The Uneven 1-Mile Trail in Badlands National Park, South Dakota, Worth the Trek

In a place like Badlands National Park, you don’t find a lot of lengthy South Dakota hiking trails. There’s a good reason for that. In a spot as desolate (yet still stunningly beautiful) as the Badlands, there is very little shade. Even a short, under 1-mile hike like the Door Trail can be extremely challenging when exposed to the national park’s rugged elements. While just 0.8 miles long, this uneven hike rewards those who get off the pavement with epic views of the jagged landscape.

As always in Badlands National Park, it’s best to avoid hiking in the heat of the day. Early morning or toward sunset is your hiking sweet spot. While the Door Trail is a short-and-sweet, out-and-back trek, you’re still going to cover some rough terrain. The trail begins on a boardwalk, but you’ll quickly head down a set of stairs to a primitive trail. Here, you’ll need to follow the trail that is marked with yellow posts. 

Be sure to stay on the marked trail. This is both for the protection of the landscape and for your benefit. It's not uncommon to find prairie rattlesnakes slithering across the path. While it's only a 32-foot elevation gain, you’re going to want a good pair of shoes to tackle the terrain. When on the boardwalk portion of the trail, you’ll be treated to rock formations rising seemingly out of nowhere from the Midwest prairie. Once you get off the boardwalk, you’ll get up close and personal with the rock formations and be treated to panoramic views of the canyon below.

If you’ve ever seen the film Nomadland, you’re going to feel like you’re Frances McDormand frolicking around in the scene that takes place on the Fossil Exhibit National Recreation Trail. That trailhead is just 7 miles away, so you’ll easily understand the vibe. 

There are only 10 parking spaces available at the trailhead, so you’ll want to arrive early. Remember to bring plenty of water, as even a short hike in this terrain can quickly become taxing. In addition to watching out for snakes, keep your eyes peeled for other wildlife that calls the area home, such as bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, prairie dogs, and mule deer. I’ve visited this trail many times in the spring and had the privilege of catching glimpses of baby bighorn sheep.

After your hike, be sure to drive the rest of the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway. There are lots of small yet rewarding routes like the Door Trail scattered throughout the park. When you're ready to refuel, grab lunch at Cedar Pass Lodge. The item I look forward to scarfing down on every trip to the Badlands is the delicious Indian fry bread tacos. There is also a small general store and gift shop on-site. You're also right next to the visitor center. If you want to extend your trip, Cedar Pass Lodge offers comfortable cabin rentals. 

Badlands National Park is a place I find myself returning to time and time again. No matter how many times I tackle South Dakota hiking trails, spots like Door Trail keep calling me back.  Feeling inspired? Try planning your own South Dakota trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.