Notch Trail, Badlands National Park

The Notch Trail leads to a notch in the rock wall for a view across the White River Valley. This one is moderate and includes climbing up a steep wooden ladder; however, you can make the base of the ladder your turnaround point for an easy and still worthwhile hike. The first section of this trail follows a creek bed that has water in the rainy season, making a small oasis with the most plant life of the three trails. At the base of the ladder is an open area with some great large rocks for toddlers to climb on. “Our almost-2-year-old walked all of it; however, we did not continue beyond the base of the ladder on the Notch Trail. I would carry if you choose to continue to the end of the trail,” says Jennifer Bradwin. 

This spot is a perfect turnaround point for those afraid of heights like me or if you fear a meltdown coming. If you continue up and beyond the ladder, you are rewarded with views out over the White River Valley from a notch in the rock wall. Getting to the notch involves hiking along a ledge and does have drop-offs. If you continue up this way, it is probably a good idea to put the kiddo up in a carrier. Hiking all the way to the notch is 1.5 miles round trip; to the base of the ladder, it is just shy of 1 mile round trip. 

There is ample opportunity to see wildlife throughout the park. Hike it Baby ambassadors reported seeing bighorn sheep, bison, pronghorns, rabbits, birds, and of course lots of prairie dogs, like most of South Dakota and Wyoming. Signs warn of rattlesnakes, but people rarely encounter them here.