Painted Canyon Scenic Overlook | Medora

Painted Canyon Scenic Overlook – Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Painted Canyon Scenic Overlook lies just off Interstate 94 near Medora and offers one of the most breathtaking first glimpses into the rugged beauty of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Perched along the rim of the Badlands, the overlook reveals a dramatic sweep of layered rock formations, multicolored buttes, and winding valleys that shift in tone with the sunlight-from soft golds and reds at dawn to deep purples and browns toward sunset.

Landscape and Views
The overlook is famous for its panoramic views of the park’s southern unit. From the viewing platform, the eye travels across a patchwork of eroded hills, juniper-covered ridges, and wide prairie plateaus cut by the Little Missouri River. The colors in the rock-caused by layers of clay, ash, and lignite-create a painted effect that changes throughout the day, giving the canyon its name. On quiet mornings, mule deer, wild horses, or bison are often visible grazing in the distance.

Visitor Center and Trail Access
Beside the overlook stands the Painted Canyon Visitor Center, a seasonal facility open mainly from spring through fall. It provides interpretive exhibits, maps, and restrooms, along with a small shop offering guides and local souvenirs. Just behind the center begins a 1-mile loop trail that dips below the rim into the canyon itself. This short but steep path gives visitors a more intimate encounter with the terrain-close enough to see the bands of sediment and smell the sagebrush carried on the wind.

Atmosphere and Experience
The overlook is especially popular in early morning and late evening when the sun enhances the canyon’s textures and wildlife stirs in the cooler air. Even travelers just passing through often pause here to take in the quiet immensity of the landscape. The combination of wind, color, and open sky creates a sense of calm that many visitors describe as a reminder of why Roosevelt himself fell in love with this land.

Nearby Highlights
From the overlook, it’s only a short drive west to Medora, the park’s gateway town, where travelers can visit the historic Chateau de Mores, enjoy the Medora Musical, or explore trails that wind deeper into the Badlands. Painted Canyon remains the ideal first stop-a natural balcony overlooking the wild heart of western North Dakota.