Deer Haven and the Sage Creek Wilderness - 6.0 Miles Round-Trip

The Sage Creek Wilderness is located on the west side of Badlands National Park's North Unit. Though no maintained trails lead through Sage Creek, hikers and backpackers are free to explore this 64,000 acre unit. Sage Creek features archetypal badland terrain and abundant wildlife that includes bighorn sheep, buffalo and pronghorn. 

You can legally access the Sage Creek backcountry from just about anywhere (and no permits are required), but formidable terrain makes one of two entry points the most efficient and safest options:

The Sage Creek Primitive Campground (west access) leads hikers into the open plains, where you may follow the south or middle fork of Sage Creek deep into the wilderness.

The Conata Picnic Area (east access) is an ideal launch pad for reaching Deer Haven, one of the Park's most heavily treed areas and a veritable oasis for wildlife.

Deer Haven sits atop a major uplift, which collects water that supports thick juniper forests and grasslands. Pronounced drainages originating from Deer Haven can be seen when approaching from the east. Dense timber, shade, moisture and shelter attract a variety of wildlife, and provide backpackers with (comparatively) good camping terrain.

If properly navigated, hikers can reach Deer Haven with relative ease. However, misreading terrain or private property lines can lead you on a much more demanding (and unnecessary) trek over the badlands.

While climbing the badlands is certainly a thrill, they are perilously unstable and erode easily. Routes that appear safe can quickly crumble and leave you stranded in very undesirable positions. Heavy backpacks compound these challenges, and rainstorms can make travel through the formations nearly impossible.

A topographic map and good backcountry instincts are invaluable for choosing the best routes, and avoiding the most difficult passages. Preparation and sound judgment are ultimately your best assets:

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Head southeast from the trailhead into open prairie to circumvent steep badland formations. Avoid climbing whenever possible, and be mindful of rattlesnakes in the tall grass.

Once past the last badland formation, hook northwest into a flat, wide open valley known as Conata Basin (this should be clearly depicted on a good topo map).

Travel Note: There is an old fence near the last badland formation before turning into Conata Basin. This fence is not a private property marker, and can be legally crossed.

Once through the fence and in the basin, the route is fairly intuitive and clear. Deer Haven's green belt is visible from a distance, and offers reliable visual guidance.

Continue northwest through the basin and follow natural drainages right to the base of the uplift. Here you'll improvise a challenging scramble up to the green belt of Deer Haven (3.0 miles : 2,850'). Anticipate very steep grades and unstable terrain until reaching timber.

Beyond Deer Haven
Deer Haven's high perch (approximately 2,950') yields magnificent panoramas, and useful navigational insight for those traveling on.

The most efficient way deeper into the wilderness is along washes and creeks, which carve through this rugged labyrinth back into the plains.

High points over the plains and major drainages are ideal places to observe buffalo, pronghorn, mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyote, fox and other small mammals.