Badlands National Park: Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Badlands National Park just got easier with the self-guided driving audio tour. Visitors can now discover the park’s hidden gems at their own pace, armed with a mobile app that provides an informative audio guide, offline maps, and the flexibility to experience the tour over 365 days. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a unique adventure, this comprehensive tour promises to unveil the park’s prehistoric secrets, diverse wildlife, and the captivating stories of the Lakota people. With the option to start from either the eastern or western entrance, the stage is set for an unforgettable journey that will leave you wanting more.

Key Points

• A self-guided driving audio tour of Badlands National Park, offering a discounted price and flexible usage for 365 days.
• Explore the park’s unique geological formations, spot wildlife, and uncover prehistoric secrets through the comprehensive audio narration and offline mobile app.
• Flexible start location from either the eastern or western entrance, allowing visitors to explore the park at their own pace.
• Learn about the Lakota people’s history, early homesteaders, and the region’s ranching legacy through the tour’s historical insights.
• Witness stunning views and trails, including Panorama Point, Saddle Pass Trail, and the captivating rock formations of The Notch, The Castle, and The Door.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Details

This self-guided driving audio tour of Badlands National Park offers significant savings, with a discounted price of $14.44 per person compared to the regular $16.99 rate, representing a potential saving of up to 15%.

Booking is easy, as you can reserve your spot now and pay later.

The tour is valid for a full 365 days, so you can use it multiple times over multiple trips, providing great flexibility.

The tour includes an easy-to-use mobile app with an audio guide, a map, and offline functionality, ensuring a smooth and hands-free experience as you explore the park.

With this comprehensive tour, you won’t miss a single highlight of the Badlands.

Highlights

Visitors can explore a truly unique landscape and learn about its fascinating formation through this self-guided tour. Travelers may spot iconic wildlife like bison, pronghorns, and bighorn sheep along the way.

The tour also uncovers the prehistoric secrets of the Badlands’ abundant fossils, providing a glimpse into the area’s ancient past.

The highlights of this immersive experience include:

1. Discovering the history of the Lakota people who once called this region home.
2. Witnessing an unforgettable sunset over the Badlands’ dramatic rocky peaks.
3. Learning about the area’s unique geology and how it was shaped over millions of years.

This audio tour allows visitors to explore Badlands National Park at their own pace, uncovering its natural wonders through engaging storytelling and expert commentary.

Tour Itinerary

The tour begins from either Wall or Philip towns, allowing travelers to explore the park’s highlights at their convenience.

Visitors can then detour to see a prairie dog colony at Roberts Prairie Dog Town, where they can observe the lively rodents scurrying about.

Next, the tour leads to Pinnacles Overlook, where bison and bighorn sheep are frequently spotted, offering a chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

The journey continues to Ancient Hunters Overlook, where guests can learn about the Lakota people who once inhabited the area.

Travelers will then discover millions of years of geologic history at Yellow Mounds Overlook before exploring homesteading history at Homestead Overlook and a 20th-century sheep rancher’s homestead at Burns Basin.

Start From Either Wall or Philip

Travelers can embark on the self-guided driving audio tour from either Wall or Philip, allowing them to explore the park’s highlights at their own pace. The tour’s flexible structure enables visitors to start the experience from their preferred town, catering to their individual preferences and schedules.

From Wall, the tour guides you through the park’s eastern entrance, while the Philip option offers access to the western side. Regardless of the starting point, the audio narration and comprehensive route ensure you won’t miss any of the Badlands’ key sights, including:

1. The picturesque Pinnacles Overlook, known for its bison and bighorn sheep sightings.
2. The Ancient Hunters Overlook, which delves into the Lakota people’s history in the region.
3. The Fossil Exhibit Trail, where you can uncover the park’s prehistoric secrets.

More Great Tours Nearby

Spot Wildlife and Learn History

Along the self-guided driving tour, you’ll spot an array of wildlife, from the iconic American bison to the nimble pronghorns and majestic bighorn sheep.

Meanwhile, the audio narration delves into the rich history of the Lakota people, who once called this rugged landscape home, shedding light on their ancient hunting practices and their enduring connection to the land.

At the Ancient Hunters Overlook, you’ll learn about how these skilled indigenous hunters tracked their prey across the Badlands, using the unique terrain to their advantage.

As you drive on, the tour will also introduce you to the fascinating story of early homesteaders, who braved the harsh conditions to carve out a living in this dramatic environment.

Discover Geologic and Fossil Secrets

Millions of years of geologic history unfold at the Yellow Mounds Overlook, where the vibrant hues of ancient soils and sediments reveal the park’s prehistoric past. Visitors can uncover the fossilized remains of creatures that once roamed this land, from the towering T-Rex to the nimble Microraptor, at the Fossil Exhibit Trail.

As they explore the lush juniper forests of the Cliff Shelf Trail, they may even stumble upon long-buried bones and teeth that provide a glimpse into the Badlands’ vanished ecosystems.

The audio tour highlights three must-see fossil sites:

1. The Notch, The Castle, and The Door trails, where hikers can spot fossilized footprints and skeletons.
2. Bigfoot Pass, where the tragic tale of the Wounded Knee Massacre is told alongside the discovery of ancient megafauna fossils.
3. Saddle Pass Trail, a prime birdwatching spot that also yields prehistoric secrets.

Explore Homesteading and Ranching History

The audio tour invites visitors to explore the homesteading and ranching legacy that shaped the Badlands, with stops that uncover the stories of early settlers and their rugged lifestyles. At the Homestead Overlook, listeners explore the trials and tribulations of those who carved out a living on this harsh yet captivating landscape, while the Burns Basin site offers a glimpse into the 20th-century sheep ranching operations that once flourished in the area.

Homestead Overlook	Burns Basin
Learn about the hardships faced by early settlers	Discover the history of 20th-century sheep ranching
Understand the challenges of establishing a life in the Badlands	Explore the remnants of a bygone era
Appreciate the resilience and determination of the homesteaders	Gain insights into the region’s agricultural past
Imagine the daily routines and struggles of daily life	Reflect on the changing face of the Badlands landscape
Recognize the enduring legacy of the Badlands’ pioneer spirit	Appreciate the adaptability of those who called this region home

Witness Stunning Views and Trails

Traversing the Badlands’ rugged terrain, visitors are rewarded with a tapestry of breathtaking vistas that showcase the park’s unique geological wonders. From the panoramic splendor of Panorama Point to the captivating play of light and shadow at Big Badlands Overlook, the audio tour guides explorers through a visual feast of sculpted rock formations, serene grasslands, and awe-inspiring sunsets.

The tour also highlights:

The Notch, The Castle, and The Door – a trio of trails that wind through striking rock formations and offer spectacular views.

The Saddle Pass Trail, where birdwatchers can spot a variety of avian species.

The Cliff Shelf Trail, which immerses visitors in the park’s lush juniper forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Accessed on Multiple Devices?

The tour can be accessed on multiple devices. With a unique tour password, users can enjoy the self-guided experience on their smartphones, tablets, or other mobile devices during their visit to Badlands National Park.

Is the Audio Tour Available in Multiple Languages?

The audio tour is currently only available in English. However, the company may introduce additional language options in the future to cater to a wider audience and enhance the accessibility of the experience.

What Is the Recommended Duration for Completing the Full Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a set duration, as it’s self-guided. Visitors can complete it at their own pace, taking as much or as little time as they want to explore the park’s highlights and trails along the way.

Are There Any Pet-Friendly Trails or Stops Along the Route?

The self-guided audio tour doesn’t explicitly mention any pet-friendly trails or stops. However, many national park trails allow leashed pets, so visitors can likely explore select areas with their furry companions. It’s best to check park guidelines before the trip.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Focus on Specific Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to focus on specific interests. Users can select which highlights, trails, and sights they’d like to prioritize, creating a personalized experience tailored to their interests and preferences.

Recap

The Badlands National Park self-guided driving audio tour offers an immersive and flexible way to explore this unique landscape at your own pace.

With an informative audio guide, offline maps, and access for over 365 days, you can discover the park’s prehistoric secrets, spot iconic wildlife, and witness breathtaking views – all while tailoring the experience to your interests.

Whether you start from the eastern or western entrance, this tour provides a comprehensive experience of the Badlands’ natural and cultural wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here: