North Dakota’s badlands are a marvel of nature. Through the right conditions over thousands of years they have been shaped and formed to what they are now. Today, they can be visited in the state’s popular Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Certain places within the park have become famous as far as their amazing views, unusual rock formations, and even being a well-populated spot for prairie dogs. There is no more loved spot, however, than the Painted Canyon Overlook. Photos of this place don’t do it justice – you have to see it in person to believe it.

The Painted Canyon Overlook is by far one of the most majestic views in all of North Dakota.
DonnieB15/Tripadvisor
This spot is easy to reach just a few miles east of Medora, North Dakota, and you do not need to pay a park entry fee to see it. Just drive up in your car, park, and step out to experience this fantastic, panoramic view.
It gets its name from the colorful layers that make up the buttes and canyon walls that the badlands are made of.
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These layers were formed over thousands of years. The sediment settled in different shades of color depending on the various conditions of that era, building up over centuries. Later, water and other forms of erosion gradually broke down the land in valleys and canyons that then revealed the layers. This natural phenomenon finally results in the visually beautiful landscape that is the Painted Canyons.

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Up close, you can see the unusual yet fascinating formations this land takes.
Miranda D/Tripadvisor
Close up on the ground you will notice the unusual smooth and carved shape of the formations. This is the result of years and years of erosion caused by things like water, weather, plants, and animals. They will continue to erode as time goes on, revealing more and more layers of color.
These formations are especially stunning when the sun is hitting them just right.
Istop4pics/Tripadvisor
But even on a cloudy day at dusk, they are absolutely awe-inspiring.
DavidB371/Tripadvisor

Have you ever seen the Painted Canyon Overlook? It’s well worth the visit and can’t be truly appreciated unless viewed in person. If you have any photos you’ve taken at the overlook, feel free to share them with us or with our Instagram page @onlyinnorthdakota to have them featured!

Learn more about the Theodore Roosevelt National Park right here!

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