rolling dreamsEXPLORE NORTH AMERICAON OUR ROUTE
Places, parks and practical ideas for this part of the journey.
Hikes & walks in this region ↓South Dakota is one of the most underrated states in the United States. Many travelers cross it on their way between Yellowstone and the National Parks in the West or Great Lakes in the East. However, those who stay longer discover an amazing variety: huge rock formations, deep canyons, endless prairies, cave systems, historic gold mining cities and some of the most famous monuments in the United States.
Explore →This proposal combines comfortable supply nights with simple campgrounds and free overnight stays. After two to three self-sufficient nights at the latest, a place with fresh water and disposal is deliberately followed again. Where Boondocking with a large Fifth Wheel does not make sense, the plan remains with an official campground.
Explore →The Badlands National Park is a landscape full of contrasts. Sharp-edged rock formations, deep gorges, colorful layers of rocks and endless prairies form a backdrop that resembles a planet other than the Great Plains. Between the bizarre rocks, bisons, thickhorn sheep and prairie dogs, while birds of prey circle over the canyons.
Explore →Wall is at first sight a small town with less than 1,000 inhabitants. But hardly any place along Interstate 90 is more famous. For decades, countless advertising signs have attracted travelers from all directions to Wall – and almost every road trip through South Dakota leads past here sooner or later.
Explore →Mount Rushmore is undoubtedly South Dakota's most famous landmark and one of the most famous monuments in the United States. The four monumental Presidential heads – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln – are a symbol of American history worldwide.
Explore →Just a few kilometers from Mount Rushmore, one of the most ambitious monuments in the world is to be built. The Crazy Horse Memorial is said to be the largest rock-cut sculpture on earth – much larger than Mount Rushmore after its completion.
Explore →For many experienced campers, Custer State Park is even the real highlight of South Dakota – ahead of Mount Rushmore. On an area of more than 280 km2, it combines spectacular granite rocks, crystal clear mountain lakes, dense pine forests and an exceptionally species-rich wildlife.
Explore →The Needles Highway is one of the most spectacular panoramic roads in North America. On only 23 kilometres, the route leads through bizarre granite landscapes, past narrow rock tunnels, steep rock needles and picturesque mountain lakes. Hardly any other road offers a similar variety of landscapes at such a short distance.
Explore →The Wind Cave National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the USA and protects one of the longest and most fascinating cave systems in the world. Underneath the earth you can expect miles of corridors, unique limestone formations and the world's largest known concentration of so-called boxwork formations that occur almost exclusively here.
Explore →Just a few kilometers west of Custer is one of the largest cave systems on earth. With more than 360 kilometres of explored corridors (and new ones are added each year), Jewel Cave is one of the longest caves in the world.
Explore →Deadwood is one of the most famous Western cities in the USA. Founded during the Gold Rush in the Black Hills, it quickly developed from a wild gold mine to a legendary Boomtown. Names such as Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane or Seth Bullock made Deadwood world-famous and still shape the place today.
Explore →Spearfish Canyon is one of the most beautiful and at the same time underrated landscapes in Black Hills. The 35-kilometre long panoramic road winds through a canyon that is up to 300 metres deep, past steep limestone rocks, dense forests, roaring waterfalls and clear mountain streams.
Explore →Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakotas and for many travelers forms the eastern starting point or end point of a round trip through the state. Although it is often perceived as a stopover, the city surprises with a successful mix of nature, modern architecture, lively gastronomy and an attractive waterfront promenade.
Explore →In addition to the famous attractions such as Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Black Hills or Badlands National Park, South Dakota offers many other sights that are often underestimated. Historical places, impressive state parks, caves and scenic panoramic streets make the state a varied destination that has far more to offer than its most famous landmarks.
Explore →South Dakota is full of surprising places that lie off the famous tourist trails. Hidden canyons, bizarre rock formations, historic ghost towns and quiet nature areas show a completely different side of the state. Anyone willing to take small detours discovers landscapes and stories that are hidden from many visitors.
Explore →South Dakota brings together some of the most impressive landscapes and major historical attractions in the American West in comparatively small space. From rugged Badlands to wooded Black Hills to endless prairies, the state offers a surprising variety of landscapes. At the same time monuments, historic cities and sites of indigenous culture remind us of the turbulent history of this region.
Explore →Badlands National Park
A long hike in open Badlands terrain.
Return on foot along the same route. Both directions are included.
Official trail information ↗Badlands National Park
Steps, boardwalk and natural paths; around 61 m of climbing.
The loop returns to the starting trailhead.
Official trail information ↗Badlands National Park
An accessible boardwalk with fossil exhibits.
The boardwalk loop returns to the start.
Official trail information ↗Badlands National Park
NPS: moderate to strenuous. A ladder and exposed ledges; unsuitable if afraid of heights.
Return on the same trail. The quoted distance and time include both directions.
Official trail information ↗From our travel guide
Distance: approx. 2,5 km Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Distance: approx. 1.2 km Duration: 30–45 minutes
Distance: approx. 500 m Duration: 15 minutes
Distance: approx. 16 km Duration: 4–5 hours
Check trail length, difficulty and the return route with the park before choosing a walk.
From our travel guide
The exploration of the various shops alone can take several hours. Especially popular:
Check trail length, difficulty and the return route with the park before choosing a walk.
From our travel guide
The most beautiful walk of the complex. Distance: about 1 km
The best way to experience Mount Rushmore from different perspectives.
Check trail length, difficulty and the return route with the park before choosing a walk.
From our travel guide
Distance: approx. 11 km Duration: 4–5 hours
Distance: approx. 1.6 km Duration: 30–45 minutes
Check trail length, difficulty and the return route with the park before choosing a walk.
From our travel guide
Distance: approx. 2,5 km Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Distance: approx. 5 km Duration: 2–3 hours
Check trail length, difficulty and the return route with the park before choosing a walk.
From our travel guide
Distance: approx. 1.6 km Duration: 30–45 minutes
Distance: approx. 1.6 km Duration: 45–60 minutes
Check trail length, difficulty and the return route with the park before choosing a walk.
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Trail details checked against park sources in September 2026. Check current closures, weather, permits and any return transport before setting out.