Trail Overview

One of the most beautiful roads in the Badlands NP - Buffalo Gap Grassland area. The dirt road takes you from E Hwy 44 to the Bombing Range Rd. It connects the east and the west parts of the Badlands NP. A dirt road can be challenging after a lot of rain. Several creek and river crossings make that dirt road an exciting drive. The rock formations you'll pass are breathtaking. Watch out for wildlife when you hit the Grassland area. Hundreds of Bison are calling that area home. Please don't approach! The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world's richest fossil beds. Ancient horses and rhinos once roamed here. The park's 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today.

Photos of Buffalo Gap Natl Grassland South

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Difficulty

Watch out for Wildlife. Creek and River crossings might be challenging after heavy rain.

Technical Rating

Michael V

Jul 24, 2026

2023 Toyota Tacoma

Open

Normal

Pretty easy trail. Definitely not a 4 unless it rains a lot. Trail could be difficult if it is wet. Didn’t see any bison but saw a lot of bison turds. See a pronghorn and prairie dogs. Careful when using the tracker. One small section encourages you to go off trail in a section that a few people have damaged. Stay the trail!

Mike S

Jun 15, 2026

2025 Jeep Wrangler

Open

Normal

Good condition, easy just need a little ground clearance. We're treated to a heard of buffalo. Very scenic.

Jeremy Throop

Jun 09, 2026

2024 Ford Bronco

Open

Normal

Had to move a barbed wire gate to get out on the west end.

Payton Kellam

May 13, 2026

2021 Toyota 4Runner

Open

NormalDusty

Great trail. I could see some having trouble in some spots if it was muddy. It was bone-dry for us and good. Saw some buffalo on the trail and it was a good time good views.

Scott Prim

Apr 25, 2026

2025 Jeep Gladiator

Open

Muddy and wet but my gladiator had no problem

DJ Montreal

Apr 03, 2026

Open

Muddy/Wet

It’s open with new rock laid but our jeep doesn’t have the clearance to make it through the creek. Water is high and fast!

Andrew Donnan

Jan 06, 2026

Temporarily Closed

Closed Gate

Mark R

Oct 12, 2025

Open

Over all easy trail. Very dry trail. check and monitor the weather. I can see this trail being a 4 rating if wet or prior forecast of rain. creek bed crossing was 98% dry when we went. South East end is barbwire gate with a chain latch so watch the wire when handling!

Vander Eggink

Sep 01, 2025

2023 Toyota Tacoma

Open

Normal

Open from the side on highway 44, closed on the other side

Patrick C

Aug 30, 2025

2024 Subaru Forester

Open

NormalDusty

Beautiful trail. Easy in a stock Subaru when dry but I'd imagine its a different story when wet.

Daniel Sheehan

Jul 08, 2025

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Open

Mostly easy trail, only one small wash area with soft silty mud on each side, may have been a problem if wet. Completed in the dry with ease in a Grand Cherokee Trailhawk.

Paul Bourgeau

Jul 04, 2025

2013 Ford F-Series

Temporarily Closed

Closed Gate

Entry was blocked, barbed wire across entry point

Jason Wright

May 21, 2025

2023 Toyota 4Runner

Obstructed

Washout

Creek crossing on the east side was washed out. Lots of soft clay/mud with a 15" drop on either side. I was not willing to attempt crossing solo.

Jeremiah Larson

Apr 26, 2025

Obstructed

Creek was washed out and impassable.

Chad Kauranen

Oct 01, 2024

Open

DustyRough/Deteriorated

Good drive. Gave the wife some wheel time and experience with some rough terrain.