Outdoors
Badlands Notch Trail Hike
You walk up a canyon, climb a ladder and follow a ledge to 'the Notch' for a view over the White River Valley. It is the park's most popular trail.
- Where
- South Dakota, USA
- Distance
- 2-2.4 km (1.25-1.5 miles) return
- Time
- 1.5-2 hours
- Difficulty
- Hard
The route
Notch Trail from the Door and Window parking area to the Notch and back.
The trail begins at the south end of the Door and Window parking area.
When to go
The trail is treacherous during or after heavy rain or snow, so pick a dry day.
Permits and fees
Entrance costs $30 per vehicle or $15 per person for 7 days. No trail permit is needed.
Before you go
- Carry about 1.9 litres (two quarts) of water per person for every two hours of hiking.
- Wear sturdy boots with ankle support; they also protect against cactus spines and snakes.
- Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
What to bring
- Shoes with grip that you have already worn in
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Food you will actually want to eat
- A warm or waterproof layer
- The route, saved offline
- Sun cream and a hat
Getting ready for it
If your longest walk lately is under two hours, do a few longer walks first, ideally with some climbing and the pack you will carry.
Step-ups and lunges twice a week make the descents much easier on your knees.
Staying safe
- Watch for drop-offs and loose gravel; the park does not recommend the trail for anyone with a fear of heights, and it sees more injuries than any other trail in the park.
- It becomes treacherous during and after heavy rain or snow.
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.
- Turn around if the weather turns or the footing gets sketchy. The trail will still be there.
Route details checked September 30, 2026 against nps.gov, nps.gov and nps.gov. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.
