3 Routes That Change the Way You See Badlands National Park

Walking through the Badlands turns into a series of discoveries: every turn reveals new colors and shapes of the landscape. The trails are guided by nature itself, winding through crevices and along ridges that hold centuries of memory. Traveling in a Nissan Pathfinder offers the freedom to combine driving and hiking, providing comfort inside the cabin, reliable off-road capability, and convenient gear storage.

Starting the Route: How the Pathfinder Leads to Exciting Trails

Not all of the park’s interesting routes are close to the main road. Thanks to the Nissan Pathfinder drawer system, everything you need—from flashlights to snacks—is always within reach. This keeps things organized and gear easily accessible, while the Pathfinder handles rough terrain confidently, taking you to places where a regular car simply can’t go.

3 Routes Worth Exploring

• Notch Trail

A narrow canyon with a wooden step leading up to a lookout over the valley. The landscape feels sculpted by wind and time, and the trail gives a true sense of depth and scale.

• Castle Trail

The longest route (about 11 kilometers round trip). It passes through scenic rock formations and open plateaus, revealing the Badlands from unexpected perspectives. Perfect for those who enjoy a feeling of distance and vastness.

• Door Trail

A short and accessible path for everyone. It leads to a rock “door”—an arch framing a colorful landscape and giving the sensation of stepping back in time.

Viewpoints You Can’t Miss

The Nissan cargo management system adapts easily to the pace of your trip. Convenient compartments allow you to organize your gear by priority, without needing to repack before every stop.

Among many stops in the Badlands, some places are impossible to miss. They create a sense of scale and show how the planet has changed over time.

Panorama Point Overlook—located near Badlands Loop Road. It’s one of the park’s main viewpoints, offering breathtaking views of rolling terrain and the depth of the landscape.

Big Badlands Overlook—a popular and convenient stop. Here you’ll see multicolored layers of hills, furrows, and rocky ridges.

Yellow Mounds Overlook—a spot with bright layers of yellow, pink, and gray rock, arranged like a geological mosaic. You’ll want to take away not just photos but lasting memories.

How to Plan Your Stops and Rest

To truly feel the park’s atmosphere, it’s important to plan breaks where you can study cracks in the rocks, hear the crunch of stone beneath your feet, and notice a falcon’s shadow flying over a cliff.

Tip: Use Nissan Pathfinder camping gear to quickly organize a comfortable rest no matter where you are. Even a five-minute stop at the base of a hill becomes a moment of full immersion in the landscape when you have the right gear nearby and the quiet around you.

Also, choosing rest spots thoughtfully matters. The shade of a rock, a natural shelter, or a place with a valley view makes a break memorable. There’s nothing more meditative than watching light glide over rocky ledges, changing their shapes. Those moments stay with you longer than the miles you’ve walked.

Tips for Travelers: What to Bring and How to Navigate

Weather in the Badlands is unpredictable: in the morning the sun beats down from a clear sky, by noon the wind picks up, and in the evening it cools down noticeably. Even in summer, it’s easy to get cold in the shadow of rocks, especially after sunset. So a warm windbreaker and comfortable layered clothing are essential.

Footwear should be trekking boots: the trails go over loose soil, rocky ledges, and sometimes slippery spots. Sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water are must-haves, especially if you plan to hike during the day.

Download an offline park map in advance or carry a paper version. All main trails are marked, but off-trail it’s easy to get lost, especially where the landscape looks the same in every direction. Watch the signs, and always tell someone if you’re heading out on a long hike.

Tip: Pay attention to Nissan’s cargo space. The roomy trunk will help you bring everything you need for a comfortable trek.

The Badlands don’t let go immediately. There’s a special quiet and power in these landscapes that stays with you. But the journey doesn’t end here. Beyond the horizon are new roads, different landscapes, and stories yet to be discovered.