In the heart of the Great Plains, Badlands National Park emerges as a rugged testament to the forces of erosion. Carved over millennia by wind and water, its dramatic landscape of jagged peaks, deep canyons, and expansive prairies offers a glimpse into the ancient history of our planet. Here, fossil-rich layers reveal the stories of prehistoric creatures that once roamed the land, while the stark beauty of the Badlands captivates visitors with its raw and untamed allure.
Hiking trails wind through surreal rock formations, offering breathtaking vistas of endless horizons and vibrant sunsets that paint the sky in hues of orange and pink.
Biome at Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park, located in southwestern South Dakota, USA, is a unique and diverse ecosystem that spans multiple biomes. The park's terrain, which ranges from 2,200 to 3,500 feet (670 to 1,070 meters) above sea level, supports a variety of biomes. Keep on reading to learn more about the biomes at Badlands National Park
Airports Near Badlands National Park
This is a list of the closest airports to the park, if you plan on flying into Badlands click here to read our recommendations.
| Distance to Park | Drive Time | ||
| Philip Airport | 54.3 miles | 35 mins | Get Directions |
| Pine Ridge Airport | 69.5 miles | 44 mins | Get Directions |
| Ellsworth Afb Airport | 84.9 miles | 48 mins | Get Directions |
| Rapid City Regional Airport | 87.6 miles | 53 mins | Get Directions |
| Gordon Municipal Airport | 139.8 miles | 1 hour 29 mins | Get Directions |
| Chadron Municipal Airport | 159.9 miles | 1 hour 35 mins | Get Directions |
| Black Hills-Clyde Ice Field | 165.8 miles | 1 hour 50 mins | Get Directions |
Cities Near Badlands National Park
Here are some of the closest cities and towns near the park, take a look at our recommendations for where to stay when visiting Badlands.
| Distance to Park | ||
| Wall | 34.1 miles | Get Directions |
| Box Elder | 62.1 miles | Get Directions |
| Oglala | 65.4 miles | Get Directions |
| Rapid City | 68.9 miles | Get Directions |
| Philip | 74.2 miles | Get Directions |
| Kadoka | 80.0 miles | Get Directions |
| Pine Ridge | 80.4 miles | Get Directions |
| Summerset | 82.0 miles | Get Directions |
| Hot Springs | 86.1 miles | Get Directions |
| Custer | 88.3 miles | Get Directions |
Badlands National Park TimeZone
The timezone at Badlands is America/Denver, the current time here is:
Sunrise and Sunset Times at Badlands National Park
This table shows the sunrise and sunset times at Badlands for the next 10 days, use it to plan your day around Badlands stunning displays.
|
Date |
Sunrise |
Sunset |
| December 22, 2024 | 07:19 | 16:18 |
| December 23, 2024 | 07:20 | 16:18 |
| December 24, 2024 | 07:20 | 16:19 |
| December 25, 2024 | 07:20 | 16:20 |
| December 26, 2024 | 07:21 | 16:20 |
| December 27, 2024 | 07:21 | 16:21 |
| December 28, 2024 | 07:21 | 16:22 |
| December 29, 2024 | 07:21 | 16:22 |
| December 30, 2024 | 07:21 | 16:23 |
| December 31, 2024 | 07:22 | 16:24 |
Weather at Badlands National Park
This table shows weather averages around the year at Badlands National Park, it provides information on average rainfall, as well as maximum and minimum temperatures. Be sure to consult it when planning your trip.
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| January | -10.7 °C / 2.5 °C | 7.9mm | Bad Weather |
| February | -9.8 °C / 3.7 °C | 13.1mm | Bad Weather |
| March | -5.0 °C / 9.3 °C | 21.0mm | Bad Weather |
| April | -0.3 °C / 14.0 °C | 55.3mm | Bad Weather |
| May | 5.6 °C / 19.4 °C | 87.7mm | Tolerable Weather |
| June | 11.0 °C / 25.6 °C | 73.0mm | Good Weather |
| July | 14.8 °C / 30.5 °C | 56.8mm | Good Weather |
| August | 13.7 °C / 30.0 °C | 40.1mm | Perfect Weather |
| September | 8.2 °C / 24.8 °C | 30.8mm | Perfect Weather |
| October | 1.1 °C / 16.1 °C | 33.7mm | Bad Weather |
| November | -5.5 °C / 8.7 °C | 11.3mm | Bad Weather |
| December | -9.9 °C / 3.2 °C | 9.2mm | Bad Weather |