View Trail - Scenic Loop Drive - Reviews

-This is a 36-mile drive in the south unit of the park. We took this drive.
-A separate 14-mile drive is located in the north unit of the park. We did not take this drive only because time (our hectic schedule) did not permit.
-36 mile loop drive requires at least 2 hours, even with minimal stops; allow a full day if taking trails and picnicking, or if planning to take both scenic drives.
-There are extensive prairie dog towns at several stops.
-Several scenic overlooks provide nice views of badlands erosion and colored rocks—mostly rose, tan, light yellow, charcoal, and white horizontal layers.
-The road is in excellent condition, blacktop, with plenty of room to maneuver.
-Peaceful Valley is the site of an 1880’s horse ranch; saddle horse rides are available, and we saw horseback riders while driving on the loop drive.
-Picnic sites were available at the Cottonwood picnic site (Saturday mid-day in early August, good weather) and our group had a nice picnic lunch there.