Day hikes
Cliff Shelf Nature Trail.
Moderate 0.5 mile 0.8 km loop. this trail provides spectacular views of the white river valley. it includes some boardwalk and stairs and climbs approximately 200 feet 61 meters. the parking lot cannot accommodate long vehicles or vehicles towing trailers.
Window Trail.
Easy 0.25 miles 0.4 km round trip. this trail is accessible to athletic wheelchair users or with assistance. this trail goes to a natural "window" in the badlands wall.
Door Trail.
Easy 0.75 mile 1.2 km round trip. this trail is accessible. this trail focuses on geology. the trail goes through a break in the badlands wall called "the door". the first 150 yards 137 meters is boardwalk.
Saddle Pass Trail.
Strenuous 0.2 miles 0.4 km and very steep, it connects castle trail and medicine root loop to the badlands loop road. the trail is impassable after rain.
Fossil Exhibit Trail.
Easy 0.25 mile 0.4 km loop. this trail is fully accessible. the trail includes exhibits of now extinct creatures that once roamed the area. during the summer, presentations by park naturalists are offered.
Notch Trail.
Moderate to strenuous 1.5 miles 2.4 km round trip. this trail is not recommended for those with a fear of heights. this trail provides a wonderful view of the white river valley and pine ridge reservation. the trail, however, can be very dangerous just after rains, especially heavy rains. sturdy hiking boots and plenty of sun protection hat, sunscreen, sunglasses are recommended.
Medicine Loop Trail.
Moderate 4 miles 2.5 km. here the mixed grass prairie combines with long distance views of the badlands. be on the look out for prickly pear cacti.
Castle Trail.
Moderate 10 miles 16 km round trip. this is the longest trail in the park. the trail is mostly level and winds through some formations. the medicine root trail makes a loop within the castle trail from any connecting trailhead.
Always carry water. Keep your distance from wildlife, especially bison. If your presence causes a change in behavior, then you are too close.
Refer to the Stay Safe section for more details about exploring the park.
Digging and/or moving fossils or artifacts from their locations in the ground is prohibited by Federal law. Offenders are subject to heavy fines and possibly jail. If you find some fossils or artifacts, note all details, and then stop by the Cedar Pass Contact Station and make a report.
amphitheater
Located in the Cedar Pass Campground near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. In the summer moths, park rangers give a 40-minute presentation on an aspect of the park.
picnic areas
Picnic tables are located near the Cedar Pass Campground. There are also picnic areas at the Journey Overlook and on Conata Road. As usual, no water is available and fires are stricted prohibited.