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River Bend Overlook
Breathtaking views of the Little Missouri River and North Unit section of the park.
Plan Around River Bend Overlook
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River Bend Overlook Details
The River Bend Overlook is located at the end of a short staircase and trail just off the parking area. The panoramic views of the badlands, the Little Missouri River, and the southwestern section of the parks North Unit are breathtaking. You may even be able to point out Juniper Campground. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937, a historic rock shelter sits at the end of the River Bend Lookout, offering shade from the sun and a great spot for taking in the view. The River Bend Overlook is part of the Upper Caprock Coulee Trail, so you may see hikers come through. Other visitors to be aware of are rattlesnakes, which occasionally like to hunker down in the rocks of the shelter on occasion. Artists also long found this lookout and shelter to be a perfect spot for painting or sketching.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
N/A
Region
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Nearby Parks Around River Bend Overlook
Compare nearby parks around River Bend Overlook when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around River Bend Overlook
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond River Bend Overlook while the map context is still fresh.
0.9 mi away
Bentonitic Clay Overlook
Layers of bentonite clay as thick as 25 feet can be seen from this viewpoint.
1.0 mi away
Upper Caprock Coulee Trail
A favorite trail dubbed a 'four-in-one' attraction thanks to its diverse landscapes and geology.
1.0 mi away
Prairie Dog Town via Buckhorn Trail
An easy, short hike delivering you to the doorstep of a prairie dog town.
1.0 mi away
Caprock Coulee Nature Trail
A guided nature trail with a longer, optional loop.
1.5 mi away
Man and Grass Pullout
Vast, grassy plains once fed cattle driven up the Long X Trail.
