and walked on top of the mounds which gave us even better views! Watch your step if you do so as it might get slippery. This overlook has a parking lot and provides views of some of the oldest layers in the park.

Conata Basin overlook: This overlook offers magnificent views of Badland’s ancient soils – the Yellow mounds and the interior paleosol. At this overlook, there is a bench where you can sit to take in the beauty of the park. Keep in mind this is also one of the classic photos of Badlands as you’ll see the mix of the zebra stripped hills mixing with other formations.

Panorama point overlook: The original names for the Badlands by the Lakota was “White River” or “White Hills”. This overlook really makes you understand why it was called the White River, as the white colored hills cut across the plains like giant river. It’s a stunning view where you can see the red zebra stripes contrasting with the stark white rocks.

Big Badlands overlook: Badlands is full of gorgeous landscapes perfect for photos, but there is one iconic photo that defines the park and this overlook offers it. At this overlook you can view the eastern portion of the Badlands wall and it’s just not possible to not be mesmerized by the red stripes of the rocks. This will be the one photo that is most associated with the park – hundreds of red zebra striped hills protruding from the landscape. There is nowhere else in the world to see such a sight; make sure you take this iconic image home with you. I can’t tell you how many pictures we ended up taking here – too many to count!

Catch a glimpse of the wildlife:

Sage Creek Rim Road (SD 590) can also be accessed from the Badlands Loop Road –the intersection is located north of the Pinnacles Overlook. This is a dusty road which offers a magnificent opportunity to witness the wildlife of the park. There are 4 overlooks located in this road where you can enjoy wonderful views.

Driving this road would allow you to see all the creatures native to the Great Plains, who are very fortunate to live in such an amazing setting. Look for bison, commonly known as buffalo, and don’t be surprised if they spend a long time blocking the road, as they meander along socializing with each other. Please don’t get out of your car and just roll your windows down to take pictures.

Bison are fantastic creatures and it’s really funny to watch them. You’ll see how they interact with one another, but what was funny to us was how they would roll on the ground (like a horse!) or use the posted sings to scratch their backs.

We also had the chance to visit the prairie dogs and their cute “houses”; these areas are called Prairie Dog Towns throughout the plains. Prairie dogs live family style and it’s really funny to see how they communicate with each other. Much like a close connected family they go visit each other’s dens and chat the day away, or watch the cars go past on the road. It’s difficult to get close to them as they might feel frightened and hurry to their “houses”.

Take a helicopter ride:

If you want to see Badlands National Park, take the opportunity to enjoy a helicopter ride. Black Hills Aerial Adventures offer flights starting from $49 per person. There are five different rides you can take. Please see all options in this link.

Popular hikes:

There are several hikes available at Badlands National Park. Because of the heat, we only did a couple of hikes. If you are pressed for time, we highly recommend you hike the Notch Trail. It’s not difficult and the views throughout the path are amazing! The door and window trails are really short so we recommend you do these as well.

For those hikers with more time, we recommend the castle and the medicine root loop trails. These will cut across the prairie and you will be exposed to the elements. While some experienced hikers we spoke with found this hike to be moderate, we were told for beginners it may be too strenuous and long.

What to bring

There are a few items that we recommend you bring to your visit to Badlands National Park if you are visiting during the summer months.

Hiking shoes: We brought sneakers which were fine for us. But if you are hiking other trails, please bring sturdy shoes. Below are my recommendations

For women: Oboz sawtooth II low b-dry hiking shoe

For men: Oboz sawtooth II low b-dry hiking shoe

Water: A must. Make sure to pack a refillable bottle as you can get water from one of the parks fountains. I recommend the Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle, which rolls up for compact travel.

Sunscreen: There is hardly any shade at the park and in summer, it gets really hot so make sure you protect your skin when visiting the park. I recommend Supergoop! for your face and Coppertone for your body.

Lip balm: Because of the heat I got cracked lips so it was handy to have brought the EOS lip balm to get rid of the uncomfortable feeling that having cracked lips brings along.

Hat: This is an absolute must to protect you from the heat. I recommend you bring along The North Face Washed Norm Hat.

Dramamine: I get vertigo really easily and fortunately I didn’t get dizzy when driving the loop road. If you are prone to getting dizzy, bring along Dramamine as there there are several loops and turns throughout the roads.

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