Pinnacles overview
Pinnacles
- Geological wonders: The Pinnacles are a series of spires, ridges, and eroded rock formations that are unlike anything else in the area. They're made of layered sedimentary rock that was deposited millions of years ago, and then shaped by erosion and weathering over time.
- Hiking opportunities: There are several hiking trails that lead through and around the Pinnacles, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. The trails offer great views of the formations and the surrounding landscape, and are a good way to explore the area.
- Wildlife viewing: The Pinnacles are home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, pronghorns, coyotes, and more. Keep your eyes peeled for these animals as you explore the area.
- Night skies: The Pinnacles are a great place to stargaze, as they're far from any major sources of light pollution. On clear nights, the stars and Milky Way are especially bright and beautiful.
Some unique things you might see at the Pinnacles include:
- Fossilized remains: The sedimentary rock formations at the Pinnacles contain a lot of fossils, including those of ancient sea creatures like brachiopods and crinoids. If you're lucky, you might spot some of these fossils while hiking.
- Rare plants: Some of the plants that grow in and around the Pinnacles are rare and unique to the area. Keep an eye out for prickly pear cactus, yucca, and other hardy desert plants.
- Changing colors: The Pinnacles can look different depending on the time of day and the weather conditions. They often take on a warm, reddish glow during sunrise and sunset, and can look stark and dramatic on cloudy or overcast days.
Overall, the Pinnacles are a fascinating and beautiful point of interest in the Badlands National Park. Don't miss the chance to explore this unique landscape and see all it has to offer!
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, campgrounds, fishing spots, and other landmarks so a quick visit can grow into a full day.
Responsible visitation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site (BLM, NPS, state agency, or private owner) for access rules, permits, and seasonal closures before driving out.
- Stay on trail
- Many points of interest sit in fragile ecosystems. Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation and prevent erosion.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and give nesting birds and denning mammals plenty of space.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you. Remote sites often have no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, fossils, or artifacts. Federal law protects cultural and natural resources on public land.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Pinnacles as a favorite, set a weather threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Pinnacles
What is Pinnacles?
A point of interest in South-Dakota tracked by Snoflo -- typically a scenic landmark, named summit, monument, or viewpoint.
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no public feeds.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get there?
Tap Directions in the hero above for Google Maps driving directions, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the spot.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this POI, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other points of interest near here
Snoflo-tracked landmarks within driving distance of Pinnacles.