Castle Trail
The park's longest trail, passing beneath castle-like spires and across open prairie; suited to hikers who want to go deep into the badlands.
Castle Trail is about 8.5 km one way, connecting the Door and Window Trail parking lot with the Fossil Exhibit Trail. Most of the route is flat, passing rock spires eroded into castle shapes, dry mud-cracked ground and grassland. It is quieter and more wild than the loop overlooks. You can hike it one way and arrange a shuttle, or combine it with the Medicine Root Trail for a loop of about 7.6 km. There is no shade and no water along the entire trail, so carry at least 3 liters of water and sun protection, and watch the weather and for rattlesnakes.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Ben Reifel Visitor Center
- Cliff Shelf Nature Trail
- Window Trail
- Fossil Exhibit Trail
- Notch Trail
- Door Trail
- Big Badlands Overlook
- White River Valley Overlook