South Dakota

Black Elk Peak rises above the Black Hills, and the Badlands' Notch Trail adds a short, exposed ladder section. Sunrise in the Badlands is spectacular and…

Black Elk Peak rises above the Black Hills, and the Badlands' Notch Trail adds a short, exposed ladder section. Sunrise in the Badlands is spectacular and cooler than midday.

Why South Dakota hiking stands out

South Dakota pairs two landscapes that feel like different planets. In the Black Hills, Black Elk Peak rises above granite and pine forest as the high point of the region, while the Badlands offer eroded spires, striped canyons, and huge open skies. Few states give you cool forest climbing and stark desert scenery in a single trip.

What to do, step by step

1. Decide which landscape fits your day: a longer forest climb to Black Elk Peak or a shorter Badlands outing like the Notch Trail.
2. Check park conditions, any fees or passes, and the forecast. Badlands heat can be intense, with very little shade on trail.
3. Time it smartly: sunrise in the Badlands is spectacular and cooler than midday, so start early whenever you can.
4. Carry more water than you expect to need, plus sun protection and sturdy shoes for uneven, exposed ground.
5. On the Notch Trail, take the ladder section slowly and carefully, and leave no trace in this fragile, easily scarred terrain.