We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 9 Theodore Roosevelt National Park Attractions »

Painted Canyon Overlook

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND
4.5 of 5 stars 15 Reviews
Type: Scenic/ Historic Walking Areas
Owner description: Begin your visit to the Teddy Roosevelt National Park with a spectacular view of the Badlands, a flat desert landscape broken by petrified wood and...... more » Owner description: Begin your visit to the Teddy Roosevelt National Park with a spectacular view of the Badlands, a flat desert landscape broken by petrified wood and rock formations. « less
Update attraction details
Write a Review

15 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    9
    6
    0
    0
    0
Date Rating
Bismarck, North Dakota
Top Contributor
68 reviews 68 reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 March 2012

What a wonderful view. Try being their early in the day or towards sunset. Colors are fantastic. Amazing to see what mother nature has done More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Frederick, Maryland
Top Contributor
138 reviews 138 reviews
Reviews in 61 cities Reviews in 61 cities
70 helpful votes 70 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 March 2012

We drove through this national treasure on a leisurely western road trip and had the whole park to ourselves that day. The natural landscape is unbeatable and I pulled over every couple of miles to try to capture the colored strata of the rocks and wildlife and buttes on camera. We saw buffalo, of course, some prairie dogs retreating from... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Grand Rapids, MI
Top Contributor
84 reviews 84 reviews
Reviews in 41 cities Reviews in 41 cities
74 helpful votes 74 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 March 2012

This is an easy National Park to miss, perhaps because there are so many other larger and better known parks nearby. We happened upon it as we were traveling home from a trip to Glacier. I wish we had planned better and been able to take more time at the park. We stopped at the visitor center just past the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Laurium, Michigan
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 February 2012

This National Park visitor center at first glance looks like a restroom and that's it but there is so much more here. Yes, there are clean restrooms, but there's also a staffed national park service information desk, a small bookstore, hiking trail and dog walk (dog must be on a 6' or shorter leash). Lots of great places to take... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Bismarck, North Dakota
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 February 2012

Painted canyon overlook was the first time I had ever laid eyes on the badlands, and it took my breath away. They have a nice visitor center/ rest stop that is nice too.  More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Reading, Pennsylvania
Top Contributor
227 reviews 227 reviews
Reviews in 78 cities Reviews in 78 cities
143 helpful votes 143 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 January 2012

If you are traveling on I-94, you should definitely stop here to have a look at the North Dakota Badlands. Even if you don't have time to go into the main part of the park, you can experience a little bit of the beauty of the badlands and have a nice rest stop at the same time. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
New Windsor, New York
Top Contributor
127 reviews 127 reviews
Reviews in 49 cities Reviews in 49 cities
35 helpful votes 35 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 October 2011

Worth the time to stop and look at the beauty of the land More

Was this review helpful? Yes
hanoi, vietnam
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 September 2011

Really I mean to review the whole park. We drove here from MN and it was well worth a visit. It was fantastic views of multi-hued hills, buffalo, prairie dogs and really friendly and well-informed rangers. Please visit. We didn't get to camp this trip but would love to next time. Hotels are overbooked in the area due to oil... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Moorhead, MN
Top Contributor
71 reviews 71 reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 August 2011

My wife and I stopped at the painted canyon overlook on our way to Medora, ND. It is free for all visitors and really gives you a good idea of what Theodore Roosevelt National Park has to offer. There are amazing views and even a hiking trail. There are bathrooms and an information center/ gift shop on site that will... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 July 2011

This is a favorite stop for us on our way to visit family in Montana. We have stopped here many times, but just discovered the short hike down into the canyon. Definitely a must-do!!! It takes less than an hour - the kids loved it and it was a great way to stretch our legs! More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Painted Canyon Overlook also viewed

South Unit
4.5 of 5 stars 17 Reviews
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND
Petrified Forest Loop
4 of 5 stars 1 Review
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND
 
Buckhorn Trail
3 of 5 stars 3 Reviews
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND
No photo provided
5 of 5 stars 4 Reviews
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND
 

Been to Painted Canyon Overlook? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Painted Canyon Overlook, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family holidays start here.

Get the #1 travel app FREE>>
Take TripAdvisor with you

Find 50 million reviews & opinions of hotels, things to do, restaurants and more

GET IT
Named "#1 Travel App" by Frommer's