Badlands Pinnacles Backcountry Road
Hidden badlands beyond the tourist crowds
This forgotten ranch road starts at Scenic, SD and heads south into the Buffalo Gap National Grassland, providing access to spectacular badlands formations without the crowds of the national park. The route follows section lines and ranch tracks through mixed private and BLM land, passing towering pinnacles and fossil-rich formations that rival anything in the main park.
Standard high-clearance vehicles handle most sections fine, though spring mud and washouts can trap the unprepared. Key challenge is navigation — GPS tracks are essential since many turns aren’t marked and private land boundaries shift. Best from June through September when roads firm up and landowner access agreements are most reliable. You’ll find incredible fossil hunting, photography opportunities, and camping on BLM sections, plus a humbling reminder of how big and empty South Dakota really is.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 26 mi / 41.8 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2800 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock SUV high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Scenic, SD |
| Land manager | Buffalo Gap National Grassland |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Subaru Outback handle this trail?
No, you need a proper SUV with at least 8+ inches of ground clearance. The washouts and rocky sections will scrape a car's undercarriage badly.
Is the trail accessible in winter or spring?
Avoid winter completely - snow makes navigation impossible and gumbo mud in spring will trap even 4WD vehicles. Stick to June through September when it's dry.
Do I need permits to camp along this trail?
No permits required for dispersed camping on the BLM sections, but you're crossing private ranch land so stay on the designated route and camp only where allowed.
What's the toughest part of this trail?
The rocky descent into Cedar Creek drainage around mile 15 - it's steep with loose rock that can slide your vehicle sideways if you're not careful with momentum.
How much fuel range do I need for this trail?
Bring at least 100 miles worth of gas - nearest stations are in Scenic or Wall, and the rough terrain burns more fuel than normal highway driving.