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The longest trail in the park with great views, badlands and level trail.


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Map Key

5.3

Miles

8.5

KM

Point to Point

2,673' 815 m

High

2,605' 794 m

Low

140' 43 m

Up

117' 36 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

3%

Max Grade (2°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

National Park rules apply.

Description

This is the longest trail in the park that begins at the Door and Window parking area and travels five miles one way to the Fossil Exhibit Trail.

Relatively level, the path passes along some badlands formations that both tower above you and drop away below you. Most of the trail is on flat prairie, but does occasionally wander into badlands topography where the trail is hard to follow. Looking ahead and surmising the path of least resistance will help to find the other side of the trail.

Flora & Fauna

Bison, rattlesnakes, bighorn sheep, antelope, prairie flowers in the spring.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kyle Thompson

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 26 votes

#212

Overall
  4.5 from 26 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
46%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#6

in South Dakota

#212

Overall
5 Views Last Month
3,100 Since May 8, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

35%
23%
42%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Prairie Dog and Shadow, Badlands National Park
Mar 26, 2020 near Kadoka, SD
Storm clouds on the Castle Trail.
Apr 15, 2016 near Kadoka, SD
Badlands National Park
May 12, 2015 near Kadoka, SD
three alone
Mar 26, 2020 near Kadoka, SD
Hiking along the Castle Trail.
Apr 15, 2016 near Kadoka, SD
Badlands Castle Trail.
Apr 15, 2016 near Kadoka, SD

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