White River Valley Overlook
A mid-loop overlook looking down on the wide valley carved by the White River and its layered mounds, with an extremely open view.
White River Valley Overlook is not far west of Fossil Exhibit Trail. Below the cliff lies a vast valley cut by the White River and its tributaries. The layers of the badlands are clearly visible, from gray-white volcanic ash to red paleosols. Looking south, you can see toward the grasslands and the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Interpretive panels at the overlook explain that the badlands erode at roughly 2.5 cm per year. Parking is right at the viewpoint, and viewing takes about 15 minutes.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Badlands Loop Road (SD 240)
- Fossil Exhibit Trail
- Castle Trail
- Ben Reifel Visitor Center
- Window Trail
- Cliff Shelf Nature Trail
- Notch Trail
- Door Trail