If you’re searching for an unforgettable view in South Dakota’s Badlands National Park, the Big Badlands Overlook is your perfect starting point.

With layered rock formations, vast open skies, and glowing colors at sunrise and sunset, this overlook captures the raw beauty and mystery of the Badlands.

📌 Big Badlands Overlook Overview

  • Location: Northeast entrance of Badlands National Park
  • Accessibility: Paved road, wheelchair accessible
  • Best Time to Visit: Sunrise and sunset
  • Park Entrance: Ben Reifel Visitor Center is nearby for information and amenities

Probably my favorite panoramic view in the entire park, the Big Badlands Overlook offers one of the most expansive and dramatic panoramic views in Badlands National Park.

It’s the first stop for many visitors entering through the northeast gate and an excellent way to get oriented with the park’s otherworldly terrain.

Big Badlands Overlook at dawn, Badlands National Park in South Dakota
Dawn at the Big Badlands Overlook in Badlands National Park – Image credit: Bram Reusen

🌄 What You’ll See

At first glance, the terrain seems like something from another planet. Jagged buttes, deep gullies, and eroded hills stretch out to the horizon.

These badlands are made of soft sedimentary rock layers dating back 35 million years, revealing colorful bands of red, yellow, brown, and gray—each layer telling a story of ancient seas, rivers, and fossilized wildlife.

Keep an eye out for:

  • Eroded buttes and pinnacles
  • Vast prairie grasslands
  • Bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs
  • Incredible color changes during sunrise/sunset

This is also a photographer’s dream. Whether you’re using a smartphone or a DSLR, this overlook gives you jaw-dropping compositions in almost every direction.

🥾 Things to Do

🚶‍♂️ Short Walks & Exploring

While the overlook itself doesn’t have a long trail, there are plenty of unofficial short walks you can take along the rim. Just be cautious—there are no guardrails, and the terrain is fragile and steep. Stay on durable surfaces when possible to avoid erosion and protect the landscape.

🧺 Picnicking

There are no tables here, but it’s a peaceful spot for a car-side picnic. Bring some snacks, watch the shifting shadows on the formations, and soak in the view.

🔭 Sunrise/Sunset Viewing

This is one of the best sunrise spots in the entire park. The early morning light turns the rocks pink, orange, and gold. It’s a peaceful time to experience the Badlands before the crowds roll in. Sunset is equally stunning but can be a bit busier depending on the season.

Big Badlands Overlook sunrise at Badlands National Park, South Dakota
The sun rises above the horizon at Big Badlands Overlook – Image credit: Bram Reusen

🛠️ Amenities

  • Parking: Spacious, paved lot
  • Restrooms: None directly at the overlook—head to the Ben Reifel Visitor Center nearby
  • Accessibility: The overlook is wheelchair accessible, with a paved platform for viewing

🗺️ Nearby Attractions

After enjoying Big Badlands Overlook, you’re just minutes away from several must-see spots:

  • Ben Reifel Visitor Center – Learn about the park’s geology, fossils, and cultural history.
  • Door, Window, and Notch Trails – Short, scenic Badlands hikes nearby perfect for all ages.
  • Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240) – Scenic drive with multiple overlooks and pullouts, excellent for wildlife viewing.

🧳 Travel Tips

  • Bring water – There’s little to no shade, and it gets hot fast in the summer.
  • Watch your step – The edge is crumbly and unprotected—stay safe!
  • Arrive early or late – For softer light, fewer crowds, and cooler temps
  • Binoculars are a plus – Spotting wildlife or distant rock formations adds a layer of excitement.

The Big Badlands Overlook is a must-see introduction to the dramatic beauty of Badlands National Park. Whether you’re doing a full-day road trip or a quick drive-through, stopping here offers a moment of awe, stillness, and perspective.