Badlands Loop Road, an adventurous photogenic drive in SD

Badlands Loop Road (SD 240) is the name of a very scenic drive running on the boundary between Jackson and Pennington counties in the U.S. state of South Dakota.

Badlands Loop Road

How long is the Badlands Loop Road?

Running through the Badlands National Park, the road is totally paved. It’s 61.15km (38.0 miles) long, starting and ending at I-90. The road has steep parts, topping out at 985m (3,231ft) above the sea level.

How long does it take to drive the Badlands Loop?

Plan 1 hour to complete the Badlands Loop Road without any stop. However, due its beauty almost no one does that, and it’ll take much longer than you think because you’ll want to make plenty of stops. The drive runs through some of the most amazing buttes, cliffs and multi-colored spires. There are 14 marked overlooks along the route not including trail heads that make for outstanding photo opportunities. Each overlook has an incredible view and it is well worth a stop at each one.

Is the Badlands Loop Road worth it?

This is a shorter stretch of land only covering 38 miles – but it’s not one to be missed. This winding scenic road is an engineering marvel, featured in driving video games. Along the way you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas, clean air, and a quiet atmosphere. Some describe it as "surreal" or "otherworldly with breathtaking rock formations and native grasslands filled with numerous species of plants and animals. You’ll see incredible wildlife, winding through pine covered hills and spotting including buffalos, bison, deer and coyotes.

 

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