Trail Overview

This trail starts just off Interstate 90 at exit 116 in the Buffalo Gap National Grassland. It is a mostly straight trail southbound to the scenic drive through the Badlands National Park. It can be driven in either direction, but entering from the south end requires an entry fee to Badlands National Park. There are great views of the Badlands bluffs from below. There are a few side trails, but most are marked with no motor vehicle signs. At the north end, there is a Minuteman Missile historic site. The route is mostly flat but a few sections are deeply rutted and some spots appear to get deep mud after wet weather.

Photos of Grasslands to Badlands

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Difficulty

Wet weather, though not common in this area, can make the road impassable without 4WD. It is more likely to occur during spring snow melt. Several steep and narrow areas will take care but are not too difficult.

Technical Rating

John Easterday

Nov 01, 2025

Open

More of what others reported. It was a good trail, no wildlife today.

Jim Gentsch

Sep 05, 2025

Open

Trail was dry and easy to maneuver. It has a few holes in the track that looks like they were from the trail being traversed while wet. No big issues getting around the holes. Saw lots of prairie dogs and some nice views of the Badlands rock formations. It was a nice time on the trail.

Bryan Balzano

Aug 25, 2025

Open

Southern portion of the trail by the badlands national park is a bit beat up. Northern part is very easy and flat.

Ryan Hollis

Aug 24, 2025

Open

The rangers told me that camping is allowed within 30 ft not 300 ft of the road.

Dave Ohhhh

Aug 17, 2025

Open

It rained 3 or so days prior to my travel on the road. The road was mostly dry with spotty water filled holes and ruts. The north 1/3 or so of the road is decent gravel that can easily be traveled at 25-30mph. The southerly portion is mainly a dirt track. If this portion was wet, it would really add to the difficulty level. There is a cattle guard near the midpoint where the dirt is washed what at both approaches. I had no problems crossing it, but did smack my trailer hitch. It was a fun trip and only took about 35-40 minutes at a reasonable pace

PJ Ruggiero

Jul 15, 2025

Open

David Johnson

Jun 28, 2025

Open

Jeff Strazzinski

Jun 23, 2025

Open

We found a landfill! Trail was mostly super mellow and easy one mellow climb and a few washouts where you want to use your brakes, not hit them at 25 miles an hour.

micayla Scott

Jun 22, 2025

Open

Wash out was grated and dried up!

Chris Hanmer

May 25, 2025

Open

We could not see any details. Road close across the road.

Greg & Tiffany Reimels

Sep 22, 2024

Open

Mild trail, could see when wet there may be some "tricky" (Would like try wet one day). Great views of popular camping spot "Wall".

Sterling Scott

Sep 18, 2024

Open

Fun trail. Real easy. I could see how it would be tough when wet as there is a long section that looks like some slick clay. Any 4x4 should be able to handle it, maybe even 2wd.

Mike cass

Jul 26, 2024

Open

Pretty easy trail. Could do it in any rental suv. Dry as a bone. Might be tricky after hard rain as the clay will keep water on top but now it's bone dry. Lots of fun to get out and explore the badlands.

Hunter Albisu

Jun 23, 2024

Open

Nice trail. Could be difficult if wet. One cattle guard is very washed out causing a 1 1/2 ledge.

Nohah Brinks

May 15, 2024

Open

Very fun but very slick! Was raining all morning and just started using app so didn’t even think to look at trail reports lol. Gravel for most of the trail till the last probably mile and a half/2 miles. Spots were very slick but midsized truck with all terrains can go through just have to be calculated. I probably wouldn’t do it again in the rain but had a great time and some cool views