TrailNotch Trail
1.5 miles out-and-back; 50-ft ladder and cliff ledges — high exposure, big payoff at The Notch
150 ft elev. gain
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Door Trail
Last Updated: January 2026
Distance
0.9 mi
Elevation Gain
50 ft
Est. Time
About 1 hour total; boardwalk to overlook ~20 minutes round-trip.
Route Type
Out-and-back
Dogs Allowed
No
Best Season
Spring (April-June) and Fall (September-October)
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
What Hikers Say
Door Trail delivers a quick, sun-exposed experience with a stable boardwalk and a rocky finale. The short hike rewards with a doorway into Badlands scenery and broad canyons; start early to beat heat and crowds and keep water handy. It's a high-reward dash rather than a lengthy expedition.
More at Badlands National Park
Trail Badlands National Park • Badlands National Park
Recommended Gear for Badlands National Park
ℹ️ Data Sources
National Park Service — Door Trail (official page) (checked 2026-01-29) National Park Service — Badlands National Park fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) hikespeak.com utahsadventurefamily.com 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 YourNPGuide Editorial
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