door trail

In the rather wonderful Badlands this is one of the very best trails. A easy walk and you can get lost in simply amazing scenery. So worth the little effort it takes.

This is a short hike along a boardwalk. We saw lots of chipmunks scampering about during our walk. We went just after sunrise in the morning, and there was only one other person out with us. Such a peaceful way to start the day!

We found that pretty much all the marked trails and boardwalks provide easy access for most people. We're a couple of seniors and, though very mobile, found we had absolutely no problem using the trails. If you're a little more daring than us, you can actually climb the formations - something that the NPS encourages.

The Door Trail makes a great introductory hike to experience Badlands geology and topography up close. The first section is on an accessible .25 mile boardwalk and then the trail continues over rocks and rougher ground to its end. You return on the same trail. In summer's daytime, this is a hot hike without shade, and although it's short at .75 miles, it can get uncomfortable. We walked in the early evening when portions of the trail were shaded making it more enjoyable. When you enter the park from its northeast entrance, this is the first spot where you can get out of the car and begin a number of hikes, including the Window and Notch trails.

If you ever wondered what it is like to walk on the moon, this trail you make you feel like you've been there.

For travelers entering the Badlands from the NE entrance (off of I-90), this is the first place to really get out and get into the park. There is a boardwalk trail for folks with mobility issues, and then a set of stairs for those who want to get down into the Badlands and hike around.

This was a cool hike, great for families with young kids. It started on a boardwalk, then moves onto Badlands rocks, having you follow number markers. I would normally have liked a bit longer hike, but because it was pretty hot on the afternoon we visited, this was the perfect length. Our kids, who are 5 and 7, loved finding the way with the number markers, making it into a game finding where the next number would be. They also had a ton of fun climbing on some of the great rock formations. Great photo opportunities, very nice views of Badlands. I felt like we got a good feel for the Badlands from this hike!! We all enjoyed it very much!

While the start of this hike looks rather easy on a boardwalk, the real fun starts when you leave the boardwalk and start climbing on the rock formations that make up the Badlands.There is an easy way through the rocks while the kids can climb and jump to there hearts content.I will be back for this short hike again.

An easy trail-all boardwalk if you prefer. Badlands National Park allows hiking and climbing anywhere in the park, and Door Trail is a great place to go off trail without getting lost and giving yourself the opportunity to see close up what the Badlands is all about.

This is a short, easy trail leading to a great view. My three teens loved it, and it kept everyone interested and engaged even on the 104 degree day when we visited.There are two other trails from the same parking area. I liked the Notch Trail a little better than this one, but only because it was more adventurous. Door and Window trails are almost as nice and more accessible if any of your group are afraid of heights.

The sites are nice and the trail is very easy. There are three short trails with major payoff at the end. This is one of them. Go at or near sunset for the most dramatic pics

My kids, ages 9, 7, and 4 really loved this trail. The trail is marked with numbered markers. My kids loved seeing who would be the first to spot and get to the next marker. This is an excellent trail for getting a good feel for the Badlands. It is just unreal once you really get out amongst the formations. The view from this trail is amazing as well.

This is a very easy hike, short but worth it. It was 103 degrees when we went around 4 pm. Not many people go past the boardwalk so it was pretty quiet walk. We didn't see any snakes but would have been cool to see one. Take water if it's hot.

There's so much more to the Badlands than the panoramic landscapes! Take a short hike through the Door Trail and see the amazing formations and crevices.

This was our first stop in the park. It has a wheel chair accessible entry area. After that you can walk around freely in the rocks and follow the markers to the end of the trail. We loved the views and the freedom to climb around the rocks.