Door Trail

Q: Is it safe to hike alone?

Yes, but be mindful of heat, sun exposure, and rough footing in the off-boardwalk section. Stay on the marked path, carry water, and tell someone your plan.

Q: Do I need special gear for this hike?

Water (3 liters per person), sun protection, sturdy shoes with good traction, and a rain shell for potential storms are recommended; a headlamp helps for early or late starts.

Q: How long does it take?

The full round trip typically takes about 1 hour, with the boardwalk portion around 20 minutes to the overlook.

Q: Is there a restroom at the trailhead?

Yes, restrooms are available at the trailhead.

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Overview

About This Trail

Door Trail is a short, sun-exposed walk that starts on a stable boardwalk and finishes on a rocky, uneven path. The round-trip distance is about 0.9 miles with roughly 50 feet of elevation gain, making it accessible for many hikers. The payoff is stepping through a natural doorway into the Badlands, with panoramic views of eroded canyons, spires, and vividly layered sedimentary rock. Start early and bring ample water to manage heat and crowds.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy to Moderate (boardwalk easy; off-boardwalk moderately easy)

Trail Highlights

The payoff: stepping through a natural doorway into the Badlands, with expansive canyons, spires, and vivid sedimentary rock layers.

Insider Tips

• Follow the numbered yellow poles for the full experience beyond the boardwalk • Start early in the day for cooler temps and light for photography • Wear sturdy shoes with good traction for the rocky off-boardwalk • Bring at least 3 liters of water per person; sun protection is essential • Supervise children near drop-offs and keep to the designated path

Best Season to Hike

Spring (April-June) and Fall (September-October)

Hiking Tips

Carry at least 3 liters of water per person; no natural water sources on the trail
Wear sun protection: wide-brim hat, sunscreen, and UV sunglasses
Sturdy shoes with good traction for the off-boardwalk rocky sections
Bring a lightweight rain shell for potential summer storms
Start cold and monitor heat; if temps spike, shorten the hike and seek shade where available

Family Info

Boardwalk portion suitable for all ages; off-boardwalk requires footing and supervision due to drop-offs

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 0.9 miles

Elevation Gain: 50 ft

Duration: About 1 hour total; boardwalk to overlook ~20 minutes round-trip.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (boardwalk easy; off-boardwalk moderately easy)

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Boardwalk, then rocky, uneven terrain with loose scree

Getting There

Trailhead: Door Trailhead, off Highway 240; ~2.5 miles south of the NE park entrance station and ~2 miles north of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center

Parking: Large, paved parking lot shared with Window and Notch Trails

Fills Up: Fills quickly in peak season; arrive early (before 7:30–8:00 AM) to secure a spot

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

Entrance fee applies; America the Beautiful Pass covers the entrance

Fees: $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass; $80 annually with the America the Beautiful Pass

Shuttle Available

Not required; parking lot handles traffic for this trail

Trail Rules

Dogs: Leashed dogs allowed

Biking: Not allowed

Trail Markers: Numbered yellow poles guide beyond the boardwalk

Map/GPS recommended

View on AllTrails

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: No natural water sources on the trail; carry all water

Shade: Full sun exposure; no shade

Cell Service: Limited/irregular

Hazards:

Trail is fully exposed with no shade; summer heat can exceed 100°F; afternoon storms are common; drop-offs near overlooks; off-boardwalk terrain is rocky and uneven

Emergency: Badlands National Park rangers; dial 911 for emergencies

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Very crowded during peak season and midday

Peak Times: Midday in peak season

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Not fully accessible; boardwalk easy, off-boardwalk rough

Family Notes:

Boardwalk portion suitable for all ages; off-boardwalk requires footing and supervision due to drop-offs

Nearby Facilities

Ben Reifel Visitor Center nearby; restroom at trailhead

FAQs

Are there bears on this trail?

Bears aren’t listed as a hazard on this trail; stay aware of park wildlife such as prairie dogs and bison, and keep a safe distance.

Is it safe to hike alone?

Do I need special gear for this hike?

How long does it take?

Is there a restroom at the trailhead?

📖 hikespeak.com 📖 utahsadventurefamily.com 📖 nps.gov 📖 mybackyardandbeyond.com 📖 unicornadventure.blog 📖 trailforks.com 📖 fortheloveofwanderlust.com 📖 liveandlethike.com 📖 komoot.com 📖 badlandsnha.org 📖 youtube.com 📖 flashpackingamerica.com 📖 blackhillsbadlands.com 📖 footpathsblog.com 📖 blackhillsvacations.com 📖 wikipedia.org 📖 alibaba.com 📖 thebreakofdawns.com ⭐ Google Reviews 🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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