Trail closed (updated October 20, 2026): The Notch Trail is closed until further notice. Badlands National Park closed the trail and everything within 100 feet of it at 12:01 a.m. on August 31, 2026, so crews can repair a section of the ladder that had become a hazard. No reopening date had been announced when we last checked. Please don’t go around the barriers. Check the park’s alerts before your trip, and see the open trails nearby below.
The Notch Trail in Badlands is one of the most fun short hikes in any national park. In well under 2 miles, you wander up a dry canyon between striped clay walls, climb a steep ladder made of logs and steel cable, edge along a cliff-side ledge, and finish at a gap in the rock with a huge view over the White River Valley.
It’s short, but it isn’t a stroll. The Park Service rates it moderate to strenuous, and the ladder and ledge are why. This guide covers what the hike is normally like, how hard it really is, the ladder, the closure, parking, the best time to go, and the best open trails to hike instead right now.
Cover photo: looking out over the Badlands to the valley below. Photo: Tim Umphreys / Unsplash
Notch Trail Badlands: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Current status | Closed for ladder repairs since August 31, 2026 (until further notice) |
| Location | Badlands National Park, South Dakota |
| Trailhead | South end of the Door and Window parking area, Badlands Loop Road |
| Distance | About 1.25–1.5 miles round trip |
| Elevation gain | About 180–200 feet |
| Difficulty | Moderate to strenuous (Park Service rating) |
| Time needed | 1–2 hours |
| Trail type | Out and back |
| Main feature | A steep ladder of logs and steel cable |
| Other challenges | A narrow ledge with a drop-off, loose gravel, slick clay when wet |
| The reward | “The Notch,” with views over the White River Valley |
| Shade | Almost none |
| Dogs | Not allowed on trails |
| Permit | None needed for a day hike (park entrance pass required) |
About the distance: The Park Service’s hiking page lists 1.25 miles round trip. Most trail guides and GPS tracks show about 1.5 miles. Either way, it’s short. The difficulty comes from the terrain.
Is the Notch Trail Open?
No. On August 31, 2026, Badlands National Park closed the Notch Trail and all areas within 100 feet of it while staff repair a hazardous section of the ladder. The closure is “until further notice,” and as of October 20, 2026, no reopening had been announced.
This isn’t the first time. In September 2024, the park also closed the trail to deal with loose rocks around the base of the ladder. Repairs like these can take a while, so:
- Check the park’s official alerts before you visit.
- Don’t enter the closed area, even if you see others doing it. Badlands normally lets hikers roam off-trail, but closed areas are off-limits, and you can be fined.
- Have a backup plan. The Door, Window, and Cliff Shelf trails are all close by (see below).
We’ll update this guide when the trail reopens. The rest of this article describes the hike as it normally is, so you can plan ahead.
How Hard Is the Notch Trail?
The Notch Trail is rated moderate to strenuous by the Park Service, even though it climbs only about 200 feet. It’s not a fitness test. It’s a test of how you feel about climbing a steep ladder and walking along a ledge with a drop beside you.
| Section | Difficulty | Main challenge |
|---|---|---|
| Canyon entrance | Easy to moderate | Sandy, uneven ground |
| Canyon walk | Moderate | Loose gravel and rocks |
| The log ladder | Challenging | Steep climb (and a steep climb down) |
| The ledge | Challenging | Narrow path with a steep drop on one side |
| The Notch viewpoint | Moderate | Uneven rock near a cliff edge |
| The return | Moderate to hard | Recrossing the ledge and going down the ladder |
The Park Service says the trail is not recommended for people with a fear of heights. It also gets very dangerous when wet. Badlands clay turns as slick as ice after rain.
A quick self-test: Would you be comfortable climbing a steep, wobbly-feeling ladder outdoors, then walking a 6-foot-wide path along a cliff? If yes, you’ll likely love it. If that sounds stressful, choose the Door or Window Trail instead.
Where Is the Notch Trail?
The Notch Trail is in the northeast part of Badlands National Park in southwestern South Dakota, along the Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240). It starts at the south end of the big parking lot shared with the Door and Window Trails, a few minutes’ drive from the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.
The trail heads straight into the Badlands Wall, a long ridge of eroded rock. These formations are made of layers of sand, mud, and volcanic ash laid down millions of years ago. They wear away fast, about an inch a year, which is why the landscape looks so sharp and rugged.
Notch Trail Step by Step
This describes the normal route when the trail is officially open.
1. Into the canyon
From the south end of the parking lot, the trail heads into a wide, dry canyon. The ground is sandy and rocky, and colorful striped walls rise on both sides. There’s almost no shade, so even this easy start can feel hot in summer.
2. The canyon narrows
As you go farther in, the canyon gets tighter and the ground gets rougher, with loose gravel underfoot. It’s a great chance to see the Badlands up close instead of from a roadside overlook. Stay on the route and avoid climbing on crumbly rock.
3. The famous ladder
Then you reach the star of the show: a steep ladder of thick wooden logs strung together with steel cable, laid against a rock slope and anchored with metal posts at the top. It’s roughly 50 feet long and gets steeper near the top.
It’s not as scary as it looks for most people, but it does take some care:
- Use your hands. Hold the cables or logs as you climb.
- Take it one rung at a time, and keep your weight close to the ladder.
- Wait your turn. The ladder is a bottleneck. Let people finish coming down before you go up.
- Coming down is harder. Many people turn and face the ladder on the way down.
Remember: This ladder is why the trail is closed right now. Never use it until the park says it’s safe.
4. The ledge
At the top of the ladder, the trail follows a ledge about 6 feet wide along the side of the cliff, with a steep drop on one side. It’s wide enough to walk normally, but it feels exposed. Stay close to the inside wall, watch your footing on the loose gravel, and don’t pass people in narrow spots.
5. The Notch
The trail ends at the Notch, a gap in the rock wall. Step up to it and the land drops away to the White River Valley, a wide spread of prairie and eroded hills. You can often pick out the visitor center area and campground far below.
It can be very windy here. Keep a safe distance from the edge while you take photos.
6. The way back
The Notch Trail is out and back, so you return the same way: back along the ledge and down the ladder. Take your time. Many hikers say the descent is the scariest part.
Is the Notch Trail Ladder Scary?
For some people, yes. The ladder isn’t a vertical household ladder. It’s laid along a steep slope, so it feels a bit like climbing a very steep, uneven staircase made of logs. The top section is the steepest, and looking down on the way back can be unnerving.
Most reasonably fit, coordinated hikers get up and down it fine in dry weather. If you have a real fear of heights or struggle with balance, the ladder and the ledge after it may not be for you, and that’s okay. The views from the Door Trail are great too.
Can Beginners and Kids Hike the Notch Trail?
Beginners: Fit beginners who are comfortable on ladders and loose ground can usually manage it when the trail is open and dry. If you’ve never hiked on steep or exposed terrain, start with Door and Window, and check out our hiking for beginners guide.
Kids: Lots of families do this hike with older kids who are confident climbers. Keep them close on the ladder and the ledge. For toddlers, a hiking carrier is a better idea than letting them climb. There’s no “right” age. It depends on your child’s confidence, coordination, and how well they listen near drop-offs.
Best Time to Hike the Notch Trail
When the trail reopens, here’s what to expect through the year:
| Season | Typical conditions | Our advice |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (April–May) | Mild temperatures, possible rain and slick clay | Pick a dry day |
| Summer (June–August) | Hot (often 90s°F or more), strong sun, thunderstorms | Go at sunrise or early morning |
| Fall (September–October) | Comfortable temps, fewer crowds | One of the best times to go |
| Winter (November–March) | Cold, wind, snow and ice possible | Avoid the ladder when icy |
Best time of day: Early morning. It’s cooler, the light on the rock is beautiful, and you’ll avoid the line at the ladder. Late-day hikes can be lovely too, but leave time to get back before dark.
After rain: Wait. Badlands clay becomes extremely slippery when wet, and it can stay slick for a while after the rain stops.
Parking and Getting There
The Notch Trail starts at the south end of the Door and Window parking lot on the Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240). The same lot serves the Door, Window, and Castle trails, so it can get busy in summer.
- From Interstate 90, the park’s Northeast Entrance (near exit 131) is the closest, a short drive from the trailhead.
- From the Ben Reifel Visitor Center near the Interior Entrance, it’s just a few minutes’ drive north on the Loop Road.
Do You Need a Permit?
No permit is needed for a day hike, but you’ll need a Badlands National Park entrance pass. Current fees are:
- Private vehicle: $30, valid 7 days
- Motorcycle: $25, valid 7 days
- Per person (walking or biking): $15, valid 7 days (under 16 free)
- Badlands annual pass: $55
The park takes cards only, no cash. You can pay at the Northeast, Pinnacles, or Interior entrance stations. An entrance pass does not let you into a closed trail.
Safety Tips for the Notch Trail and the Badlands
- Carry plenty of water. The park recommends two quarts per person for every two hours of hiking, even on short trails.
- Protect yourself from the sun. There’s almost no shade. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Stay off wet clay. It’s dangerously slippery.
- Watch for rattlesnakes. Prairie rattlesnakes live here. Look where you put your hands and feet, especially on rocks and ledges.
- Give wildlife space. You may see bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, or bison elsewhere in the park. Never approach them.
- Watch the sky. Summer thunderstorms build fast, and lightning is dangerous on exposed ridges.
- Respect closures. Barriers are there for your safety.
What to Bring
- Hiking shoes with good grip for the ladder, gravel, and clay
- Plenty of water (more than you think)
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- A small backpack that leaves your hands free for the ladder
- A light jacket for the wind at the Notch
- Snacks, especially if you’re combining several short hikes
Best Hikes Near the Notch Trail (Open Alternatives)
The Notch is closed, but you can still have a great day of hiking right next to it.
Door Trail
A short trail through a break in the Badlands Wall, starting from the same parking lot. The first part is an accessible boardwalk. After that, numbered posts guide you across rough, rocky ground to an “End of Trail” sign with big views. It’s the best substitute for the Notch.
Window Trail
A very short, accessible boardwalk to a natural “window” in the wall, looking down into an eroded canyon. Perfect for anyone who wants an easy view.
Cliff Shelf Nature Trail
A short loop of boardwalks and stairs that climbs about 200 feet through juniper trees on a slumped shelf of the wall. It’s great for birds and wildlife and is just a short drive away.
Saddle Pass Trail
A short but steep climb up the Badlands Wall to a viewpoint over the White River Valley. It’s strenuous and can be slippery, so it’s for confident hikers only.
Castle Trail
The park’s longest established trail, about 5 miles one way across relatively flat Badlands terrain. You can hike just part of it from the Door and Window lot.
Fossil Exhibit Trail
A fully accessible boardwalk with fossil replicas and exhibits about the animals that once lived here. A great stop for families.
| Trail | Approx. round trip | Difficulty | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notch (closed) | 1.25–1.5 miles | Moderate to strenuous | Ladder, ledge, and valley view |
| Door | About 0.75 mile (short boardwalk first) | Easy, rough past the boardwalk | Walking among the formations |
| Window | About 0.25 mile | Easy | Natural window in the wall |
| Cliff Shelf Nature | About 0.5–0.9 mile loop | Moderate | Junipers, birds, and views |
| Saddle Pass | About 0.7 mile | Strenuous | Steep climb to a big view |
| Castle | About 10 miles (or any shorter section) | Moderate | Long walk through the formations |
| Fossil Exhibit | About 0.25–0.35 mile | Easy | Fossil exhibits |
Check each trail’s status before you go.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring the closure
It’s tempting when the trailhead is right there, but the closed zone covers the trail and 100 feet around it. Respect it.
Judging the hike by its length
At 1.5 miles it sounds easy, but the ladder and ledge make it much more serious than the distance suggests.
Hiking after rain
Wet Badlands clay is like grease. Wait for it to dry.
Bringing too little water
Even a short hike in this heat can dehydrate you fast.
Rushing the ladder
Take your time, especially coming down, and let others finish first.
Notch Trail Badlands FAQs
Is the Notch Trail open right now?
No. The park closed it on August 31, 2026, to repair a hazardous section of the ladder, and it remains closed until further notice. Check the park’s alerts before you go.
How long is the Notch Trail?
The Park Service lists it as 1.25 miles round trip. Most guides and GPS tracks show about 1.5 miles.
How hard is the Notch Trail?
The Park Service rates it moderate to strenuous because of the steep ladder, the narrow ledge, loose gravel, and drop-offs.
How long does the Notch Trail take?
About 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace, photo stops, and the line at the ladder.
Does the Notch Trail have a ladder?
Yes. It’s a steep ladder of wooden logs and steel cable that climbs about 50 feet up a rock slope.
Is the Notch Trail scary?
It can be for people who are afraid of heights, mainly the ladder and the ledge. Most fit hikers manage it fine in dry weather.
Is the Notch Trail dangerous?
It has real fall risks on the ladder and ledge, and it becomes very dangerous when the clay is wet. Go only in dry conditions and when the trail is officially open.
Can kids hike the Notch Trail?
Older kids who are confident climbers often do well with close supervision. Toddlers are safer in a carrier.
Are dogs allowed on the Notch Trail?
No. Pets aren’t allowed on any trails in Badlands National Park.
Do you need a permit for the Notch Trail?
No permit is needed for a day hike, but you do need a park entrance pass.
What can I hike instead while the Notch Trail is closed?
The Door, Window, Cliff Shelf, Saddle Pass, Castle, and Fossil Exhibit trails are all nearby. Check their status before you go.
Is the Notch Trail worth it?
Yes, once it reopens. It packs a canyon, a ladder climb, a ledge, and a huge view into a short hike, which makes it one of the most memorable short trails in the park.
Final Thoughts
The Notch Trail proves that a hike doesn’t need to be long to feel like an adventure. A canyon, a log ladder, a ledge, and a big view, all in under 2 miles.
For now, it’s closed while the ladder is repaired. Respect the closure, enjoy the Door and Window trails next door, and save the Notch for a future trip. When it reopens, go early, go on a dry day, and take your time on the ladder.