How long is the scenic loop in the Badlands?

Badlands National Park is a relatively small park and it is super easy to visit. One road, Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240), cuts through the heart of the park. This road is 30 miles long and it takes about an hour to drive the length of it, without stops.



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Badlands National Park charges an entrance fee. You may purchase a 7-day pass valid at only Badlands National Park by selecting from the choices (Private Vehicle, Motorcycle, or Individual).

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Most visitors to Badlands National Park drive the Loop Road as part of their visit. Whether you get out at every overlook on the Loop Road or enjoy the views from the comfort of your car, you're sure to see some amazing vistas on this drive!

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Start to Finish: Park rangers suggest spending two full days to truly experience the park, but you can certainly visit in less time. If you have one full day to spend, plan on being at the park for both sunrise and sunset - the light cast over the Badlands is incredible.

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Covering all 3 is a very full day, but it can be done with an early start. If I ran short on time, I'd eliminate Wall Drug. The Badlands will take an hour drive time from Rapid, and then allot around 4 hours to adequately see the park. Allot about an hour and a half back to Rushmore.

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People rarely travel to South Dakota just for the Badlands, but it's worth spending a full day exploring the park by doing the scenic drive, a few hikes or short walks, and eating in the visitor center. The unusual rock formations and the potential for solitude make this park unique.

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You can drive the whole park in 1 day and see all the overlooks but if you want to go on some hikes or on a float trip you will need an extra day. Good luck fitting it all in and have a great trip. Helpful? We did Custer, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, the Needles, the Badlands, and Rapid City, and Mt.

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It was unanimous that the Natural Entrance Tour is the best tour to take. You can see the natural entrance of the cave and the extensive boxwork.

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Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240), accessed from Interstate 90, is a two-lane, paved surface that takes you through the North Unit of the park. Sage Creek Rim Road (Highway 590) is a gravel road that takes you along the north rim of the Badlands Wilderness Area.

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