Boicourt Overlook Trail

Boicourt Overlook Trail is a short out-and-back above the South Unit badlands. Go about 0.8 miles round trip if you follow the unpaved continuation to the second overlook; allow 30–45 minutes with time to look around. The paved walk to the first overlook is the quick, accessible version, listed at 0.2 miles round trip. The longer distance includes the rougher ridge extension; it is the better figure if you plan to reach the far viewpoint. I’d take the extension if you want a short hike, and stop at the paved view if this is just a quick break in the drive.

From the roadside pullout, a roughly three-foot-wide paved path with a slight grade runs out to the first viewing area. This is an easy way to get a strong badlands view without committing to the ridge. The pavement is the accessible part of the walk; the dirt continuation is not.

Past the end of the pavement, a narrow unpaved social trail follows the ridge to another overlook. The park describes this extension as about 0.2 miles but doesn't specify whether that means one way or round trip; the full mapped walk there and back is about 0.8 miles. The ridge is exposed to wind, and the footing gets narrow near the far end. Turn around at the pavement if uneven ground or exposed edges don't suit you.

From the overlook, layered badland ridges open across green valleys and juniper-covered slopes. The park calls this one of its best badlands views, and late-day light brings out the colors; sunset is a particularly good time to linger. Bison or wild horses sometimes appear in the valley, but sightings are never assured.

The colored bands began as sand, silt, mud, and volcanic ash carried into the region by ancient rivers and wind. Those sediments hardened into sandstone, siltstone, mudstone, and bentonite clay. Later, the Little Missouri River and its tributaries cut into the softer rock, exposing the broken ridges and gullies you see from the overlook. Fossils elsewhere in the park include freshwater clams and snails, turtles, crocodiles, alligators, and champsosaurs, evidence of an ancient river-fed swamp. You won’t see those fossils from this path, but the bands in the ridge are part of that same story.

The trail starts at the Boicourt Overlook pullout along the South Unit Scenic Loop Drive, about halfway through the drive. Cars and RVs can park there, and accessible parking is available. The trail is open year-round and doesn't require a reservation, though the park entrance fee may apply. Pets aren't allowed on the trail; leashed service animals are permitted.