Badlands Loop Road, an adventurous photogenic drive in SD
Usa, north-america
61.15 km
985 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! You HAVE to check out the Badlands Loop Road (SD 240) in South Dakota. It straddles Jackson and Pennington counties and is totally paved. This isn't a long haul at just 38 miles, starting and ending at I-90, but trust me, you'll want to set aside way more than an hour.
The road climbs to a peak of 3,231 feet, so expect some steep sections! But the views? Totally worth it! Think incredible buttes, cliffs, and those signature multi-colored spires of the Badlands National Park. There are 14 official overlooks, and seriously, each one is a photo op waiting to happen.
This road feels like another planet, with unique rock formations mixing with native grasslands, offering plenty of chances to see bison, deer, coyotes, and more. It's an engineering marvel and a visual feast. Breathtaking vistas, clean air, and a serene atmosphere. Don't miss it!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 61.15 km
- Max Elevation
- 985 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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