Badlands National Park's Best Photo Spots

12 Fotospots

Badlands National Park has a rich and fascinating history that spans millions of years. The area was once a seabed, home to ancient marine life and prehistoric creatures. Over time, erosion and geological forces sculpted the unique rock formations and stunning landscapes that we witness today, making Badlands National Park a testament to the Earth's geological evolution. Check out a few of our favorite photo spots below. For a more comprehensive guide, download the Fotospot App to access our offline guides that work even when you don't have an internet connection!

Door Trail

SD-240, Interior, SD

Saves: 12

Check-ins: 10

The "Window Trail" allows hikers to look over the wall, but the Door Trail admits you through the wall. Sounds magical as you cross over a short boardwalk and through a natural passageway onto a viewing platform on the other side. Beyond you'll come upon a one-mile round trip hike with views of steep, eroded canyons and gullies and a 50' elevation gain. A wheelchair-friendly walk is also available which ...

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Castle Trail

SD-240, Interior, SD

Saves: 13

Check-ins: 10

The longest maintained loop trail in Badlands National Park is the Castle Trail which stretches 5.4 miles along the north edge of the Badland Wall. The Castle Trail is a flat hike with spectacular views. Expect some difficulty managing this moderate trail as you weave through a combination of spires, buttes, and sod tables interspersed with open prairie. Be prepared for the weather and bring lots of wate...

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Window Trail

SD-240, Interior, SD

Saves: 12

Check-ins: 10

Window Trail is a short, roundtrip, 1/4-mile trail with just ten feet of elevation gain - so an easy hike for most. Three hikes begin from this single Window Trail trailhead. The Window Trail is the easiest of the three, taking you a short distance from the parking area to a gap in the ridge. You can look out over rugged terrain and down into an orange canyon of eroded sediments like sandstone. The Door ...

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Giant Prairie Dog

SD-240 , Philip, SD

Saves: 21

Check-ins: 22

This six-ton, 12-foot-tall Prairie Dog in Cactus Flats, South Dakota is made of concrete and stands outside the Ranch Store. The Giant Prairie Dog was built by Harold Zundel in 1959. His information was scratched into the wet cement of the Prairie Dog's base which remains visible even to this day. Seen frequently on postcards, its color scheme remains basically the same as on the postcards.

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Notch Trail

SD-240, Interior, SD

Saves: 13

Check-ins: 10

Notch Trail will take you up a Badlands canyon to an overlook with incredible views over the Great Plains. The round trip is a 1.33-mile hike with 125 feet of elevation gain. This hike does not have a boardwalk to follow, just a dirt trail and a steep wooden ladder. Notch Trail also traces a cliff's edge so it's not a good option for hikers who fear heights. For those interested in a bit of adventure thi...

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Fossil Exhibit Trail

SD-240, Wall, SD

Saves: 14

Check-ins: 9

Fossil Exhibit Trail is a 0.4-mile moderately trafficked out-and-back trail near Interior, South Dakota. The course features lovely wildflowers and it's an incredible place to visit. The attractive action here is for fossil-lovers and families who will have a great time hiking one of the most accessible hikes in the park. The Fossil Exhibit Trail is a self-guided and informative, fully accessible boardwa...

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Burns Basin Overlook

SD-240, Wall, SD

Saves: 14

Check-ins: 8

Wilson Burns raised sheep in this area during the early 20th century and this overlook is named in his honor. This site overlooks his old homestead. Back in the day a freshwater spring was the rare feature that kept this operation going. Deep wells would be required now to reach freshwater. You'll find a 0.2-mile out-and-back trail located near Wall, South Dakota. This moderate trail used for hiking and ...

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Yellow Mounds Overlook

SD-240, Wall, SD

Saves: 13

Check-ins: 10

The Yellow Mounds Overlook is a scenic pullout where you have the opportunity of exploring some unique Badlands geology in the form of a group of mounds with bands of yellow, orange, and beige rock. Colorful rock layers of yellow, purple, gray, orange, and red striped beds display in these formations which presents a different type of landscape from the other parts of the Badlands - it's a special, color...

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Pinnacles Overlook

SD-240, Wall, SD

Saves: 16

Check-ins: 9

Facing south, the Pinnacles Overlook has expansive views of the Sage Creek wilderness area. In the distance you can see the Black Hills on the horizon or bison visible in the valley below or on the prairie to the northwest. Bighorn sheep also gather in this area. On your drive through the loop the Pinnacles Overlook is the first stop in a handful of the park overlooks with great views of the formations a...

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Hay Butte Overlook

Sagecreek Rim Rd, Wall, SD

Saves: 15

Check-ins: 5

Hay Butte Overlook can provide a splendid view into the Sage Creek wilderness area. At this vantage point you can see the massive, grass-capped butte of the Badlands formation known as Hay Butte. There's a parking area for cars and buses, but this is primarily a scenic stop or photo spot, not a hike. The bison and bighorn sheep known to frequent this area are brazen and they are not shy of roads, vehicle...

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Roberts Prairie Dog Town

Rim Rd, Wall, SD

Saves: 8

Check-ins: 5

If you're in the Sage Creek area, stop at Roberts Prairie Dog Town in Wall, SD. Located where Sage Creek Road meets Rim Road, view the largest prairie dog town in the Badlands National Park and listen as they communicate with each other with their high-pitched squeaks and tones. They make their homes in dirt mounds where they dash in and out and they don't appear to fear humans observing them. Watch at a...

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Badlands National Park's Best Photo Spots

Door Trail

Castle Trail

Window Trail

Giant Prairie Dog

Notch Trail

Fossil Exhibit Trail

Burns Basin Overlook

Yellow Mounds Overlook

Pinnacles Overlook

Hay Butte Overlook

Roberts Prairie Dog Town

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