Place

Conata Basin Overlook

A bench on a boardwalk faces a badlands landscape extending into the horizon under a blue sky.
Enjoy expansive views of the Badlands from one of the Loop Road's many overlooks.

NPS Photo / Serena Rosales

Quick Facts
Location:
Wall, SD
Significance:
With dramatic views, this lookout provides a complete geologic section of the park, with every layer present.

Accessible Sites, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Scenic View/Photo Spot

Conata Basin Overlook has some incredible views of the park’s paleosols. Paleosols are ancient soils that often take on bright colors in the rock record. At Conata Basin Overlook, one can see two of the park’s most vibrant paleosols: the Yellow Mounds and the Interior Paleosol.

Badlands National Park