Badlands National Park guide · 1 min read
Notch, Castle and Saddle Pass Trails
Hiking is one of the best ways to see the rugged scenery of Badlands National Park. Most trails here are short and fairly flat, but three stand out for the different kinds of walking they offer.
The Notch Trail is a short climb, the Saddle Pass Trail is a steep push up the Badlands Wall, and the Castle Trail is a long, mostly level route through the park's formations.
The Notch Trail is 1.5 miles roundtrip and starts from Badlands Loop Road. Halfway along, you climb a wooden ladder, and its rungs can be hard to grip, so sturdy boots with good traction are a smart choice. Parts of the route follow cliff edges. The hike ends at a viewpoint over the White River Valley, with steep cliffs and tall rock formations rising around you.
The Castle Trail is the longest trail in the park, covering 10 miles roundtrip. It begins at the Door and Window parking area and runs five miles one way to the Fossil Exhibit Trail. The path starts on a wooden boardwalk before opening onto rolling badlands formations and a winding route.
The Saddle Pass Trail is a short but strenuous hike under a mile long that starts from Badlands Loop Road. It climbs straight up the Badlands Wall on a steep path that can be slippery, and the reward is a broad view of the park from the top. From there, you can turn back or continue on to the Castle Trail.
Across these trails, the craggy formations and colorful hills are the main draw, and the Door and Window parking area is a handy place to begin the Castle Trail. Weather matters, since the Notch Trail gets slippery after rain or snow. The Notch Trail is not wheelchair accessible, so plan accordingly.
