Badlands National Park in South Dakota is famous for its rich geological deposits, making it one of the world’s most valuable resources for ancient fossil records. Once a land where large mammals like saber tooth cats and rhinos roamed, these 244,000 acres of sedimentary rock layers and mixed-grass prairie are now home to animals such as bison, big horn sheep, and bobcats. The layers of sediment in Badlands National park and the erosion that has occurred over the last 500,000 years make for some pretty impressive spires, pinnacles and buttes making this a must-see park! Bring your sense of awe and your camera when you go. Some things have to be experienced to be believed.
Map of Badlands National Park:
Top Photography Locations and Sights at Badlands National Park:
As photographers, we know that many of you will only have one chance in a lifetime to visit the National Parks. To make your life easier, we have compiled a list of our top photography locations and sights at Badlands National Park! While this is not comprehensive, and there are many more amazing sights to see, it should give you a good feel for the park.
Badlands National Park Wildlife Photography:
Badlands National Park is filled with wildlife and biodiversity. If you like wildlife photography, you will love what this park has to offer!
Want to learn more about Badlands National Park? Check out these maps, guides & books:
- Badlands National Park: South Dakota, USA Outdoor Recreation Map (National Geographic Maps: Trails Illustrated)
- Badlands National Park: South Dakota, USA Outdoor Recreation Map
- Fodor’s The Black Hills of South Dakota: with Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park (Full-color Travel Guide)
- Moon South Dakota’s Black Hills: With Mount Rushmore & Badlands National Park: Outdoor Adventures, Scenic Drives, Local Bites & Brews (Travel Guide)
- Badlands National Park (SD) (Images of America)
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Featured National Park Photographers:
- Vezzani Photography: Ancient Hunters Overlook, Badlands Loop Road, Ben Reifel Visitor Center, Burns Basin Overlook, Conata Basin Overlook, Fossil Exhibit Trail, Homestead Overlook, Panorama Point, Pinnacles Overlook, White River Valley Overlook, Yellow Mounds
- Adobe Stock / Zak Zeinert: Big Badlands Overlook
- NPS: Notch Trail, Bighorn Sheep, Bullsnake, Western Meadowlark
- NPS / Brad Barker: Castle Trail, Cliff Shelf Nature Trail, Door Trail, Roberts Prairie Dog Town, Saddle Pass Trail
- NPS / Cathy Bell: Window Trail, Badger, Mule Deer
- NPS / Dudley Edmondson: Bison
- NPS / Ed Welsh: Bigfoot Pass Overlook, Sage Creek Basin Overlook
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