You don’t need glass to have a window. All you need is a large opening like the one found in Badlands Wall at the end of this short trail in Badlands National Park. Window Trail is a quarter mile round trip with just ten feet of elevation gain – an easy hike that is suitable for all.
Three hikes begin from this trailhead, Window Trail, Door Trail, and Notch Trail. Each penetrates Badlands Wall, an imposing 100-mile long ridge spanning across the South Dakota plains. Window Trail is the easiest of the three, taking you a short distance from the parking area to a gap in the ridge. From the window, you can look out over rugged terrain and down into an orange canyon of eroded sediments like sandstone. The view from the window is pure badlands.
If you are driving through the east side of Badlands National Park on Badlands Loop Road (Route 240), take a quick break to visit Window Trail. If you are hiking another trail in the area, it is worth adding Window Trail to your itinerary. Window Trail only takes about five minutes and is appropriate for hikers of all ages and abilities. No permit is required to hike Window Trail, but Badlands National Park has an entrance fee.
Directions to the Trailhead
- Take Badlands Loop Road (Route 240) two miles east of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center to a large turnout on the east side of the road for Door, Window, and Notch Trails.
- Window Trail begins from the south end of the lot just above Notch Trail and heads east.
Trailhead Location
Trailhead address: Badlands Loop Road (SD 240), Badlands National Park, Interior, SD 57750
Trailhead coordinates: 43.760634, -101.927624 (43° 45′ 38.28″N 101° 55′ 39.44″W)
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 | Door Trail This one-mile hike passes through a gap in Badlands Wall to a viewing platform followed by a cross-country path into the rugged badlands. |
 | Notch Trail This adventurous 1 1/3-mile hike travels up a badlands canyon to an elevated overlook with views over the Great Plains. |
 | Cliff Shelf Nature Trail This half-mile hike loops through a juniper forest on the south side of the Badlands Wall, reaching a viewpoint below the notch. |
 | Zabriskie Point in Death Valley National Park Zabriskie Point offers a stunning panorama of the badlands near Furnace Creek. |
 | Badlands Loop in Death Valley National Park This 2.5-mile loop offers a great immersion into the terrain beneath Zabriskie Point. |
 | Golden Canyon - Gower Gulch Loop in Death Valley National Park This 4-mile loop visits stunning terrain in the badlands region near Furnace Creek. |
Common Questions about Window Trail in Badlands National Park
- Is the trail open?
- Yes. You should expect to find that Window Trail is open. There are no recent reports of trail closures. If you discover that the trail is closed, please help your fellow hikers by reporting a closure.
- Do I need a permit for this hike?
- Yes. National Park Entrance Fee.
- How much time does this hike take?
- It takes approximately 15 minutes to hike Window Trail. Individual hiking times vary. Add extra time for breaks and taking in the views.
- How long is this hike?
- The hike to Window Trail is a 0.25 mile out and back with 10 feet of elevation change.
- Are dogs allowed on this trail?
- No, dogs are likely not allowed on Window Trail. The trail is primarily open to hikers.
- Is Window Trail good for kids?
- Yes, this hike is likely suitable for children. It is relatively short (0.25 miles) with manageable elevation gain.
- Where is the trailhead located?
- The trailhead for Window Trail is located in Badlands National Park, South Dakota.
Trailhead Address:
Badlands Loop Road
Badlands National Park, South Dakota 57750
Trailhead Coordinates:
43.760634, -101.927624 - What are the driving directions to the start of the hike?
To get to the trailhead: Take Badlands Loop Road (Route 240) two miles east of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center to a large turnout on the east side of the road for Door, Window, and Notch Trails. Window Trail begins from the south end of the lot just above Notch Trail and heads east.
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- Are there other trails near Window Trail?
- Yes, you can find other nearby hikes using the Hikespeak Hike Finder Map.
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