Hiking the Window Trail in Badlands National Park
Distance: 0.2 miles / 0.3 km
The Window Trail in Badlands National Park is a very short day hike from at the Millard Ridge Trailhead that leads to a beautiful overlook across an expanse of Badland formations known as 'The Window.'
That said, the trail itself is nothing more than a two-minute walk on one of two boardwalks that meet about halfway to the viewpoint, which is why it’s a bit comical to even call the Window Trail—a trail.
However, what truly makes the Window Trail special, beyond the viewpoint at the end, is the off-trail scrambling that visitors can enjoy along the base of Millard Ridge, given the park’s open-hiking policy!
It’s a great place for people of all ages to enjoy some of the best Badlands National Park has to offer—not to mention, everything the Window Trail has to offer is just a few steps away from your car!
Window Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Window Trail is located in a large, paved parking lot that not only serves the Window Trailhead but also the Notch Trail, the Door Trail, and the Castle Trail.
For this reason, this parking lot near Cedar Pass is the largest in Badlands National Park, as it is the busiest joint trailhead in the park.
Google Maps Directions: Window Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Badlands
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Badlands National Park.
Hiking the Window Trail
The Window Trail can begin at one of two different trailheads, depending on where you find parking within the very large parking lot.
That said, this article begins from the south trailhead, closest to the Notch Trail.
This is where both routes from the Millard Ridge parking area come together for the rest of the hike to the overlook.
The Window
After just 0.1 miles (0.2 km), the Window Trail ends at this beautiful east-facing overlook, which can make for a great place to catch sunrise in Badlands National Park!
As for scrambling around off-trail, there are tons of different places to explore just to the right of the overlook, but before climbing too high, keep in mind that it’s always easier to scramble up something than to climb back down safely.
