9 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Visiting South Dakota’s Badlands National Park
The best time to visit Badlands National Park may be during National Park Week. It’s a celebration of America’s great outdoors – and one of the periods of fee-free days that occur throughout the year! If you’re visiting Badlands National Park in South Dakota for the first time, you’ll likely make a few critical errors on your trip. It’s okay – most everyone does at least some of the following things. But you’ll have a much more enjoyable trip if you avoid these nine mistakes.
The National Park Service recommends that you spend two days exploring Badlands National Park. The park encompasses 242,756 acres, and to thoroughly explore it, you'll want to take at least a couple hikes. One day just isn't enough to fully appreciate the beauty of this place.
2. Let your fear of wildlife keep you from enjoying the trails.
Yes, there are rattlesnakes at Badlands National Park. But honestly, many people never see one during their visit. Stay on the trails, especially through areas of high grass. Pay attention to where you're stepping and where you put your hands while climbing, and you'll avoid snakes.
While you shouldn't be overly afraid of the wildlife in the park, a good, healthy respect for the bison who live here is advised. These thousand-pound animals are usually quite docile, but you shouldn't get too close. Park regulations require a distance of at least 100 feet at all times.
It's hot and dry at Badlands National Park, especially during the summer. Most of the park is not shaded, and you'll be in direct sunlight. Bring plenty of water and keep yourself well hydrated to avoid heat exhaustion and sunstroke.
The scenery and wildlife along this road is so incredible that you definitely need to take some time here. Pull over and watch the hustle and bustle of a prairie dog town, or pause to take in a beautiful view.
Storms can come along a lot faster than you might expect, and lightning can strike well ahead. Find shelter during a thunderstorm, and avoid low places where flash flooding can occur. Dress in layers while hiking.
Now that you've got your sunscreen and a bottle of water, sit on a bench and just...be. Seriously, this majestic place can be a wonderful place to just sit and relax.
Flip-flops are perfect for the pool or beach, but they're the worst kind of footwear for Badlands National Park. You'll suffer pricks from cactus spines, insect bites and sunburns. If you plan on doing any hiking at all, you'll definitely need hiking boots or closed-toe shoes with decent tread - the terrain can be slick and slippery.
Get a feel for hiking the Badlands' Sage Creek Loop in this YouTube video from rob pelton:
So, knowing all this, is Badlands National Park worth visiting? Absolutely! Just pack correctly and bring the essentials, and you’ll be fine. What other mistakes have you made while visiting Badlands National Park? We’d love to hear your advice for visiting this beautiful national park.
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
