Drive or Cycle Badlands Loop Road (Hwy 240), Badlands National Park, South Dakota

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The Highway 240 Badlands Loop Road, accessed from Interstate 90, is a two-lane, paved surface that takes you through the North Unit of the park. The Badlands Loop Road is open to cyclists who prefer a paved riding experience. While bicycles are allowed on the road, it is not without its hazards. The scenic road is narrow with many curves. Traffic is heavy from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Lacking much of a shoulder, recreational vehicles with extended mirrors pose a danger for cyclists riding along the sides of the road. Badlands Loop Road is very steep in several places, most notably the following passes: Cedar Pass, Norbeck Pass, Dillon Pass, and Pinnacles Pass. Several of these passes involving an elevation change of 250 feet in less than 500 meters can be challenging for cyclists not prepared for the experience. Badlands Loop Road22 Mile, Mostly Downhill Option: If you have a vehicle available to provide a shuttle service, you may want to begin your ride at the Pinnacles Overlook, eight miles south of the town of Wall, and end your ride at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Although this route is primarily downhill, there are still at least two distinct climbs to be made en route. During summer, traffic is quite heavy during all daylight hours. Be a defensive rider at all times. Badlands Loop Road 8 Mile, Downhill Option: This route also requires a vehicle to provide shuttle service. Cyclists should be dropped off at the Fossil Exhibit Trail and ride to the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. This route is all downhill or level but does include stretches with narrow shoulders. Water is not available along the route and cyclists should avoid dehydration by bringing sufficient amounts with them.

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