Badlands National Park Ultimate One-Day Itinerary

[@greghamptin9430]

I don't know why but Badlands National Park is one of if not my favorite national parks in the US. The open hike policy in this park is great as well because you can explore any place you can reach. The rugged formations are truly magical.

[@AmericasParks]

Totally with you on that one, Greg. It was my first NP back in 95. Have loved it ever since!

[@BillSprague]

Thank you for another glimpse into the wonders God created for us to enjoy. That view of the Minuteman takes me back Malmstrom AFB and 1968-1972, when I served there. Thanks and Rich Blessings!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the kind words, Bill... and grateful for your service to our country! God bless, brother!

[@Soul-driven]

I just got back from there. I found the best hiking to be into the backcountry, where there is no trail. I got so far back in that I could not hear one sound at all. It was peaceful as I’ve ever experienced. I’m glad that everyone else does the overlooks because it leaves so many places where one can find true solitude. It’s what I live for.

[@AmericasParks]

Good words, my friend. Glad you had an enjoyable experience in the Badlands!

[@yoazcarmi]

One of the best park videos I’ve ever seen, it was very helpful, particularly that it was in geographic order

[@AmericasParks]

I was really encouraged to read that! Thank you very much!

[@cocoyc495]

One of my favorite national parks. This place is amazing. It's like being in a different world. Thank you for sharing!

[@AmericasParks]

Right on! It was my first NP in 1995 - I was so amazed!

[@jymnmeier3527]

I'm loving these videos Randy. Such a great overview of this beautiful park

[@AmericasParks]

With you 100% on that one! I get asked, why always the outdoors/National Parks? Just don't have a strong desire for anything else. Personally can't wait to get back on the road!

[@chris_1825]

Love these types of videos. I have never been to Badlands but when I do, I will definitely watch this video for places to go. Great job!

[@AmericasParks]

Happy to hear that, Chris! Have a blessed week!

[@robertross2596]

This was the very first national park I visited west of the Mississippi River in the late 1970's. Your summary of a day trip was spot on. Thanks!

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Robert, same for me... first NP, but in 1995. Thanks for the affirmation!

[@samanthagallagher5909]

Your video is definitely my favorite of the Badlands videos on here! Your camera work is excellent- not too fast, slow and relaxing and enjoyable, without a bunch of quick-cuts all over the place. Thank you so much for that. It’s much appreciated!

[@AmericasParks]

That was really encouraging to hear, thank you!

[@lopezexplora]

Awesome 😎 thank you for sharing

[@Chillaxing113]

What a wonderful video! Thank you!

[@AmericasParks]

Really appreciate that, Dee!

[@lonewulf44]

My family and I were looking for a good 1 day itinerary ... so you hit the right accord with us. Thank you.

[@AmericasParks]

Really glad to her that! Enjoy your time in the Badlands!

[@lesliesmith7835]

Thank you Randy. Your videos are always very enjoyable and greatly appreciated. The information you share about each park is excellent and most valuable. ... God Bless. .. Robin 🙂

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks much Robin! Always grateful you enjoy the videos!

[@FS-ml9ce]

i love it thank u for sharing , the video quality is just amazing

[@AmericasParks]

Really appreciate your kind and encouraging words! Thanks for taking the time to share them!

[@ccchhhrrriiisss100]

To quote Buzz Aldrin: "Magnificent desolation!" While it might not be truly desolate, it is certainly magnificent. Thanks again for another fantastic video!

[@AmericasParks]

Loved the comment, Chris! Have a blessed week!

[@rainbows4698]

this video was super helpful!!! thank you

[@AmericasParks]

Really appreciate knowing that!

[@adventuringoutdoorswitheric]

What a great itinerary for spending the day in the Badlands! Amazing you've been here four times already so you must really know this park well! Thanks for showing me the ins-and-outs because I was pretty clueless about this park until your videos came out on it! I really appreciate all the valuable information in this video that you're sharing with us! Thanks Randy 👍.

[@AmericasParks]

Happy to hear that, Eric! Hope others will find it helpful too!

[@GabrielAlvarez-y5v]

This will be my first time visiting a National Park, and I didn't know where to start; I am doing it on my own in my birthday next month. Thank you!

[@AmericasParks]

Funny, because my first National Park was also a solo trip to the Badlands, back in 1995. All the best to you!

[@zachdesatnick2107]

Add me to that list too! Going today

[@ATJHTRAVELS]

Fantastic sledgehammered that like button stay safe and blessed sharing out full watch

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate that, my friend! Hope is is well with the fam!

[@NickandRachel]

Looks like an amazing Park would love to do some hiking out there one day! The missile silo looked really cool. Thanks for sharing!

[@AmericasParks]

Another one, brother, well worth your time!

[@FizSwik915]

Thank you so much for the video! It helped me so much with my planning!

[@AmericasParks]

Glad to hear that!

[@guyklc]

I was there a month ago! Badlands is truly one of the most beautiful national parks that I've been to.

[@AmericasParks]

Happy to hear you have enjoyed this gem!

[@peggybeirise8388]

I've been to the Badlands NP twice in the 90's and both times was fortunate enough to see bison up close (from the safety of our vehicle). It was magical! Love this park...so beautiful❤️

[@AmericasParks]

Great taste, Peggy! Love that place... my first NP back in 1995. Enjoy your week!

[@DanielSilva-mq6kd]

Thanks for posting. Just took a trip to SD with my 12 year old son, and your video was very helpful in planning our activities. We took it slow and stopped plenty of times to enjoy everything around us and ended up spending 8 hours in Badlands. We hiked Notch and Door, saw plenty of Wildlife (Bison, Prairie Dogs, Horned Sheep) and had an amazing time. It was his 8th national park, my 12th, and he loves to travel too and now wants to visit every national park and every state. We are taking our first trip to Big Bend soon and are already planning possible (National Park) trips for next year. We don't live in an area with or even close to a lot of beautiful nature so getting out and seeing the beauty our country has is really a treat and recharge for the soul.

[@AmericasParks]

Great words, Daniel! So encouraged by the time you are investing in your son's life. Trust me, you won't regret it!

[@alieshasalisbury1453]

I’m planning a trip for September and this video was so helpful! Thank you! And I even got tickets for the minuteman missile site (there was only one tour with availability left when I called, so I got very lucky) I’m so excited!

[@AmericasParks]

That's so wonderful to hear, Aliesha! And congratulation on your MM tickets - you'll be glad you went. Enjoy you trip!

[@alieshasalisbury1453]

@@AmericasParks Thank you! Keep up the amazing work!

[@ricktalley3820]

So beautiful can't wait for my wife and I to go here.

[@AmericasParks]

Good call, Rick! The entire area around the Black Hills is amazing!

[@potatothorn]

you sure pack it all in i love it, maximize your day in the Park! beautifully presented thanks so much for this awesome tour of the Badlands area/ neat shot of the missile and nice wildlife catches too!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks my friend! Hope you are enjoying your weekend!

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

I loved this park! You really made it shine! The yellow mound area is / was stunning - the lighting when you were there - gorgeous. So yeah, we need to go back.

[@AmericasParks]

Hi Heather, this was my first NP - so special to me Thanks and have a great week!

[@Funtimeshappy099]

Can't wait to see your trips to Alaska and the Pacific parks, and more battlefields closer to NJ!

[@AmericasParks]

That makes both of us! Looking at a trip to Washington this summer. Enjoy your week!

[@thehighlanders607]

I can see how this channel doubles as another form of ministry. As you show God's creation while you and your family let your light shine before men. Job well done!

[@AmericasParks]

That really means a lot to me! May the Lord be glorified in all things!

[@thehighlanders607]

@@AmericasParks Amen!

[@jonathantitus2629]

Well done sir. Based on my/our experience this seems like an excellent itinerary to follow. I hope to hike these special places again one day...

[@AmericasParks]

Much appreciated Jonathan! Hope you can get that return trip in!

[@DestinationEarth]

Wow. Such a unique place - and it's so nice that you can see so much in one day. I know a lot of people need to see a lot in a little amount of time, and this looks like the perfect place to do that! Great overview video!

[@AmericasParks]

Much appreciated, Josh!

[@sandraq6424]

I agree! We only have 1 day as well! So I had zeroed in on the NE Entrance & doing the Vis. Ctr & that loop road. Then I wanted to see about the South Entrance & that Scenic Drive also. We only do short hikes & in this extreme heat, we even pass on those!! We have decided to arrive around 4:30 to take the drives, check out the overlooks & take in a sunset. Also as the day gets cooler, we may be able to do some of the short hikes, I hope! We visited a Minuteman Silo in Cheyenne, WY- the Quebec 01 Site! Really cool!!!

[@pher2470]

This is very helpful since my family and I are going to South Dakota in 1 week for summer vacation. This is the very first time we're going and your videos really helps. Thanks so much!

[@AmericasParks]

Really pleased to hear that! You'll be visiting a really special place... have a super trip!

[@vamskillybilly]

We are going to SD in two weeks from KY and we cannot wait to see this. Your videos are very informative and I have enjoyed them.

[@AmericasParks]

Happy to hear that Faye! We're looking forward to visiting eastern KY this summer. You'll loved SD!

[@juliesmith444]

Those hills at sunset are amazing. Looks like some nice hiking and a variety of views. Helpful information to know where to go when you get there.

[@AmericasParks]

Absolutely love this place! My first NP!

[@MagellanandGreyhound]

This looks amazing. We have seen so little of this part of the country. Cannot wait to visit one day. I think we’ll spread this out to at least two days though 😊

[@AmericasParks]

So worth it, my friend! The Black Hill would make the top 3 travel destinations imho. Have a blessed week!

[@MagellanandGreyhound]

@@AmericasParks so many places so little time, you as well!

[@DQFamilyTravel]

Great one day itinerary! We will be doing these stops on our two days in the park.

[@AmericasParks]

Happy to hear that! Enjoy you stay in the Badlands!

[@DAlilbigman]

Thanks for sharing! Passing it now on a road trip from Houston Tx to Mount Rushmore. Will stop on the way home

[@AmericasParks]

Good call, my friend! It was my first NP in 1995 - never get tired of going back. Enjoy!

[@Mikey-Likes-It_101]

Randy, Even though I have been to Badlands National Park, you always show me something on your hikes that I never saw. As always, AMERICA’S PARKS shows us some amazing views and tips. Amazing sunset! THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE ONE-DAY TOUR, . . . Mike

[@AmericasParks]

Glad you enjoyed the video Mike!

[@LonnasTravels]

We've been here several times as well. Two of our favorites are the Fossil Trail and the Archeology lab section of the Reffel VC. Nice ideas in your video. Thanks.

[@AmericasParks]

Great to hear, Lonna! This place hold a special place in my heart too!

[@matthewstewart7261]

I'll be going here in a few weeks and this was very helpful. Thanks!

[@AmericasParks]

Great to hear, Matthew, Have a super trip!

[@tevinbrown8283]

You are really inspiring me to get out there and hike more

[@AmericasParks]

Really encouraged to hear that, Tevin! All the best to you!

[@odysseyusa]

Great job on the video! The Badlands was one of my favorites. I started doing YT last year and it’s difficult to get out much so practice that I need is at a premium. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@AmericasParks]

Happy to hear that! All the best with your channel!

[@birdman5223]

Outstanding MrRandy👏🏼

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks much Mark! Have a blessed week!

[@krakatoapinatubo6362]

Book the campground online many months in advance. It books up FAST but is amazing.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the comment!

[@edwardschmidt6083]

Randy, this was a very helpful video. My wife and I are stopping by at the Badlands on our way to Yellowstone with our 3 kids (2, 5, and 6). We only have about 4 or 5 hours at Badlands. I’ve been trying to pick out our must see spots. Your insight will help with that.

[@AmericasParks]

Happy to hear you found the video useful and are making great memories as a family! Enjoy your trip!

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Really enjoyed your one day itinerary, very helpful!

[@AmericasParks]

Really glad to hear that!

[@papajon62]

Great video, covered a lot of ground on what to see and how to see it. Get a big donut 🍩 at Wall Drugs.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the kind words and tasty suggestion!

[@littlebuddyFilms]

Wonderful video! Very helpful info! Thanks!

[@AmericasParks]

Really appreciate that!

[@herbbenner7109]

I appreciate your videos so much. Keep traveling. Herb

[@AmericasParks]

Really appreciate hearing that, Herb!

[@MrAyrit]

Well done. Thanks for the information.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, glad to hear that!

[@jameshouse1268]

Great compilation of hikes/info about this park. It will be a wonderful resource for anyone planning a trip. Side note…I know family dynamics really change as kids get older, but was wondering if a full family get together trip is in the works 🤔 I have really enjoyed the past years and the special trips with your wife, daughters and son. You have a beautiful family to cherish and be proud of! Take care always.

[@AmericasParks]

Totally my heart as well, but (for the good) the dynamics have changed and entire family trips might be a thing of the past. Our two oldest are going to MI for the summer. Looking at a trip to KY with Julie and Shane and a trip to WA with Shane. Thankful for those special memories we enjoyed together.

[@elizabethgertzen3070]

And don’t forget Custer state park!

[@AmericasParks]

Right on Elizabeth! Went there on this trip and had an amazing time!

[@CaptainCastroComics]

Thank you so much for this video! What time of year would you suggest going for the first time?

[@AmericasParks]

Personally, I prefer the fall. Nice weather and thinner crowds.

[@garyjust.johnson1436]

Great video!

[@AmericasParks]

Glad to see you are enjoying the channel!

[@RobertLWard]

Now that was a really good edit Randy. Really enjoyed this one! Keeping my fingers crossed on a trip there next year. Been doing lots of editing lately, but not for me. Hoping to help my son launch his channel soon. The national parks he visited in Ireland look spectacular. I let you know when its up. Hope all is well bud. Curious about plans you have for this year. 5 weeks to go until our big family trip.

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Robert, wow, the NP's in Ireland. Hope his channel takes off! Yeah, a little more mellow for the rest of this year. Here's what I have planned: Washington with Shane, Eastern Kentucky with the Shane and Julie and then a solo trip up in Northern New England. Hope you have a great family trip!!

[@rustic1757]

Great video...I'm intrigued by some of your video angles. It looks like you used a drone at times. And once or twice it looked like the shadow of a very long selfie stick although I couldn't see the stick itself, just the shadow (2:23 and 7:03). Can you explain???

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah, drones are illegal in all the National Parks. All these video clips you were referring to were taken with a 360 camera on a long "disappearing" selfie stick. Cool toy! I have all my video gear listed in the description if interested.

[@SatyaAdityavasireddy-dj7ge]

Beautiful

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for checking out the video!

[@jameswalker9002]

Thanks for another great video. We've been to Badlands N. P. 3 times and loved it each time. We boondocked outside the north entrance on a cliff overlooking the badlands. We were there last on our 7 month western trip in 2021. Hope to go back west in fall 2023 for a few months depending on gas prices. May have to wait till the Millennium. 👍😊 God bless and keep traveling and sharing. 🙏🙏

[@AmericasParks]

Great words, James! Hope a return trip next year works for you!

[@youngolf1]

well done.

[@AmericasParks]

Much appreciated!

[@kakashi_senseisan3931]

Are you able to mountain bike here? Like park near a trailhead and ride a bike along the trails up and down a mountain?

[@AmericasParks]

Here you go: Visitors planning on exploring by bicycle should be aware that bicycles are only allowed on designated paved, gravel, and dirt roads within Badlands National Park. As such, they are not allowed on hiking trails, closed roads, off-road, off-trail, or in backcountry areas

[@mrodgers24]

I’m from the east coast and considering a month long road trip with my family out to the Rockies. I’d like to make Badlands a stop on our way back but I’m concerned it might be underwhelming after seeing Tetons, Glacier, etc. What are your thoughts on this? Thank you!

[@AmericasParks]

Good question! I'd humbly admit that the other two parks you mentioned have more pop, but if you have the chance, I wouldn't miss a trip to the Badlands. It's different, but beautiful in it's own special and unique way.

[@TylerDylan21]

I wish I would’ve watched this video before my Sturgis trip last year.

[@AmericasParks]

Truest you still had a great time in Sturgis. Hopefully a trip to the Badlands if you get back!

[@JoshCherry-h5r]

Did you fly a drone within the park? Were there certain sections allowed?

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah, drones are not allowed in National Parks. The overhead shots are from a 360 cam on a 10-foot selfie stick. Often I fly my drone outside the park boundaries if the scenery is good too.

[@jackieo7113]

What is your definition of a "reasonable" space?! You've got muscles JUMPING out of your arms, etc...I'm wondering if it will take the :average" person 2 days; also are there snakes in residence? What time of year did you go? More DETAILS, please

[@AmericasParks]

haha! :) Two days should be ample time to complete this itinerary at a confortable place. And yes, there are signs warning of rattle snakes - though I have never seen one there.

[@teresaschneider6726]

Do they have restrooms on the trails?

[@AmericasParks]

I believe only at the visitor center - not far from most of these hikes. Please check with the park rangers to be sure.

[@embarkthepark6745]

Sadly, we did not do much at this park. We only drove through the main road to Wall Drug, did the fossil exhibit trail, and visited the visitor center. Still a fun experience nontheless

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah, still a great area to visit - and the main road has a lot to offer! Hope you can make it back one day day to see more of the park.

[@davincidanielson928]

Great video... although Fisheye just ruins the shot.

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah, just trying to change it up a little. Fun to work with the 360 cam, but do know some aren't a fan of it. Take care!

[@davincidanielson928]

@@AmericasParks thank, U2!

[@4672-m9f]

They should turn this whole place back into the Lakota hunting grounds,

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for your thoughts.

[@davincidanielson928]

This is a petrified metropolitan

[@AmericasParks]

Such a unique location. Was blown away when I first visited in 1995.

[@et7949]

Thanks! Going to Badlands next month, from England :)

[@AmericasParks]

Enjoy... the Badlands were my first National Park. Such a special place!