Walk Through 244,000 Acres Of Rock Formations At South Dakota’s Badlands National Park

If you live in South Dakota, you have probably visited the Badlands more times than you can count, which means their significance may have worn off through the years. Agree? While this happens to natives and uneducated visitors alike, it is essential to know the history of this unique area, which includes a whopping 244,000 acres of historical rock formations. The size alone makes Badlands the best national park to visit in South Dakota. And there are certainly so many things to do at Badlands National Park!

Located in southwest SoDak, Badlands National Park is arguably one of the most unique in America, thanks to both its one-of-a-kind landscape and native wildlife.

And if you've never seen photos of the Badlands in South Dakota, get ready for some of the most stunning scenery in the country!

Formed by geologic forces of deposition and erosion some 69 million years ago, the Badlands (and Great Plains) were once covered by an ancient sea that finally retreated, revealing these incredible buttes and pinnacles.

What gives the formations such distinct colors? It is thanks to the previously mentioned erosion, which not only peeled away but revealed sedimentary layers of red and orange (iron oxides), white (volcanic ash), purple and yellow (shale), and gray and tan (gravel and sand).

Long after the Badlands were formed, they proved to be a vital hunting area for Native Americans, with some of the earliest residents inhabiting the pinnacles 11,000+ years ago.

While the Badlands are no longer used for hunting and gathering, there is still plenty to do during your visit to this rocky 244,000-acre wonderland, including camping, landscape and wildlife photography, driving the famous Loop Road, and hiking.

Speaking of hiking, no matter your experience level, you are guaranteed to find the perfect trail for you, as the Badlands offer 5 trails ranging from an easy 0.7 miles to a more grueling 14.6 miles. Visiting the SD Badlands is certainly an adventure!

We are sure that these Badlands photos will make you want to visit if you never have before. Badlands National Park is open year-round, with an entrance fee per private vehicle (which is valid for 7 days).

For more information on the Badlands and current weather conditions, please visit the National Park Service's website.

Take a look at this video by @finleyholiday:

What are some of the things to do at Badlands National Park do you enjoy? If you love hiking here, be sure to download the AllTrails+ app.

Take a few minutes to tell us about another historic national park to visit in South Dakota that you would like us to showcase. To learn more about the Badlands, check out these nine mistakes everyone makes when visiting South Dakota’s Badlands National Park.