Door Trail, Bad Lands National Park
About This Trail
This hike begins from the far north trailhead. The first 0.25 mile is on flat boardwalk and leads to an overlook with benches and interpretive signs that look out across the badlands. From the end of the boardwalk, there is a step down to the hard cracked mud of the badlands and the start of the best part of the trail. From here, numbered markers lead you out through the badlands and away from the crowds for another 0.5 mile. The Door Trail provides a door out onto the badlands you can walk through to get the full on- the-moon experience. It’s an especially good trail for curious toddlers and early walkers due to the absence of drop-offs and water hazards.
Feel free to wander off trail, none really exists here anyways, but always keep at least one numbered marker in sight and bring plenty of water. It is very easy to get lost here. After the first couple markers, you may notice that even all sound has dropped away. The badland formations are very efficient at blocking sound, making it really feel like you are walking on the moon.
One thing to keep in mind is that the entire park is hot, dry, and fully exposed. Plan ahead with lots of water, sunblock, sunglasses, and coverage for your body. While you are allowed to wander off trail almost anywhere in the park, it is extremely easy to get lost. Bring a good map, the 10 essentials, and tons of water if you choose to wander out of sight from the main trail.
The park is open year-round, but spring and fall are the best times to visit. It gets extremely hot in summer, and snow can sometimes close roads in winter. May is pretty much perfect there.
Trail Features
| Seasons | Fall, Spring, Summer, and Winter |
|---|---|
| Surface type | Mixed |
| Stroller friendly | No |
| ADA accessible | No |
| Water fountains | No |
| Bathrooms | Yes |
| Cell reception | Spotty |
| Pet friendly | No |
| Nearby convenience store | No |
| Camping Nearby | Yes |
| Emergency support within 5 miles |
No |
Trail highlights
Trail Contributor
Hike it Baby Trail Guide is managed by the Family Trail Guide team. If a trail has been “abandoned” by the initial owner, it gets adopted by the team. Also, if there are no trails in the area, the Family Trail Guide team researches trails that are family friendly in the area to insure that hikes cover all areas where Hike it Baby hikes.
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Weather
Trail Map
Getting There
Badlands National Park is located 75 miles east of Rapid City, South Dakota. Physical Addresses for GPS* Park Headquarters: 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, SD 57750. Northeast Entrance (I-90, Exit 131): 21020 SD Hwy 240, Interior, SD 57750. Pinnacles Entrance (I-90, Exit 110): 24240 Hwy 240, Wall, SD 57790. Interior Entrance: 20640 SD Hwy 377, Interior, SD 57750.
About The Guide