From the iconic spires of South Dakota’s Badlands National Park to the sunbaked mesas of the Southwest, badlands come in many wild and wonderful forms. In South Dakota, you might spot a bison roaming the plains as the rocky ridges rise dramatically behind them—a true testament to the beauty of these rugged, untamed lands.
As the sun dips, the badlands seem to glow. Golden hour paints the rocks in vivid reds, oranges, and purples, while the surrounding grassy fields turn a luminous green. It’s a magical moment when the land seems to breathe with color and contrast, turning every ridge and ravine into a natural, awe-inspiring masterpiece.
One of the most captivating features of the badlands is the unique banding and bizarre shapes carved into the rock. These colorful stripes tell stories of millions of years. Rocks and sediment built up layer by layer before those rocks gradually began to erode and wear away, being etched by time and sculpted by wind and water into the surreal formations we witness today.
Tucked away in the Wilderness area of New Mexico, the Alien Thorn formation juts from the earth like something from another planet. Though it’s striking any time of day, it becomes otherworldly at sunset when the fading light silhouettes its spiny form against the brilliant sky.
The backcountry badlands of Utah are pure abstract art. Erosion has created brushstroke-like waves of color—blues, pinks, and greys—that shimmer in the light. These remote areas are less traveled but offer a dreamlike experience for those who venture off the beaten path.
In Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota’s badlands offer more than striking scenery. Wild mustang herds roam free, framed by rolling buttes and layered hills. Seeing these powerful creatures in such a dramatic landscape is a moment that stays with you long after the journey ends.
The Little Missouri River winds through the badlands in Theodore Roosevelt National Park like a ribbon of life. As it cuts through the canyons and cliffs, it adds movement and reflection to the otherwise still scenery, bringing water, wildlife, and wonder to the rocky terrain.
At Death Valley National Park’s Zabriskie Point, the view looks more like a painting than a place. Soft ridges ripple out in layers of gold and beige, dramatically lit by the sun—a stunning scene any time of day. This iconic formation is a must-see for every desert-loving RVer.
While scenic drives are spectacular, the real magic of the Badlands is found on foot. Step out onto the trails to experience the textures, silence, and sweeping views up close. There’s a peace here that’s hard to find anywhere else—a quiet that nourishes the soul.
Remember, even in these seemingly barren landscapes, life finds a way. Keep your eyes peeled for prairie dogs popping up from rocky outcroppings, blinking in the sunlight. These charming critters are just one example of the hidden vibrancy pulsing beneath the surface.
Look closely, and you may spot other wildlife, such as a bighorn sheep skipping over rocky slopes.
The sight of the badlands framed by a crisp blue sky, standing above vibrant red and gold rock layers, is a moment of pure wonder—reminding us that nature’s contrasts are its greatest beauty.
