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: 13

Check-ins: 17

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 plat...

Find out more

Castle Trail

SD-240, Badlands National Park, SD

Saves: 14

Check-ins: 16

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. Exp...

Find out more

Window Trail

SD-240, Badlands National Park, SD

Saves: 13

Check-ins: 16

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 ...

Find out more

Giant Prairie Dog

SD-240 , Philip, SD

Saves: 22

Check-ins: 31

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 scra...

Find out more

Notch Trail

SD-240, Badlands National Park, SD

Saves: 14

Check-ins: 13

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 boardw...

Find out more

Fossil Exhibit Trail

SD-240, Badlands National Park, SD

Saves: 14

Check-ins: 17

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 he...

Find out more

Burns Basin Overlook

SD-240, Badlands National Park, SD

Saves: 14

Check-ins: 13

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 t...

Find out more

Yellow Mounds Overlook

SD-240, Badlands National Park, SD

Saves: 14

Check-ins: 18

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...

Find out more

Pinnacles Overlook

SD-240, Badlands National Park, SD

Saves: 18

Check-ins: 15

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 t...

Find out more

Hay Butte Overlook

Sagecreek Rim Rd, Badlands Nation...

Sagecreek Rim Rd, Badlands National Park, SD

Saves: 16

Check-ins: 8

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 p...

Find out more

Roberts Prairie Dog Town

Rim Rd, Badlands National Park, SD

Saves: 8

Check-ins: 8

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 the...

Find out more

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

Fotospot Guides

Fotospot Guides

Tourist Attractions by U.S. State

Tourist Attractions by U.S. State