Stark Dakota landscapes, ancient fossilized animals, wildlife and colorful landforms are all found within Badlands National Park. The Badland Loop Road climbs and weaves its way through the park, with pullouts sprinkled along the way, offering up grand views out into the vast prairie. For other park vistas, two main hiking trails (Castle and Medicine Root) can be accessed from the east end of the park.
West of Pinnacles Overlook, the main park road provides an exit to I-90. Visitors can continue on the unpaved Sage Creek Rim Road. The Badlands Wilderness Area, centered around Sage Creek, is for those looking for more of the park's scenic wonders.
South Dakota's Badlands are located in the southwest section of the state, in the heart of Buffalo Gap National Grassland. Prairie grassland is a complex community of plants and animals. The semi-arid land is anchored by 56 species of grasses, providing habitat for grazing animals and their predators.