Navigating The Notch Trail in Badlands National Park
The Notch Trail is a 1.5 mile out and back trail located in Badlands National Park in South Dakota. The trailhead can be found off Badlands Loop Road. The trail begins at the south end of the parking lot for the Door and Window trails.
The trail has a couple drops offs and 130 feet of elevation gain. Most of this elevation gain comes from having to climb a 50 foot log ladder straight up a cliff. If you have a fear of heights I DO NOT recommend this hike!
The beginning of the trail has you meandering your way through a canyon on a flat dirt path before reaching the log ladder. If it’s a busy day wait your turn for the ladder then begin your ascent.
Now going up the ladder wasn’t that bad.
The first half you are just walking on the ladder rungs then the angle begins to get more severe. By the end you will be using your hands as well to climb, as the rungs at the top are at a nearly 90 degree angle.
Going down was a whole lot scarier!
It was an exhilarating and terrifying experience all at once!
Jamey didn’t have any problems, but I do have a bit of a fear when it comes to heights. At first I didn’t even think I would make it back down. Just getting back on the ladder for my descent freaked me out.
I had a death grip on those rungs as I very slowly made my way back down. When the rungs were flat on the ground again I carefully turned around and walked the rest of the way.
Once you have finished scaling that ladder feel free to take a minute or two to catch your breath and let your heart stop racing (maybe that’s just for me).
The hike continues to your left where the trail narrows and you’ll be walking along the cliff edge. The ledge is only six feet wide in some parts here so be careful. You don’t want to fall off!
You’ll come to a sign telling you to keep right to avoid another dangerous cliff.
DO what it says, because that drop is scary. Scramble over the rocks to the right of the pole and avoid the danger. After a bit more rock scrambling the cliff opens up to the wide top of the Badlands Wall.
This part of the hike is pretty cool and not what I expected the trail would lead to. It’s pretty wide open up here and you are surrounded by granite spires and other cool rock formations. We had a snack up here and spent some time exploring which is always fun.
A short spur trail will lead you to the The Notch, a cutout in the wall that provides 180 degree views of the White River Valley Below. You can see the park for miles from this spot and it’s pretty darn incredible. I’ll admit the view was worth the scary trip up and down that ladder.
The Notch Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Badlands National Park. If you have no fear of heights you’ll have a lot of fun climbing up the log ladder and traveling on the cliffs edge to reach the amazing views at the overlook.
Even if you only have a slight fear of heights, like me, I say give it a try. If you take it slow and be careful I swear you will have a great adventure.
Before attempting this hike be sure to check the weather conditions. Rains can turn the trail into mud and make rocks slippery making this treacherous hike.
Safety first my friends!
