Badlands National Park 

Badlands National Park is in South Dakota. Its dramatic landscapes span layered rock formations, steep canyons and towering spires. Bison, bighorn sheep 

Address : South Dakota, United States 

Badlands National Park is in South Dakota. Its dramatic landscapes span layered rock formations, steep canyons and towering spires. Bison, bighorn sheep 

Phone : +1 605-433-5361 

Badlands National Park is a highly underrated park in the United States. 

Area : 242,756 acres (982.40 km2) 

The colorful buttes, spires, and pinnacles create one of the most photogenic landscapes in the country.  

Established : 10 November 1978 

Badlands officially became a national park on November 10, 1978. In 2021, it received 1.2 million visitors, making it the 22nd most visited national park that year.

DRIVE BADLANDS LOOP ROAD

If you do one thing in Badlands National Park, it should be a drive along Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240).

PINNACLES OVERLOOK 

This is one of the most visited overlooks in the park and absolutely worth the visit, at least one time during the day. We were here at sunrise, midday, and sunset and it changes dramatically depending on the lighting. Below I have a photo from each of these different times.

YELLOW HILLS OF THE BADLANDS

This is not an official overlook but we really liked it. As you approach the Yellow Mound Overlook (the next overlook on our list), you will drive through vibrantly colored yellow hills.  

YELLOW MOUNDS OVERLOOK

This overlook gives you a view of the yellow hills of the Badlands. 

CONATA BASIN OVERLOOK

This overlook gives you a view back towards the Yellow Mounds and more multi-colored layers of the Badlands.

PANORAMA POINT

Walk on a short boardwalk trail to this stunning viewpoint. It’s beautiful during the day and gorgeous at sunset.

WHITE RIVER VALLEY OVERLOOK

This overlook is one of Tim’s favorites. You can walk short trails further out into the Badlands for an even better view. Just beware! Don’t get near the edge…the ground can be slippery and the cliffs are fragile and can give way under your feet.

BIG BADLANDS OVERLOOK

In my opinion, this is the best overlook in the park (Pinnacles is #2). From the overlook, you gaze out at over an enormous section of zebra-striped hills. The view is jaw-dropping and this is a magical place at sunrise.

PLANNING YOUR TIME

Badlands Loop Road runs from the Northeast Entrance Station to Sage Creek Road. If you drove this road without stopping, it would take about an hour and fifteen minutes, one-way. Once you add on overlooks and a few, short walks/hikes, this drive can take half to a full day, depending on what you choose to do.

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