Early birds certainly have a bit of advantage on the night owls – especially when it comes to catching sensational sunrises. Even if you’re a night owl, however, chances are you’re going to want to stay up really late or get up really early to sit back, relax, and watch a breathtaking sunrise at Badlands National Park, a unique national park to visit in South Dakota.

We certainly have no shortage of gorgeous spots to watch the sunrise in South Dakota. Most of us would probably agree, however, that you just can’t beat a sunrise at Badlands National Park.

Trip Advisor/Randi T.

Even if you’re just going for a leisurely morning drive through the park, you might be lucky enough to see the sky painted in shades of purple and pink.

Flickr/Tim Vritska

Journey up to Sheep Mountain Table - pictured below - for sensational sunrises followed by a bit of exploration. Follow the Sheep Mountain Table Trail, for example, for a tranquil morning adventure.

Flickr/sethgraham.photos

The trail spans just over 14.5 miles and doesn’t get incredibly busy. It’s also dotted with wildflowers and overlooks. Because it’s a dirt-packed trail, you can hike it or bike it.

Flickr/Kenneth Cole Schneider

One morning make your way to Panorama Point, a prime spot for viewing the sunrise or for just admiring the landscape, which goes on for miles and miles.

Flickr/Jason

You’ll also enjoy spellbinding views of the White River Valley. If you’ve ever been to the Big Foot Pass Overlook, you’ll notice the views are quite similar.

Flickr/Matthew Paulson

If you like starting your day off with a leisurely hike, set off on The Door Trail for views like the one below. The trail clocks in at just under a mile and features…

Flickr/Navin Rajagopalan

Rock formations and wildflowers. It’s an easy trail that’s geared toward hikers of all ages and skill levels.

Flickr/Larry Goodwin

Find more information on the official website of Badlands National Park. Or, go here for Facebook.

Flickr/Chris Ford

Would you agree that this is THE national park to visit in South Dakota? Do you have a favorite spot in Badlands National Park in South Dakota to watch the sunrise? Let us know in the comments! If it’s been too long since you’ve hit the highway on a road trip, follow the road trip to some of the most impressive caves and waterfalls in South Dakota.

Trip Advisor/Randi T.

Flickr/Tim Vritska

Flickr/sethgraham.photos

Flickr/Kenneth Cole Schneider

Flickr/Jason

Flickr/Matthew Paulson

Flickr/Navin Rajagopalan

Flickr/Larry Goodwin

Flickr/Chris Ford

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Address: Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

National Park To Visit In South Dakota April 07, 2022 Beth Price-Williams What are some of the best hikes in South Dakota? We can all probably agree that South Dakota is absolutely gorgeous, boasting some of the most beautiful landscape in the country. One of the best ways to get to know South Dakota and to admire its natural beauty is on a hike. If you’re looking for the best hikes in South Dakota, look no further than the Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore. The short and sweet trail tallies just half of a mile, and it offers gorgeous views of the iconic South Dakota landmark. Clocking in a just over two miles, the trail to Roughlock Falls is drenched in natural beauty and is particularly pretty during the fall. The easy trek takes you right to an overlook deck, where you can snap photos of the breathtaking cascade. Meander along the 3.8-mile Wind Cave Canyon Trail. The picturesque trail is predominately flat and shows off South Dakota’s natural beauty. You might also pass by local wildlife, including bison and elk. What are the best things to do outside in South Dakota? Does it get any better than spending time outside in South Dakota? We have so many things to do outside in South Dakota that we can never really get bored. Sylvan Lake, for example, is a picture-perfect daytrip destination, whether you feel like going for a leisurely stroll, having a picnic, or just lying back and admiring the scenery. Grab your bike if you’re up for an epic adventure and 19 miles along the Sioux Falls Trail Loop, which is absolutely beautiful all-year around but especially during the warmer months. If you’ve got more than a day to spare, you can’t go wrong with a camping adventure at Lewis & Clark Recreation Area. Choose from one of three campsites, where you can fall asleep under the stars after spending the day sailing, swimming, or canoeing. If you prefer staying on land, set off on a scenic hike.

The OIYS Visitor Center

National Park To Visit In South Dakota

April 07, 2022

Beth Price-Williams

What are some of the best hikes in South Dakota? We can all probably agree that South Dakota is absolutely gorgeous, boasting some of the most beautiful landscape in the country. One of the best ways to get to know South Dakota and to admire its natural beauty is on a hike. If you’re looking for the best hikes in South Dakota, look no further than the Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore. The short and sweet trail tallies just half of a mile, and it offers gorgeous views of the iconic South Dakota landmark. Clocking in a just over two miles, the trail to Roughlock Falls is drenched in natural beauty and is particularly pretty during the fall. The easy trek takes you right to an overlook deck, where you can snap photos of the breathtaking cascade. Meander along the 3.8-mile Wind Cave Canyon Trail. The picturesque trail is predominately flat and shows off South Dakota’s natural beauty. You might also pass by local wildlife, including bison and elk. What are the best things to do outside in South Dakota? Does it get any better than spending time outside in South Dakota? We have so many things to do outside in South Dakota that we can never really get bored. Sylvan Lake, for example, is a picture-perfect daytrip destination, whether you feel like going for a leisurely stroll, having a picnic, or just lying back and admiring the scenery. Grab your bike if you’re up for an epic adventure and 19 miles along the Sioux Falls Trail Loop, which is absolutely beautiful all-year around but especially during the warmer months. If you’ve got more than a day to spare, you can’t go wrong with a camping adventure at Lewis & Clark Recreation Area. Choose from one of three campsites, where you can fall asleep under the stars after spending the day sailing, swimming, or canoeing. If you prefer staying on land, set off on a scenic hike.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

We can all probably agree that South Dakota is absolutely gorgeous, boasting some of the most beautiful landscape in the country. One of the best ways to get to know South Dakota and to admire its natural beauty is on a hike. If you’re looking for the best hikes in South Dakota, look no further than the Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore. The short and sweet trail tallies just half of a mile, and it offers gorgeous views of the iconic South Dakota landmark. Clocking in a just over two miles, the trail to Roughlock Falls is drenched in natural beauty and is particularly pretty during the fall. The easy trek takes you right to an overlook deck, where you can snap photos of the breathtaking cascade. Meander along the 3.8-mile Wind Cave Canyon Trail. The picturesque trail is predominately flat and shows off South Dakota’s natural beauty. You might also pass by local wildlife, including bison and elk.

What are the best things to do outside in South Dakota?

Does it get any better than spending time outside in South Dakota? We have so many things to do outside in South Dakota that we can never really get bored. Sylvan Lake, for example, is a picture-perfect daytrip destination, whether you feel like going for a leisurely stroll, having a picnic, or just lying back and admiring the scenery. Grab your bike if you’re up for an epic adventure and 19 miles along the Sioux Falls Trail Loop, which is absolutely beautiful all-year around but especially during the warmer months. If you’ve got more than a day to spare, you can’t go wrong with a camping adventure at Lewis & Clark Recreation Area. Choose from one of three campsites, where you can fall asleep under the stars after spending the day sailing, swimming, or canoeing. If you prefer staying on land, set off on a scenic hike.