Badlands- Backpacking/camping
About
Summary
Wildlife and otherworldly scenery make Badlands National Park the perfect weekend backpacking destination.
Recommended by
Written by
Distance
12.0 miles
Castle Trail is a 12 mile out-and-back with options and spur trails at the east end to lengthen your hike. Take Medicine Root Trail to turn the hike into a bit of a loop.
Destination Distance From Downtown
46.8 miles
Difficulty
2 of 5 diamonds
Castle Trail is fairly easy, and at a moderate distance of 12 miles out-and-back, the distance is great for a quick trip. The weather in the area causes a majority of the challenges, so be on the lookout for quickly changing weather, and err on the side of bringing too much water because in the summer, it is a desert.
Time To Complete
18 hours
Seasonality
Spring and Fall
Winter and summer are the worst seasons to backpack in the Badlands. Winters in Badlands National Park are cold and windy with snow likely through out most of the season. Summers are very hot, with temperatures often near 100 degrees. In the afternoons and evenings, large thunderstorms that are accompanied by lightning and hail are frequent. Be careful during or after rainfalls, as the formations are very loose, and can become unsafe to hike on.
Dog Friendly
No
Fees Permits
Yes
There is a park entry fee of $15.00, which is good for 7 days per vehicle, but no fee for backcountry camping permits. Backcountry permits are not required but there are registers at the Medicine/Castle Trail Loop, Saddle Pass Trailhead, Conata Picnic Area, Sage Creek Basin Overlook, and the Sage Creek Campground.