The Northern Unit of Badlands National Park is filled with breathtaking overlooks, each offering a unique perspective of this extraordinary landscape. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve compiled a guide to the best viewpoints in Badlands National Park along the Badlands Loop Road. This guide breaks down each overlook, with tips on what to see, the best time of day to visit, and helpful information to make your experience unforgettable.
Big Badlands Overlook is one of the best viewpoints in Badlands National Park for sunrise. Located at the eastern end of the Loop Road, this overlook showcases a beautiful landscape of layered rock formations. The morning light reveals rich colors—reds, pinks, and yellows—that make the Badlands glow.
Big Badlands Overlook highlights millions of years of geologic history. Erosion has exposed these sedimentary layers, revealing hints about ancient ecosystems and climates.
Facilities and Trails: While there are no restroom facilities, a short trail brings you close to the formations for an unobstructed view.
White River Valley Overlook provides sweeping views of the valley below. The expansive landscape showcases the winding White River, which carved through this area over millions of years, shaping the landscape.
White River Valley Overlook provides sweeping vistas of the White River Valley, shaped by the relentless forces of water and wind. For those seeking the best viewpoints in Badlands National Park with panoramic views, this is a must-stop.
White River Valley Overlook provides sweeping vistas of the White River Valley, shaped by the relentless forces of water and wind. For those seeking the best viewpoints in Badlands National Park with panoramic views, this is a must-stop.
Visit in mid-morning or early afternoon for optimal lighting. Sunset also transforms this view, casting long shadows that enhance the rugged landscape.
Facilities and Trails: There are no restroom facilities here, but a short trail allows you to explore different angles of the valley.
Conata Basin Overlook is one of the best viewpoints in Badlands National Park for getting up close to the rock formations. The basin is home to fossils and was once roamed by prehistoric creatures like saber-toothed cats.
Late afternoon offers the best light here, emphasizing the textures and colors of the formations.
Facilities and Trails: No restrooms are available, but it’s an easy stop with beautiful views just steps from the parking area.
Panorama Point lives up to its name, offering a 360-degree perspective of the Northern Unit’s unique formations and vast prairie. It’s one of the best viewpoints in Badlands National Park for capturing the full scope of this landscape.
The early morning or late afternoon golden hour provides soft lighting, while sunset accentuates the topography with deep shadows.
Facilities and Trails: No restrooms here, but a short boardwalk makes it easy to access. Ideal for families and photographers alike.
Burns Basin Overlook offers one of the best viewpoints in Badlands National Park for seeing erosion up close. Here, you’ll witness the intricate details of the landscape, shaped by centuries of wind and water.
Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, which are often seen near this overlook.
Best Time to Visit: Morning and late afternoon lighting enhances the colors and contrasts of the landscape.
Facilities and Trails: No restroom facilities, but it’s easily accessible from the parking area.
Homestead Overlook offers expansive views of the prairie, evoking a sense of the hardships faced by early settlers. This is one of the best viewpoints in Badlands National Park for history enthusiasts interested in the homesteading era.
Late afternoon offers a warm, golden light across the plains, enhancing the feeling of stepping back in time.
Facilities and Trails: There are no restrooms here, but the overlook is accessible from the road.
Fossil Exhibit Trail is both a viewpoint and a short, family-friendly boardwalk. It’s one of the best viewpoints in Badlands National Park for those interested in paleontology, with fossil replicas providing insight into the park’s prehistoric past.
Midday to early afternoon is ideal, offering good light for the trail and the interpretive signs.
Facilities and Trails: Restrooms are available, and the boardwalk is wheelchair-accessible, making this a perfect stop for families.
Yellow Mounds Overlook is one of the most vibrant best viewpoints in Badlands National Park. The yellow, pink, and purple hues result from ancient sea deposits, creating an incredible contrast to the surrounding terrain.
Both sunrise and sunset add richness to the colors, with the warm light transforming the landscape into a painterly scene.
Facilities and Trails: No restrooms, but the viewpoint is easily accessible with a short path to different angles.
Pinnacles Overlook is among the best viewpoints in Badlands National Park for sunset. With its expansive view over the rugged badlands, it’s an iconic spot to end your day.
For night-sky enthusiasts, Pinnacles Overlook also provides some of the darkest skies in the park, making it ideal for stargazing and Milky Way photography.
Facilities and Trails: Restrooms are available here, along with a short boardwalk for various viewing options.
Sage Creek Basin Overlook offers a look at one of the most untouched areas of the Badlands. This is one of the best viewpoints in Badlands National Park for wildlife spotting, where you may see bison, prairie dogs, and other native species.
Prairie dogs are most active during the day, so midday to late afternoon is an ideal time to visit.
Facilities and Trails: No restrooms, but there’s space to explore around the parking area.
With this guide to the best viewpoints in Badlands National Park, you’re all set for an incredible adventure. Whether you’re drawn to the geological wonders, the colorful landscapes, or the wildlife, the Badlands Loop Road offers something spectacular at every stop. Enjoy exploring the diverse beauty of the Badlands!
The Best Viewpoints in Badlands National Park
The Best Viewpoints in Badlands National Park
