Hike up Buck Hill
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The summit and upper trail have steep, unguarded drop-offs on several sides. Keep well back from edges, especially if it's windy — gusts in the badlands can be sudden and surprisingly strong.
There is zero shade on this entire hike. In summer, the exposed hillside bakes in direct sun and temperatures on the trail can run significantly hotter than what the forecast says. Carry water even for a thirty-minute outing.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Time your visit for the first or last hour of daylight — the low-angle sun turns the badlands into a layered canvas of shadows and color that midday completely flattens.
The trail is short enough that you don't need a full hiking kit, but wear shoes with actual tread. The loose gravel on the steeper sections will punish smooth soles, especially on the descent.
Bring binoculars. From the summit you can often spot bison herds grazing in the valleys below, and the distance makes them easy to miss with the naked eye.
Photos
NPS Photo/S. Ng
