Badlands National Park Fossil Exhibit Trail Backcountry Road
Fossil hunting roads beyond the tourist zone
This forgotten backcountry access road parallels the famous Fossil Exhibit Trail but takes you deep into the park’s restricted research areas where paleontologists still extract ancient mammal bones from 30-million-year-old sediment layers. The track winds through a maze of eroded pinnacles and colorful clay formations that most tourists never see, ending at an overlook above the White River where you can spot the actual fossil dig sites in the valley below. Watch for washouts after storms – the bentonite clay becomes slick as grease when wet and has claimed more than a few vehicles.
High-clearance 2WD handles this route in dry conditions, but 4WD becomes essential during wet weather or winter access. The clay surface can be deceptively challenging, going from firm to impassable in minutes during thunderstorms. Best visited spring through fall, avoiding the brutal summer heat and winter ice. No permits required for the access road itself, but staying overnight requires backcountry camping permits. Bring plenty of water and sun protection – there’s zero shade once you leave the parking area. The solitude and fossil viewing opportunities make it worth the dusty drive.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2800 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Interior, South Dakota |
| Land manager | National Park Service |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| 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 pickup truck handle this trail?
Yes, any high-clearance 2WD vehicle can handle this trail. The dirt road is well-maintained with no technical obstacles, just some rough spots that require clearance.
Is the trail accessible in winter?
No, the backcountry roads are typically closed from December through March due to snow and ice conditions. Best access is April through November when weather permits.
Do I need a permit to drive this trail?
Yes, you need a valid Badlands National Park entrance pass. The standard 7-day pass costs $30 per vehicle, or use your America the Beautiful Annual Pass.
What's the most challenging part of this route?
There are no technical challenges - just some washboard sections and occasional soft sand spots. The biggest difficulty is navigation since the roads aren't well-marked and GPS can be unreliable.
Is there cell phone service on the trail?
No cell service whatsoever once you leave the main park roads. Download offline maps beforehand and let someone know your plans since you'll be completely out of contact.