Badlands National Park
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Pure, unspoiled, empty space is the greatest asset of Badlands National Park, and it can only be experienced to its highest degree if you're on foot. Spring and autumn are the best times of the year to do wilderness exploring, because the brutal extremes of summer and winter can—and do—kill. In fact, the two biggest enemies to hikers and bicyclists in the badlands are heat and lightning. Before you venture out, make sure you have at least one gallon of water per person per day, and be prepared to take shelter from freak thunderstorms, which often strike in the late afternoon with little warning.

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  • Air Tours

    Black Hills Balloons. Based in Custer, Black Hills Balloons provides amazing bird's-eye views of some of the Black Hills' most picturesque...

  • Bicycling

    Bicycles are permitted only on designated roads, which may be paved or unpaved. They are prohibited from closed roads, trails, and the backcountry...

  • Hiking

    The isolation and otherworldliness of the badlands are best appreciated with a walk through them. Take time to examine the dusty rock beneath...

  • Horseback Riding

    The park has one of the largest and most beautiful territories in the state in which to ride a horse. Riding is allowed in most of the park...

  2. Destinations
  3. USA
  4. South Dakota
  5. Badlands National Park
  6. Things to Do
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