Notch Trail Badlands National Park
Hike through otherworldly formations and conquer a thrilling ladder to reach stunning panoramic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Notch Trail Badlands National Park
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike through otherworldly formations and conquer a thrilling ladder to reach stunning panoramic views.
"This is notch your average trail, offering beautiful views and a little adventure!"
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Loose gravel and rocky sections mean good hiking shoes are a must, especially if it's wet.
⬆️ Ladder Strategy
Going up is easier than down. Be prepared to wait for others. If heights are an issue, this is your turnaround point.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 602 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Infamous Ladder
Mid-trail
A 50-foot wooden ladder is the thrilling ascent to breathtaking panoramic views.
The Notch Viewpoint
End of the trail
Reach the 'Notch' for stunning, sweeping vistas of the White River Valley and unique geological formations.
Unique Geological Formations
Along the trail
Hike through otherworldly buttes and formations, a landscape unlike any other.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Ladder
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Loose gravel and rocky sections mean good hiking shoes are a must, especially if it's wet.
⬆️ Ladder Strategy
Going up is easier than down. Be prepared to wait for others. If heights are an issue, this is your turnaround point.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The South Dakota sun can be intense, even on this short hike. Stay hydrated!
🌬️ Hat Security
The wind at the top can be strong enough to blow off hats, so secure yours well!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Loose gravel and rocky sections mean good hiking shoes are a must, especially if it's wet.
⬆️ Ladder Strategy
Going up is easier than down. Be prepared to wait for others. If heights are an issue, this is your turnaround point.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The South Dakota sun can be intense, even on this short hike. Stay hydrated!
🌬️ Hat Security
The wind at the top can be strong enough to blow off hats, so secure yours well!
🐍 Rattlesnake Awareness
While not commonly seen, be aware of your surroundings and watch where you step.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Notch Trail's awe-inspiring views and unique adventure, particularly the iconic ladder climb. While some find it moderately challenging, most agree it's a rewarding experience. The main concerns revolve around the ladder's height for those with a fear of heights and potential crowds during peak times.
"This was close to the top on favorite hikes I've ever done! The awe inspiring views, it being just hard enough to get a good workout in but not kill you, and all the amazing formations just sealed the deal on it. There is one spot with a ladder of sorts, but aside from that, I think most people can do this hike just fine if they take it slow and bring water."
BudZ2003
"If you're looking for a short but exciting hike, the Notch Trail is a must-try! This 1.5-mile loop takes you through a scenic canyon and offers stunning views from "The Notch" viewpoint. The ladder climb can be a bit wobbly, so it's best for those comfortable with heights.. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, especially in wet or snowy conditions."
Mohit Gupta
"This trail was a lot of fun. I was a bit worried about rattlesnakes but did not see any. I would say the trail is overall a moderate difficulty, though it isn't too tough. There are a couple of sectipns where you are up high with no railing and should not go too far to the edge because if you fall, there's no coming back. Fortunately, if you follow the path and stay to the side, you will be fine, but those who do not like being up high should be careful. There is also a 50-foot ladder that starts on the ground and goes up. If you are someone who does not like heights, this is a good stopping point because the trail is very easy up until here, where it becomes just a little harder. If you are remotely fit, the ladder isn't hard, but you do have to go down it just like you went up. You might have to wait because it's the main way to climb the path, and people going up and down have to take turns and wait for those in front of them. Once you get to the top, this is a really cool place to take pictures. If you wear a hat, be aware that the wind might blow it off."
Adam Phelps
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Notch Trail is located in the Northeast District of Badlands National Park, accessible via the scenic Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240). The trailhead is near the Pinnacles Entrance and is well-marked. It's a popular stop, so parking can fill up quickly during peak times.
Yes, there is a designated parking area for the Notch Trail. However, due to its popularity, it can get very crowded, especially during peak season and midday. Arriving early is highly recommended to secure a spot.
Public transportation options are very limited within Badlands National Park. It is best to have your own vehicle to access the Notch Trail and explore the park's scenic drives.
The most common way to reach the Notch Trail is by driving the Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240). This scenic byway offers numerous pull-offs and viewpoints, with the Notch Trailhead being a key stop.
Yes, Badlands National Park has an entrance fee. You can purchase a pass at the park entrance stations or online. Consider an America the Beautiful Pass if you plan to visit multiple national parks within a year.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need a separate ticket to hike the Notch Trail. Access to the trail is included with your park entrance fee for Badlands National Park.
The Notch Trail is accessible during park hours, which are generally from dawn to dusk. There are no specific opening or closing times for the trail itself, but it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety.
To avoid crowds and the midday heat, it's highly recommended to visit the Notch Trail early in the morning, ideally around 8 AM. This also makes navigating the ladder easier.
There are no official age restrictions, but the ladder climb and uneven terrain make it challenging for very young children or those with significant mobility issues. Parental supervision is crucial for younger hikers.
Guided tours specifically for the Notch Trail are not commonly offered by the park. However, ranger programs may be available that cover various aspects of the park's geology and history. Check the park's official website for schedules.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Notch Trail is a 1.5-mile out-and-back hike. Most visitors complete it in about 50 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on how long they spend at the viewpoint and any waiting time at the ladder.
The Notch Trail is generally considered moderate. The terrain is uneven with some rocky sections, and the main challenge is the 50-foot wooden ladder.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction, as the trail can be rocky and slippery, especially after rain. Comfortable clothing suitable for the weather is also recommended.
The primary safety concern is the ladder climb, especially for those with a fear of heights. There are also sections with steep drop-offs, so staying on the marked path is crucial. Be aware of potential wildlife like rattlesnakes.
It can be, but with caution. The ladder is a significant challenge for young children, and they require constant supervision. Some families opt to have one adult wait with younger kids while the other climbs.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo op is at the top of the ladder, with the vast Badlands landscape stretching out behind you. The unique geological formations along the trail also make for dramatic shots.
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour can create stunning landscapes.
Drone usage is restricted in most National Parks, including Badlands. Check the official Badlands National Park website for current drone regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A camera with good low-light performance can be beneficial for early morning or late afternoon shots.
Experiment with different angles, especially from the top of the ladder, and try to capture the scale of the formations. Look for interesting textures and patterns in the rock.
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