Pros & cons
PROS
- Up‑close view of distinctive blue‑gray bentonitic clay
- Quick roadside stop with wide badlands vistas
CONS
- No facilities at the stop
- Clay turns dangerously slick after rain
Overview
A small roadside stop with a big payoff, Bentonitic Clay Overlook lives up to its name. You pull over, take a short stroll to the rail, and the badlands open up with classic striped slopes and a striking band of blue‑gray clay right below.
What You’ll See
The star here is the bentonitic clay layer—the smooth, bluish/black band that looks almost soft. On clear days it contrasts beautifully with the tan buttes and green river bottoms. It’s a simple stop, but the geology is front‑row.
Geology 101
Bentonitic clay forms from ancient volcanic ash that altered into smectite‑rich clay. When it’s dry, surfaces can look “popcorned” and chalky; when wet, the clay swells, gets sticky, and turns into gumbo. That’s why these slopes are so smooth and why they shed vegetation.
Wildlife
Keep your eyes up as much as down—bison commonly roam this area, and you may spot them right from the road. Give all wildlife plenty of space and never approach for photos.
Best Time to Visit
- Early or late light (golden hours) brings out the blue‑gray tones without harsh glare.
- Colors can look extra rich after a light rain, but avoid stepping on bare clay when it’s wet.
- It’s usually a quiet, quick stop compared to the park’s marquee overlooks.
Practical Notes
Expect no amenities here—think simple pullout, view, and go. If you need restrooms, plan your stops at larger overlooks on the scenic drive. Good tread shoes help if you wander a few steps off pavement, and keep to firm surfaces to avoid chewing up fragile slopes.
Where it is
47.6235, -103.3797Tips for Bentonitic Clay Overlook
- 01Avoid stepping on bare clay after rain—it’s extremely slick gumbo.
- 02Golden hour light (sunrise or sunset) shows the clay’s color best.
- 03Scan the surrounding hills and flats for bison before you get out.
- 04No restrooms here—use facilities at larger overlooks on the drive.
Amenities
Near Bentonitic Clay Overlook
All places →All trails →
1 mi awayRiver Bend OverlookClassic Little Missouri bend framed by a 1930s stone shelterParking · Pullout
1 mi awayRiverbend Overlook TrailQuick stroll to the CCC stone shelter with the park’s grandest viewEasy · 0.3 mi · 24 min
1.5 mi awayCaprock Coulee Nature TrailShort, interpretive badlands walk packed with geology and surprise shadeTrailhead · Parking
1.5 mi awayUpper Caprock Coulee TrailBadlands ridge walk with nonstop Little Missouri River viewsModerate · 2 mi · 1 hr
1.5 mi awayCaprock Coulee LoopCoulees, caprock hoodoos, and big Little Missouri views.Moderate · 4.3 mi · 2.5 hr
1.5 mi awayCaprock Coulee Nature TrailInterpretive badlands walk with a big-view loop extension optionEasy · 1.6 mi · 1 hr
2.1 mi awayLong X TrailRemote badlands loop with big views and Maah Daah Hey tie-inTrailhead · Parking
2.8 mi awayJuniper CampgroundQuiet North Unit base with bison, river views, starry nightsCampground · Restroom
