Door Trail, Bad Lands National Park

This hike begins from the far north trailhead. The first 0.25 mile is on flat boardwalk and leads to an overlook with benches and interpretive signs that look out across the badlands. From the end of the boardwalk, there is a step down to the hard cracked mud of the badlands and the start of the best part of the trail. From here, numbered markers lead you out through the badlands and away from the crowds for another 0.5 mile. The Door Trail provides a door out onto the badlands you can walk through to get the full on- the-moon experience. It’s an especially good trail for curious toddlers and early walkers due to the absence of drop-offs and water hazards. Feel free to wander off trail, none really exists here anyways, but always keep at least one numbered marker in sight and bring plenty of water. It is very easy to get lost here. After the first couple markers, you may notice that even all sound has dropped away. The badland formations are very efficient at blocking sound, making it really feel like you are walking on the moon.