South Dakota
Nature|National & State Parks

The Sunrises At Badlands National Park In South Dakota Are Worth Waking Up Early For

Badlands National Park in South Dakota offers breathtaking sunrises and scenic trails for early risers and nature enthusiasts.

Updated Apr 7, 2022

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Early birds certainly have a bit of advantage on the night owls - especially when it comes to catching sensational sunrises. Even if you're a night owl, however, chances are you're going to want to stay up really late or get up really early to sit back, relax, and watch a breathtaking sunrise at Badlands National Park, a unique national park to visit in South Dakota.

If you’re planning a visit to this incredible national park, there’s no better time to visit than during National Park Week. Learn all about this celebration of America’s great outdoors — including fee-free days throughout the year!

We certainly have no shortage of gorgeous spots to watch the sunrise in South Dakota. Most of us would probably agree, however, that you just can't beat a sunrise at Badlands National Park.

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Trip Advisor/Randi T.

Even if you're just going for a leisurely morning drive through the park, you might be lucky enough to see the sky painted in shades of purple and pink.

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Flickr/Tim Vritska

Journey up to Sheep Mountain Table - pictured below - for sensational sunrises followed by a bit of exploration. Follow the Sheep Mountain Table Trail, for example, for a tranquil morning adventure.

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Flickr/sethgraham.photos

The trail spans just over 14.5 miles and doesn't get incredibly busy. It's also dotted with wildflowers and overlooks. Because it's a dirt-packed trail, you can hike it or bike it.

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Flickr/Kenneth Cole Schneider

One morning make your way to Panorama Point, a prime spot for viewing the sunrise or for just admiring the landscape, which goes on for miles and miles.

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Flickr/Jason

You'll also enjoy spellbinding views of the White River Valley. If you've ever been to the Big Foot Pass Overlook, you'll notice the views are quite similar.

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Flickr/Matthew Paulson

If you like starting your day off with a leisurely hike, set off on The Door Trail for views like the one below. The trail clocks in at just under a mile and features...

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Flickr/Navin Rajagopalan

Rock formations and wildflowers. It's an easy trail that's geared toward hikers of all ages and skill levels.

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Flickr/Larry Goodwin

Find more information on the official website of Badlands National Park. Or, go here for Facebook.

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Flickr/Chris Ford

Would you agree that this is THE national park to visit in South Dakota? Do you have a favorite spot in Badlands National Park in South Dakota to watch the sunrise? Let us know in the comments! If it's been too long since you've hit the highway on a road trip, follow the road trip to some of the most impressive caves and waterfalls in South Dakota.

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Nature|National & State Parks

The Breathtaking Small Town State Park in South Dakota That We Can’t Stop Thinking About

Sturgis is a small town in South Dakota famous for its motorcycle rally, but perhaps it should be famous for its natural wonders like this one.

Published Sep 19, 2024

Written by 

Tori Jane

Crazy-but-true fun fact: South Dakota is home to 63 state and National Park sites. Seriously! That might sound like quite a lot, but given how amazing our state truly is, perhaps it's not all that enormous a revelation. Nevertheless, several of these South Dakota state parks are out-of-the-way and exist only near small towns - like, for instance, Bear Butte State Park.

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The main draw to Bear Butte State Park is, of course, Bear Butte itself, a 4,436-foot-tall summit from which you can see four different states. In Lakota, the mountain's name is Mato Paha, or "Bear Mountain." It is truly an incredible sight to behold.

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Clint/Flickr

Hikers will be thrilled to learn that there are nine amazing miles of trails weaving all over the park, and exploring it on foot is easily one of the best ways to take it all in.

Bear Butte is gorgeous, but the surrounding landscape is utterly awe-inspiring, and together they form an entire work of art on one beautiful canvas. Bear Butte Lake is picturesque at worst, offering crystal-clear, cool water that often reflects the sky above, be it crystalline blue or overcast and grey.

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Traveling skier/TripAdvisor 

This place has enormous cultural significance to this day, and every so often you might find prayer bundles along the trails. Please do not disturb these - they are not litter!

Should you be the camping type, you're in luck (woohoo!) - there are two gorgeous campgrounds near the lake just waiting to be booked. Need more to do once you're checked in? Wander around nearby Sturgis for a little while. Sturgis is famous for its enormous annual motorcycle rally, but I promise the town is wonderful year-round as well.

While you're at it, check out all the fun things to do in Sturgis from our friends at Viator. If you find you can't get enough South Dakota at any given time, check out all the best places to visit in South Dakota next time you have a moment to be fully immersed in all things Mt. Rushmore State.

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Nature|National & State Parks

The Notch Trail Is A Hidden Adventure In South Dakota Worthy Of A Day Hike

Published Jul 8, 2024

Written by 

Tori Jane

Sometimes, all we want to do is get out and enjoy the world - and all the amazing things within it. Lucky for us, South Dakota just so happens to be a wonderland filled to the brim with awe-inspiring views, geological wonders, and more - all of which are worthy of a day trip (or longer). Hidden away in Badlands National Park is one of the best hikes in the entire state. Known as the Notch Trail, this awesome journey is idyllic and magical without being too lengthy. Of all the amazing hikes in South Dakota, this one is among the best!

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Badlands National Park is like something out of a dream - surreal, beautiful, and nearly alien.

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Annmarie Croswell/AllTrails

With 17 incredible trails to choose from, it might be kinda tough to decide which one to play with, so let me help you choose: Do the Notch Trail. I promise it's an incredible adventure.

In the spring and summer, wildflowers abound.

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John Condon/AllTrails

The trail is open year-round, though the warmer months are by far the best times to show up. Just bring plenty of water! You'll have to leave your pup at home, though, as unfortunately, no dogs are permitted here.

Along the way, you'll spot various wonderful geological features sure to fascinate and intrigue.

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Barry Smith/AllTrails

First, you'll meander through a jaw-dropping canyon formed over millions of years of erosion via wind and water. Marvel at the history of this incredible planet on plain display at Badlands National Park - on this incredible loop trail especially.

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Drop-offs are common, so watch your footing - don't fall!

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Kristin Povinelli/AllTrails

Wear sturdy, good. hiking shoes and keep your eyes peeled - the views along this whole hike are truly incredible. There are some spots with decent shade, but not many, so plan accordingly, and arrive early in the day for the best results.

If you've got a fear of heights, well, perhaps this one isn't for you.

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Seth Durbin/AllTrails

But if you ARE up for heights, amazing views, and more... boy oh boy, is this hike for you. Folks can't get enough of this amazing adventure.

Of all the scenic hiking trails in South Dakota, this one is among the best of the best.

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Aaron Glaze/AllTrails

For more information about this incredible hiking trail in South Dakota, check out the official Notch Trail AllTrails listing. Thinking about cranking your hiking game up to 11? Check out all the cool perks that come with an AllTrails Plus subscription!

Do you know of any amazing hikes in South Dakota? Tell me about 'em in the comments!

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