Hi there!
So you have decided to hike the Saddle Pass Trail in Badlands National Park!
This can be a convenient hike to do when you have just a short time in Badlands National Park, as the Saddle Pass trailhead parking is located right off of Badlands Loop Road.
This is the main road that goes through the park, and it’s the road you’ll want to drive for the best of Badlands National Park.
It’s also located just a short drive from the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, also along Badlands Loop Road.
And, it connects to the Castle Trail, which can be another of the best hikes in Badlands National Park to do!
And so, this trail can be worthy to put as a top consideration when you are looking for the best of the Badlands.
Although, I did think it was a scary trail in Badlands National Park. 😜
It was more a matter of being careful on the dry loose gravel on a steep slope.
Watch the Saddle Pass Trail video on youtube!
And, even if you decide not to do the Saddle Pass Trail, you may want to stop at the Saddle Pass trailhead anyway.
Since there’s a parking lot here, it means that it can be a good spot to park and get out and walk around!
You will be able to see scenic views of the badlands from the Saddle Pass trailhead without even stepping foot on the trail.
Well, you can see scenic views even as you’re driving TO Saddle Pass Trail!
Also, the field across the road from the Saddle Pass Trail parking lot is also an area where I saw bighorn sheep in Badlands National Park! So be on the lookout!
More below on what you’ll see around the Saddle Pass trailhead!
🌞
Driving Badlands Loop Road to Saddle Pass trailhead
So I was driving from the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.
It is about a 5 minute drive along Badlands Loop Road from the Ben Reifel Visitor Center to the Saddle Pass trailhead parking lot.
There will be a sign for the Saddle Pass trailhead so you’ll know when you’re there.
Saddle Pass trailhead is on google maps. It will be best to download offline google maps before you go (it’s free), as you may not get service when you are driving along Badlands Loop Road.
And then once you arrive at the parking lot, whether or not you’re hiking the Saddle Pass Trail, you can see the views from the parking lot, and then walk across the bridge to get up close to the rock formations of the Badlands!
And then if you’ll be hiking the Saddle Pass Trail, you can continue onwards!
Look out for the trail posts so you know you are on the right trail!
And that’s a bit about getting to the Saddle Pass trailhead!
Take care as you’re climbing up the Saddle Pass Trail! As a hiker I met at the top of the trail said, there’s no shame in the butt slide when going back down!
See more about hiking up the Saddle Pass Trail!
See more spots for where to start hiking the Castle Trail.
Plus more scenic views of the Badlands you may think are amazing:
HAPPY DRIVING TO THE SADDLE PASS TRAILHEAD!
There are partner websites included in this post. I may earn a commission.