Pros & cons
PROS
- Striking spherical rock field with an interpretive exhibit
- Quick roadside stop with great photo ops and access to Buckhorn Trail
CONS
- Unpaved, uneven ground can be slick and muddy after rain
- No restrooms or water on-site
Overview
A few miles into the North Unit, right across from the Juniper Campground entrance, this signed pullout lets you step into a patch of badlands strewn with giant stone “cannonballs.” Most folks pop out for 10–20 minutes, snap photos, and move on—yet it’s one of the park’s most memorable quick stops.
Geology 101
These spheres formed as minerals cemented sediments around a core and grew outward—think pearl in a shell—before erosion peeled them out of the butte and onto the slope. Some are volleyball-sized; others approach small‑car scale, and many more are still embedded in nearby hillsides.
What to Expect
A short sidewalk leads to an interpretive exhibit and easy viewing. Beyond that, it’s open, unpaved terrain where the clay can be steep and slick—especially after rain or snowmelt—so wear grippy shoes and skip climbing when it’s wet. It’s illegal to remove or deface rocks or any other natural features. Service animals are permitted on a 6‑foot leash.
Wildlife
Bison frequently wander right through here—give them a very wide berth and wait out any bison jams. You might also spot prairie dogs nearby. Ticks are possible; do a quick check after exploring.
Trail Option
If you’re feeling it, this spot also serves as a start point for the 11.4‑mile Buckhorn Trail. Even a short out‑and‑back adds more concretions and big‑sky views. Bring water, sun protection, and be self‑sufficient—the North Unit is remote.
Facilities
There are no restrooms or water at the pullout. Plan your bathroom and refill stops at other North Unit facilities.
Best Time to Visit
Conditions are best when dry. Golden hour light (early or late) makes the spheres pop and keeps summer heat at bay. Weekends late morning can be the busiest; aim for early morning or late afternoon for fewer people. The area is accessible day and night if you’re chasing twilight or stars.
Where it is
47.5965, -103.3325Tips for Cannonball Concretions Pullout
- 01Wear grippy shoes; the rounded rock and clay turn slick when wet.
- 02Go early or late for softer light, cooler temps, and fewer people.
- 03No bathrooms or water here—plan those stops elsewhere in the North Unit.
- 04Sample the Buckhorn Trail for more concretions if you have time.
- 05Give bison very wide space and wait out any wildlife traffic jams.
Amenities
Near Cannonball Concretions Pullout
All places →All trails →
0.2 mi awayJuniper CampgroundQuiet North Unit base with bison, river views, starry nightsCampground · Restroom
0.8 mi awayLong X TrailRemote badlands loop with big views and Maah Daah Hey tie-inTrailhead · Parking
1.4 mi awayUpper Caprock Coulee TrailBadlands ridge walk with nonstop Little Missouri River viewsModerate · 2 mi · 1 hr
1.4 mi awayCaprock Coulee LoopCoulees, caprock hoodoos, and big Little Missouri views.Moderate · 4.3 mi · 2.5 hr
1.4 mi awayCaprock Coulee Nature TrailInterpretive badlands walk with a big-view loop extension optionEasy · 1.6 mi · 1 hr
1.4 mi awayCaprock Coulee Nature TrailShort, interpretive badlands walk packed with geology and surprise shadeTrailhead · Parking
2.3 mi awayRiverbend Overlook TrailQuick stroll to the CCC stone shelter with the park’s grandest viewEasy · 0.3 mi · 24 min
2.3 mi awayRiver Bend OverlookClassic Little Missouri bend framed by a 1930s stone shelterParking · Pullout
