ASTRO · GUIDED OR ON YOUR OWN

Stargazing in Badlands National Park 🌌

Stargazing at Badlands National Park — 8 hand-verified trails with the data below, and a guided option if you'd rather not plan it yourself.

8Trails mapped
SDState
TONIGHT'S SKY · AUG 04 · LOCAL PARK TIME (MDT)

Sun & Moon

🌅5:42 AMSunrise
🌇8:08 PMSunset
📸7:29 PM–8:29 PMGolden hour
🌖Waning gibbousMoon · 68% lit
🌌Aug 13Next new moon — darkest skies

The moon rules the Milky Way: aim for the nights around Aug 13, when it's near-new — 68% lit tonight. Times are computed for Badlands National Park's own timezone, not yours.

HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL DATA

Stargazing trails at a glance

TrailLengthGainDogKidsShade
Window Trail 0.25 mi No 0+ 0%
Fossil Exhibit Trail 0.25 mi No 0+ 0%
Cliff Shelf Nature Trail 0.5 mi 200 ft No 5+ 15%
Door Trail 0.75 mi No 5+ 0%
Saddle Pass Trail 0.25 mi No 10+ 0%
Notch Trail 1.5 mi No 10+ 5%
Medicine Root Loop 4 mi No 10+ 0%
Castle Trail 10 mi No 12+ 0%
GUIDED OPTIONS

Rather have a guide?

🥾 Guided stargazing

Local outfitters who know the timing, the permits and the best light.

See tours →

🎒 Gear up

The right layers, footwear and packs for stargazing at Badlands National Park.

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QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked

How many stargazing trails does Badlands National Park have?

This guide is backed by 8 hand-verified trails — length, elevation gain and shade for each are in the data table above.

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