The Badlands of South Dakota is one of the jewels in America’s National Park System. It combines a fauna-abundant prairie land with a moonscape of other-worldly rock formations, to form one of the country’s most unique natural environments. Last month I hiked the length of Badlands National Park from Ben Reifel Visitor Center to White River Visitor Center. To the best of my knowledge, it was the first time that such a traverse had been completed.
Final stretch | Just west of White River at the southern boundary of the park.
Trip Details
Distance: 90 miles approx.
Time: 5 days
Start: Ben Reifel Visitor Center
Finish: White River Visitor Center
Badlands Traverse Overview (map from National Park Service) | Route in blue.
Getting There & Away:
- No public transport to either trailhead. To get to the NE terminus, I caught a ride from the town of Wall, SD, with an off-duty postal worker (29 miles). From the finish at White River, I hitched north on HWY 27 to Rapid City (62 miles).
Maps:
- I put together the Badlands route on Caltopo. Twelve 1:24,000 maps covered the entire journey.
- For overview purposes, I carried the excellent 1:55,000 Badlands National Park National Geographic map (double-sided).
BYO shade in the Badlands.
General Information:
- Online Hiking Beta: Slim pickings. Apart from a couple of trip reports on shorter hikes (i.e. 20 to 30 miles) in the Sage Creek area of the park, I couldn’t find much in the way of useful online information. The best of the bunch seemed to be a 2013 article from Backpacker Magazine.
- Permits: Badlands NP has no formal system of backcountry permits or reservations. Simply put, not that many people backpack in the Badlands. As per the National Park Website, before starting my trip I stopped by the Ben Reifel visitor center and gave the rangers a heads up in regards to my plans.
- Trails: There is only a handful of trail miles in Badlands National Park. All of these designated pathways are situated in close proximity to Ben Reifel.
Final night’s campsite, just south of Stronghold Table.
- Environmental: The Badlands National Park website has some useful information on weather, wildlife and geological formations.
- Resupply: I carried all my supplies from the start. On the off-chance that anyone else is interested in doing this hike (or something similar), there is but one resupply option that doesn’t involve a long and potentially difficult hitch. The “town” of Scenic (real population 4; Wikipedia lists it at 10), situated on the outskirts of the western side of the park, has a gas station and a post office. The former has some snacks and microwave burritos. Opening hours for the post office are limited. Give them a call beforehand to double-check.
Downtown | Scenic, SD.
- Water – Pre-Hike Research: I suspect that this is the principal reason the Badlands isn’t visited by more backpackers. From everything I read and heard beforehand, there is no potable water in the Badlands backcountry. As a result of this information, I started my hike carrying 12 litres. I figured this would be enough to get me through to the above mentioned town of Scenic (situated just over half-way through the hike), where it would be possible to fill up at the gas station or obtain water from a pump next to the post office.
Pre-hike H2O preparations.
- Water – Post-Hike Summary: I was pleasantly surprised to find a handful of places where potable water could be obtained in the Park. Three of the sources seemed like they would be fine all-year-round, while another one at Deer Haven appeared to more of a seasonal proposition.
Unexpectedly good water in a pond situated just east of Conata | Day 2, Badlands Traverse.
Route Notes
Overview:
As with pretty much all of my hiking routes over the years, the Badlands Traverse was by no means a straight shot, A to B type deal. My chosen route was a sinuous affair, which took me in, out, up and over gullies, washes and mesas, interspersed with the occasional easier stretch across the mixed grasslands of the prairies.
During the hike, I stayed within the National Park boundaries (see overview map above), with the exception of when I detoured out to Scenic for water and microwaveable burritos.
Walking on the Moon:
Speaking of gullies, along with the dearth of H2O, the biggest challenge in hiking through Badlands National Park was scrambling up and down those steep, crumbly, rip-the-bum-out-of-your-pants little ravines of joy.
On multiple occasions, I’d top out at the end of a gully that looked passable on my maps, only to find myself confronted with a twenty to forty-foot sheer cliff on the other side. After a few choice words to the Hiking Gods, I was left to either: A. Look for an alternative; B. Suck it up and retrace my steps, or; C. Break out my cuben fiber rabbits foot and climb/plunge/shimmy/slide down the other side.
Despite the challenges, these were actually my favourite sections. Indeed, there were moments during the traverse when I felt like I was walking through a giant lunar labyrinth. An ethereal maze of buttes, spires and pinnacles. No signs, no trails, no people, no shade, no water, no guarantees that the next gully would be passable.
And you know what? I loved every second.
Spying out the route ahead | Day 2, Badlands Traverse
Notes & Musings
“It’s the Badlands, baby………”
I started late on day one. About 6 pm. Hitching out of Wall, SD, was not easy.
The first couple of miles were on the Badlands Loop road. From there I would link up to the Saddle Pass Trail and find a place to bed down before it got dark.
Not more than twenty minutes after leaving the visitors center, a yellow and white combi van pulled up beside me. Inside were a bohemian-looking couple that looked like they were in their late fifties / early sixties.
The lady in the passenger seat asked me if I needed a ride. I replied , “no, thank you.” She then asked me where I was going, to which I gave her a quick synopsis of my plan to backpack through the park. She seemed genuinely concerned for my welfare. After a minute or two of assuring her that I knew what I was doing, her less talkative husband piped up and said in a droll, deadpan voice (with just the hint of a grin):
“It’s the Badlands, baby, it ain’t meant to be easy.”
All three of us broke out laughing. And with that memorable line, we said our goodbyes and I continued on my way.
Over the next five days I couldn’t get those words out my head. Every time I encountered a particularly challenging section – “it’s the Badlands, baby” would come into my noggin and I’d start to chuckle. It has been over a month since I finished the hike and it still makes me smile.
Funny the things that stay with you.
Around an hour after parting ways with John and Doris, I was treated to a gorgeous crimson sunset | Day 1, Badlands Traverse.
Wildlife
For a place with bugger all water, I was amazed at how much wildlife I saw in the Badlands. Highlights on the fauna front included:
- Pronghorn: I was in awe watching these fleet of foot (second fastest land animal in the world after the Cheetah) animals race across the Prairie grass in full flight. The grace and effortlessness with which they move is astounding.
“Band on the Run” or “A Herd of Pronghorn take Flight” | Day 2, Badlands Traverse. #paulmccartney
- Bison: There is a lot of bison in the trailless Sage Creek Unit. They are literally everywhere. Having the opportunity to observe these magnificent animals up close and personal, was one of the main reasons I took such a circuitous route through this section of the park.
The Badlands – Where deer and antelope play, buffalo roam and Australians hike. #homeontherange
“Turn around, every now and then I get a little bit lonely and you’re never coming round………” Sharing a Bonnie Tyler moment with two bison on day 3 | #totaleclipseoftheheart
- Bighorn Sheep: I spotted a group of Bighorn sheep just south of Stronghold Table. This particular species had been exterminated from the area by 1916, however, sheep from Colorado were reintroduced into Badlands National Park in 1964, and are now once again thriving in their native habitat.
Bighorn Sheep | Final morning, Badlands Traverse.
Weather
The weather during my time in the Badlands was more unpredictable than a real estate mogul/would-be politician’s stump speech. Case in point, the two photos immediately below. The first was taken just before 7am. Temperatures were in the mid 40’s F. The second shot is from 1pm the same day. The thermometer read 97°F………in the shade. It’s amazing what a difference six hours can make in the Badlands.
(Postscript: That same night I was awoken from a deep slumber by high winds and driving rain at 10.30 pm. It continued to rain periodically all of the next days and the temps never rose above the mid-fifties).
Early morning map check.
Midday break in the shade as the thermometer nudged triple figures.
Final Thoughts
I finished the Badlands Traverse on September 14. It had been a challenging hike – “it’s the Badlands, baby, it ain’t meant to be easy” – but nothing for which I wasn’t prepared.
When I reached White River Visitor Center I felt happy and satisfied, but as much as anything else, I felt grateful. Appreciative that I was able to experience such a unique wilderness environment on foot; from the inside out rather than the outside in. Hiking has always made me feel like that.
“When you rise in the morning,
give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength.
Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living.
If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.”
~ Tecumseh
White River Visitors Center | Finish of the Badlands Traverse.
IAQ’s (Infrequently Asked Questions)
How much experience would I need to do this hike?
All joking aside, quite a lot.
I’d only recommend this trip to hikers with good scrambling and route-finding skills, as well as significant off-trail experience in arid environments.
Is there anything you would do differently if you were to traverse the Badlands again?
Now that I know where I can obtain water, I would carry significantly less from the outset. I’d also purchase snacks for second half of the hike at the Scenic Gas Station.
How about route changes?
Overall I was happy with my route choices. A nice balance between rock and prairies. Scrambling and hiking.
Any specific gear recommendations for the Badlands?
- Water: Even with the additional water sources I mention above, aspirants will still want to have at least a six to ten litre H2O carrying capacity (Note: This will vary according to the hiker).
- Umbrella: There is very little in the way of shade in the Badlands. If there was ever a hike that was made for umbrellas, this is it.
- Backpack: Beginning with a total weight of around 20 kg / 44 lbs (i.e. 26 lbs water, 9 lbs food, 9 lbs gear), it was a no brainer to go with an internal frame pack, as opposed to a frameless model.
- Gaiters: Crumbly gullies and buttes. Sandy washes. Mini-cactus laden prairies. Pack some lightweight ankle gaiters.
- Gloves: I recommend bringing a pair of lightweight, durable gloves for the gully scrambles/climbs. Trust me on this one. This is some of the most crumbly terrain I have encountered, and my hands would have been shredded if not for the gloves I was wearing.
Is there a way in which a thru-hike of the Badlands could be made easier, for folks that aren’t comfortable with the more technical elements of such a trip (i.e. scrambling, climbing, route finding)?
Yes. You could skirt around most of the rocky, labyrinth-like washes and gullies by sticking primarily to the grasslands. It would be shorter, faster and you would still see some great scenery. The problem with such a strategy is that you would be observing the coolest sections from the outside looking in, and thereby missing out on much of what makes the Badlands so extraordinary. In effect you’d be hiking from A to B, just to say you’ve hiked from A to B.
This is one of the best trip reports I’ve seen in forever. Congrats on not only a successful thru but raising the bar on trip reports. Great photos, stories and intel. Perfect amount to tease and taunt 🙂
Thanks for the kind words, Jan. Much appreciated.
Cheers,
Cam
The drive through Scenic and by the White Visitor Center was part of my twice weekly commute for years. Not many people get to commute through a national park.
I thought only fleetingly of actually hiking “out there.” I admire your vision and audacity.
Go well…
Thanks Swami! This is a great and inspiring trip to read about first thing in the morning over coffee. You’ve set a positive tone for my entire day!
Wonderful,and exciting ?
Arrow
I love that prairie country (grew up near that environment and it’s still special). Brings back early memories of camping in the Badlands with my dad, and that never-ceasing prairie wind. Beautiful photos!
Does that sign on the old bar in Scenic really say “Indians allowed?”
It does. From the story I heard, originally it used to say “No Indians allowed”, but there were so many complaints that they erased the “No”! The people I spoke to all said that Scenic was a pretty wild, anything-goes sort of place until relatively recent times.
Thanks for the reply. The Badlands were long used by Native Americans; is there any sign left of their presence?
The southern part of the park lies mostly within Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. It’s owned by the Oglala Sioux
Tribe and managed by the National Park Service under an agreement with the tribe. The incredible Stronghold Table is situated in this part of the park; thought to be the location of one of the last “ghost dances” of the 19th century.
My in-laws are Oglala and Rosebud. There is a strong urge to actually stay away from The Badlands (e.g. places like Redshirt Table) because there are lots of spirits there.
thanks for sharing your experience in this unique environment. yoir trip report is inspiring AND gives useful information. great mix!
Thanks for sharing. I need to get there. The Nebraska Panhandle has many features in common…and of course is only a hop, skip and a jump away.
The High Plains has some of the best scenery that is so little known in the United States.
When the national scenic trails and similar have maxed out quotas (I’m looking at you JMT!), those who want to experience some wildness will want to look at the unconventional areas.
You would love it, Mags. Incredible scenery, a diverse array of wildlife, lots of solitude and an interesting history.
Great job! My kids and myself were just through the red shirt table and the stronghold area, it’s amazing, climbing up and down those crusty cliffs, the tourist all stay up by wall, the southern part is were it’s at, again great job
Thanks for the kind words. The Stronghold area was one of my favourite parts of the Park. As you say, there is literally no one around and the scenery is gorgeous.
Cam, is there a way to get your route from Caltopo? I am from SD and I hiked with my son last spring from the Conata picnic area up in Deer Haven into the Conata Basin on a lollipop loop and ended by come around the Tyree Basin back to our vehicle. We were looking at trying your trip as we could easily cash water on route. We carried 3 gallons for our short 1.5 day trip. It is a gem and we want to see more of it. Thanks for your willingness to share your experiences with us all. As a father it has been a great joy for me to share backpacking with my son’s. We also saw so many wild animals and no one else in this area. I did put a few videos on YouTube of our trip just search my name and Badlands and you should find two of them one of the trip and the other of all the wild life.
Hey Lance,
Thanks for the message.
As I menitoned to in the report, I’m planning to put together a few mapsets (including the Badlands) in 2017. I need to make a few small changes to the original Caltopo route and add the water sources I came across.
The Deer Haven area you mention is a beautiful and unique part of the Park; one of the highlights of the trip. Definitely the shadiest place I encountered during the hike!
Cheers,
Cam
Excellent report. Our three day trip in Sage Creek turned into a two day forced march to get out. Water and fitness was the major problem. Don’t imagine you can traverse the washes unless you are reasonably fit (like you can run a 22 minute 5K or faster). Up, down, up down.
The water source you found near Deer Haven – was a stinking algae laden mud pool in Aug 2015.
Would love to see your mapset when you have them.
Mike
I did not have that experience with my 11 yr old son. We started at Conata picnic area and had barely gotten into our water by Deer Haven as we camelled up on water before leaving the car. Water is a known issue but by carrying the 3/4-1 gallon per day we were fine. We did not find the washes to be bad and did walk in them from time to time but due to their winding we would go up/down. You are correct that proper fitness will make or break a trip like this. Plus the temperatures. We went in spring when the highs barely reached 80. Our second day did warm up but we were able to stay properly hydrated. I feel the water carry was definitely worth the experience that so few have v
Fantastic write up. Care to elaborate on the swipe at Te Araroa? Planning to thru next year, what other hikes am I missing or should I do?
Hey Dahn,
Thanks for the kind words in regards to the Badlands Traverse.
As for the Te Araroa, let me give you a bit of background. I’ve been going over to NZ to hike since the early 1990’s. North, South and Stewart Islands. It’s an incredibly beautiful country. Indeed, places such as Fiordland, Mt.Aspiring and Aoraki/Mt.Cook are some of my favourite places for hiking anywhere on the planet. And therein lies the reason I don’t recommend the TA. It bypasses many of the country’s most spectacular areas. It would be like hiking through California on the PCT, and missing the High Sierra.
Now, for someone who is planning on visiting NZ a bunch of times, that really isn’t an issue. Do the TA, and then visit areas such as the ones I mention above on other trips. However, for many folks from the northern hemisphere, they may only get the chance to visit NZ once in their lifetimes. That being the case, personally speaking I would opt for quality over quantity. That’s why I always recommend American and European friends of mine to forget about the TA, and instead do a bunch of shorter more scenically spectacular treks.
In saying all of that, I’m not denying that the TA goes through some impressive areas. It most certainly does. It also offers the social aspect in the form of camaraderie with your fellow thru-hikers. However, the fact is that it contains a boatload of road walking in the North Island and misses what I consider to be the best parts of the South Island.
Anyway, that’s my two cents. I’m sure some folks would disagree; and that’s fine. I know quite a few people that have done the TA; some of them loved it, others enjoyed it and others didn’t like it at all.
Cheers,
Cam
Thanks for the great trip report!
I’m planning on doing a 3 or 4 day section (thinking like 40ish miles) and am having trouble finding any info online other than the 22 mile Sage Creek loop. Any suggestions? I would love to spend more time in the rocky sections of the park instead of the grassy if at all possible.
Thanks in advance!
Hey Drew,
A lot of the coolest (and most easily accessible) rock formations are situated east of Sage Creek, so one option would be to start your hike at Ben Reifel Visitor Center, and from there head east to link up to the Sage Creek Loop. Depending on which route you took, that would come close to giving you 35-40 miles total. The southern section of the park has some incredible mesas, and you are unlikely to see many (if any) other hikers, however, it’s a lot more remote and not so easy to access. I highly recommend picking up the Nat Geo Trails Illustrated map for the park, which gives you an excellent overview of your options.
Cheers,
Cam
Thank You!!
When I bicycled thru the Badlands and it one our harshest days of riding on our cross country trip. 100 miles and 100 degree heat was bad, but it was the biting flies that were the worst. Did you encounter those lovely critters?
Can’t say that I did. I was there at the end of summer in early September.
We were there in July. They were on the road east of Scenic in that flat section.
I am loving this trip report! My backpacking friends and I are thinking of hiking from White River Visitor Center to Scenic. In the span of 2 or 3 days. We really want to document the trip and give some much needed information out to the web so others can plan a trip more easily. My question is, is it really possible to chose point A and point B and make it through or is there really impassible areas where you need climbing gear? My friends and I are very experienced with wilderness backcountry camping and always somehow end up bushwhacking through the worst areas. I am also familiar with arid environments (used to live in Texas) so caring all the water is not a problem for me.
Badlands NP is an amazing area! In regards to your question, there are certain areas that are impassable (i.e. steep and crumbly), however, with a bit of patience and exploration, you can always find a way around.
Now that your trip is a few years behind you, upon reflection would you still take the flat tarp? As a Coloradan I camp in the High Plains from time to time (and want to do it more!) but the wind is relentless and always proves a challenge for shelters. Just curious if you can reflect back on this trip and shelter choice with your subsequent experience in the years since.
Hi Chris,
Thanks for the message. Yes, I would still take a tarp if I were to do the trip again. Probably in combo with an UL Bivy if I felt like high winds were likely to be an issue.
Cheers,
Cam
Hi! Thank you so much for the trip report – I know it was years ago at this point, so not sure if you’ll see this or not. I am seriously looking at doing a similar trip. The Badlands have always been amazing to me, and now that I live about 7 hours away from them again (I grew up in South Dakota), I’m trying to get there more. I’ve done a couple of trips recently to Deer Haven with my kids and then with my girlfriend, but I’m planning some bigger trips. I have done quite a few multi-day trips in other places, including Olympic National Park and the Rockies. For the Badlands, the weather seems like the biggest planning factor to me – I’ve done trips now in late April and late October…. both seemed about right. Thanks for the info on water – I’m very untrusting of water sources in the Badlands lol. Anyway, just wanted to say hi, and hopefully I’ll figure this out in the next year or so!