Trail Overview

This an easy, scenic dirt road that leads to some really cool overlooks of the south portion of Badlands National Park. It has 2 distinct sections with the first part being accessible to all vehicles and the second part only for high clearance 4WD vehicles. There are multiple places to stop and take pictures or admire the scenery and is usually not crowded, especially the second part of the trail.

Photos of Sheep Mountain Table Road

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Difficulty

First half of the trail is a wide gravel road with washboard sections but is mostly smooth surface, accessible by any vehicle (i.e. Cars). Once it climbs to the top of the table, there is a sign where the second part starts which is only accessible to high clearance 4WD vehicles. This second part is slightly more challenging with some soft sand, off camber roads and a few deep mud spots, though all the muddy parts have bypasses which really mean that any 4WD SUV should make it without an issue when it's generally dry. It ends abruptly at the end of the table without much space to make a 3-point turn so plan accordingly. It probably gets more difficult when wet due to very nasty, thick mud so beware of the weather.

Technical Rating

Mike S

Jun 15, 2026

Open

Open. great views. Some washboard.

Payton Kellam

May 13, 2026

Open

Great trail some really great views of all different types of terrain it felt like. Saw some buffalo on this trail as well. Super nice would really recommend.

Jarred Pohlman

Mar 20, 2026

Open

Fun trail! I ran it with my RAV4 and had no issues, but if it was after a decent rain there's no way I would have made it. Amazing views of the badlands that few ever see and you can park right on the rim.

Andrew

Nov 08, 2025

Open

Epic views if you go all the way past the high clearance 4x4 sign. I was worried coming to badlands I wouldn't get the cool views if I didn't go to the lookouts in the national park... wrong... There's like 20 lookouts along this trail it's epic. Heavy washboards on the way in. I saw a car going like 5mph though them . I had better luck going fast with fox shocks

Jose

Nov 02, 2025

Open

Solid run if you know how to read terrain. Took my 1-ton up here today, clearance matters.Trail’s mostly easy if you pick smart lines and keep momentum steady. Near the end it splits. Right side is the move, you’ll see a 4x4 Recommended sign. That route’s flatter, cleaner, and steady all the way up. Left side hugs the rim, killer views but rough. It’s chewed up bad with deep ruts and washouts. Go left only if you’ve got height, tires, and no fear of body damage. Good mix of open prairie and rocky sections. Watch the edges, respect the land, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views in the Badlands.

Mark R

Oct 12, 2025

Open

Basically a dirt country road. Last part for high clearance could be interesting if wet, otherwise, not bad!

Jim Petersen

Sep 11, 2025

Open

Trail was dry. Like the description said, second half is the fun part of the trail. I got 10-14 degree of off cambor and had a few small climbs. Other than that easy trail with high clearance

Lance P

Sep 08, 2025

Open

My tundra with a 2 inch lift and 33.5 inch tires made the whole trail in 2wd. it's a little tight for a full size truck in some spots. But overall super easy, awesome views.

Liam Brochu

Aug 09, 2025

Open

Second time being up here, both during sunset time and was able to see bighorn sheep. Trail was very dry and starts as washboard dirt road, you can get to an overlook with any vehicle. After that there is a vehicle specifically for high clearance 4x4s that had some ruts but was nothing too difficult. Tight turnaround at the end, so plan accordingly.

Haynes Family Adventures

Jun 03, 2025

Open

Fun trail! Small off camber sections and some ruts. Gravel washboard road to Sheep Table Overlook. After that the trail starts. Beautiful views!

Jason Wright

May 21, 2025

Open

Northern half of the trail is a maintained gravel road, to a parking area. South of the parking area, the road is more challenging, with some off-camber sections, ruts, and sand.

Conor Mahoney

May 10, 2025

Open

Easy gravel road most of the trail. Toward the end it has a sign for high clearance 4x4 required as the trail gets sandy, narrow and rutted out.

Jeremiah Larson

Apr 26, 2025

Open

Andy Kachelmeier

Apr 22, 2025

Open

David Dalman

Sep 10, 2024

Open

Gravel road to start that turned into a very rough washboard road. Ended up turning around midway through the washboard as it got so rough everything was rattling.