Badlands Loop Road (Part 2)

The Badlands Loop Road is the easiest way to see the park, and is in fact the only part many people ever see. It winds 28 miles through the park. We cover it in two parts here. Below is the second part, starting at the Panorama Point parking area, near the halfway point of the drive, and ending at the Northeast Entrance Station. For the first part of the road, see Badlands Loop Road Part 1.

Mile 15.3 – Bigfoot Pass Picnic Area

The Bigfoot Pass Picnic Area is on a rise on the left. There is also a good overlook area here.

Mile 16.0 – White River Valley Overlook

White River Valley Overlook in Badlands National Park in South Dakota

The road passes by the White River Valley Overlook.

Mile 18.2 – Fossil Nature Trail

Fossil Trail in Badlands National Park in South Dakota

The parking area for the Fossil Nature Trail is on the right. This is a short trail that leads through an area of badlands, with several fossil samples preserved within cases. The Castle Trail also starts or ends here, a 5 mile long trail that connects to the Door, Notch, & Window area. For more on the trails, see Badlands Hiking Trails.

Mile 21.2 – Saddle Pass Trailhead

The road passes by the Saddle Pass Trailhead. This is a 0.25 mile long connector trail that meets the Castle Trail.

Mile 23.0 – SD-377 to Interior

Cedar Pass Campground in Badlands National Park in South Dakota

The road arrives at the intersection with SD-377. This road leads to the Cedar Pass Campground, shown at left, and then on to the Interior Entrance and the small town of Interior.

Mile 23.1 – Cedar Pass Lodge

The Cedar Pass Lodge is on the right. Along with lodging, there is a restaurant here. See Badlands Lodging for more information.

Mile 23.3 – Ben Reifel Visitor Center

The Ben Reifel Visitor Center is on the right. This is the main place to get information on the park and speak with park personnel.

Mile 23.9 – Cliff Shelf Nature Trail

Cliff Shelf Trail in Badlands National Park in South Dakota

The parking area for the Cliff Shelf Nature Trail is on the right. See Badlands Hiking Trails for more information.

Mile 25.4 – Door, Notch & Window

The Window in Badlands National Park in South Dakota

A large parking area is on the right. There are short trails leading to three areas, the Notch, the Door, and the Window. A view from along the Window Trail is shown to the left. The Castle Trail also starts, or ends, across the street. More on the trails can be found at Badlands Hiking Trails.

Mile 27.7 – Big Badlands Overlook

Big Badlands Overlook in Badlands National Park in South Dakota

The road passes by the Big Badlands Overlook, the last chance at a scenic stop before the park exit.