“This is a place where the Earth writes its own history, one layer at a time.”
In the Badlands, time isn’t just something you feel. It’s something you can see. Jagged ridges. Rippled stone. Colors stacked in quiet bands across the rock. This land has been shaped by ancient seas, endless wind, and the bones of creatures long gone.
It’s a place of contrast. Harsh and delicate. Lonely and full of life. With this self-guided audio tour, you can take it all in at your own rhythm. No cell signal needed. No rush. Just you, the road, and the slow reveal of stories written in stone.
You’ll drive along the spine of the Badlands Wall, stopping at overlooks with names like Pinnacles, Yellow Mounds, and Panorama Point. Watch for prairie dogs and bison. Hear stories of the Lakota hunters who once roamed this land. Learn how the Homestead Acts reshaped everything, and how Bigfoot Pass still carries echoes of a tragedy that should not be forgotten.
You’ll walk trails through fossil beds and juniper groves. Step into places called Castle, Notch, and Door. Each trail reveals a new side of the park. Some grand. Some quiet. All unforgettable.
Just a note: Bring water, good shoes, and a sense of wonder. You’re about to walk through deep time.
NOTE:
- Entrance passes are required for all visitors. Please click on entrance fees to know more.
- For all road closure updates and more, please visit the National Park Service website.
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- 25+ National Parks Bundle: At $84.99, access 25+ National Parks and save 82% on the total value.
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Badlands National Park Map
Where To Start?
Tour Starting Addresses:
From Wall: 1101 Glenn St, Wall, SD 57790, USA
From Philip: Badlands Trading Post, 21290 SD-240, Philip
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Audio Story Highlights
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Welcome
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What's in a Name?
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The Badlands Wall
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Erosion
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Hay Butte Overlook
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Badlands Wilderness Overlook
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Roberts Prairie Dog Town
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Pinnacles Overlook
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Ancient Hunters Overlook
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Nomadland
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Bison and Pronghorns
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Yellow Mounds Overlook
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Conata Basin Overlook
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Homestead Overlook
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Homesteaders and the Lakota
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Burns Basin Overlook
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Prehistoric Monsters
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Prairie Wind Overlook
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Panorama Point
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Bigfoot Pass Overlook
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White River Valley Overlook
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Golden Eagles
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Fossil Exhibit Trail
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The Big Pig Dig
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Clastic Dikes
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Saddle Pass Trail
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Shrinking Grassland
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Ben Reifel Visitor Center
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Cliff Shelf Trail
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Notch/Castle/Door Trails
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Wonderland National Park
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Big Badlands Overlook
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
The tour showcases the dramatic landscapes of Badlands National Park, including the Badlands Wall, various overlooks, and historical sites related to the Lakota people and early settlers. You’ll encounter majestic wildlife such as bison and bighorn sheep, and explore geological formations and fossil sites.
The driving tour typically takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on how often you stop to explore the sights and trails.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly with educational stops like the Fossil Exhibit Trail, which is particularly engaging for younger explorers.
The ideal times to visit are spring and fall when the weather is more temperate and the natural beauty of the park is at its peak.
You can start the tour from Wall or Philip, South Dakota, depending on which is more convenient for you.
It’s advisable to bring water, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and perhaps binoculars for wildlife viewing.
While there is no specific fee for the tour itself, park entrance fees apply, and you will need to purchase the tour through the Action Tour Guide app.
Pets are allowed in certain areas of the park but must be kept on a leash at all times. They are not permitted on trails.
Always stay on designated paths, keep a safe distance from wildlife, and check the weather forecast to prepare for sudden changes.
Facilities like restrooms and the Ben Reifel Visitor Center are available along the tour route. However, options for food and drinks might be limited, so it’s best to bring your own snacks.
Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
Easy to use: Stories play automatically by GPS. Hands-free. Get HELP all day: Call, Chat, or Email.
Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Valid for multiple visits up to 1 year after purchase.
Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators.
At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace.
Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
Don’t miss a thing: Full itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated videos, text, and hidden gems.
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
Entry tickets or reservations to any attractions along the route.
Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
