Badlands Loop/Highway 240
Badlands National Park is like no place else in the country and this 31 mile 2 lane highway cuts right though the middle of it. The loop (Highway 240) takes you past 15 overlooks and 8 trailheads as well as the visitors center. We strongly suggest you get out and enjoy one of the trails along the way, but if you don't, you can still experience everything the park has to offer without ever leaving your car.
Buffalo with an itch - was here several minutes enjoying the tree.
Road going through the Badlands. Just beautiful.
Wildlife don’t seem to mind a selfie or two. Use caution though.
Lots of prairie dog towns along the way.
The vastness.
Animals everywhere.
Nice picnic area.
Exhibits explaining about the park.
Places to stop, get cool pictures, and learn about the park.
Places to get out and explore.
More mountain goats.
Stop along the way and do some trails - Some are pretty easy, and some are not. This is the Fossil Exhibit Trail - easy and handicap accessible.
Spectacular photo ops.
This is a longest trail in the park. The Castle Trail I found to be just okay. It goes from the Fossil Exhibit Trail to the Notch Trail and back 12 miles.
This trail was wonderful. Very hard, steep, and a little scary. Not for the faint of heart.
Cliff Shelf Nature Trail - Very nice trail - The only trail that provides shade on a hot day.
The Notch Trail - All time favorite with the kids - Can be hard and very scary for some.
The Window Trail - very easy, short, and handicapped accessible.
The Door Trail - you can make this as easy or hard as you want. Great place for young kids to get out and explore and climb.
