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 the be believed.
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.
- Big Badlands Overlook (Sunrise Photography)
- White River Valley Overlook
- Panorama Point Overlook (Sunrise Photography)
- Burns Basin Overlook
- Homestead Overlook (flatter plains)
- Conata Basin Overlook (Sunset Photography)
- Yellow Mounds Overlook
- Pinnacles Overlook (Sunset Photography)
- Sage Creek Basin Overlook (Sunset Photography)
- Door Trail (0.75 miles roundtrip)
- Window Trail (0.25 miles roundtrip)
- Notch Trail (1.5 miles roundtrip, strenuous)
- Saddle Pass Trail (0.25 miles roundtrip, strenuous)
Map of Badlands National Park:
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References:
- Featured Photo Credit: The Badlands, Bonnie Clark
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