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The entire Park is open to hikers. All of the developed trails
start from parking areas within five miles of the Ben Reifel
Visitor Center at Cedar Pass. Established hiking trails are
short and of easy to moderate difficulty. Hikers considering
cross-country travel should carry maps, a compass, extra clothing,
and lots of water, as there are no sources of potable water
in the backcountry. You should discuss your route with a Park
ranger before beginning your hike.
Hiked
Check our personal notes for detailed descriptions of these trails:
| Cliff Shelf Nature Trail |
| Distance: |
.5 mile loop |
Rating: |
Moderate |
| Elevation: |
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Total Ascent: |
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| Trailhead: |
The parking lot cannot accommodate trailers. |
| Description: |
A pamphlet provides a lively introduction to the wild plants and animals living among the Badlands rock formations. The trail passes through a slump area where increased water retention supports an oasis of green surrounded by badlands formations. The trail includes some steeper sections and boardwalk stairs. |
| Door Trail |
| Distance: |
.5 mile loop |
Rating: |
Moderate |
| Elevation: |
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Total Ascent: |
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| Trailhead: |
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| Description: |
A short trip to the "baddest" of the Badlands. A boardwalk leads explorers to the carved landscape. A self-guiding brochure is available along the trail. |
| Fossil Exhibit Trail |
| Distance: |
.25 mile loop |
Rating: |
Easy |
| Elevation: |
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Total Ascent: |
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| Trailhead: |
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| Description: |
Wheelchair accessible. A boardwalk loop. A self-guiding brochure is available at the trailhead. |
Not Hiked
- Castle Trail
- Medicine Root Loop Trail
- Notch Trail
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- Saddle Pass Trail
- Window Trail
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South Unit
The South Unit of Badlands National Park is located on the
Pine Ridge Reservation. The 122,000 acres co-managed between
the National Park Service and the Oglala Sioux Tribe were
used by the U.S. Air Force as an aerial bombing range during
World War II. Today, the area remains littered with unexploded
ordnance. The South Unit is generally roadless. Paths that
are found are likely in poor condition or privately used tracks
for managing livestock. You must receive permission to cross
private land, even by foot.
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