Best trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is in western North Dakota and protects an area that was near and dear to Roosevelt's heart. The park even has a cabin where the former president stayed. The landscape, filled with colorful buttes, unique geological formations, abundant wildlife, and the Little Missouri River, was established as a national park in 1978. It's the only national park named after a single person! Today, visitors come to this park in the badlands to hike, take a scenic drive, and view wildlife.
The park is divided into 3 areas — the South Unit, the North Unit, and the Elkhorn Ranch Unit. The South Unit is conveniently located off Interstate 94 and is the most visited. Both the South Unit and the North Unit have scenic drives and many hiking trails. The Elkhorn Ranch Unit is more remote and includes the site of what Roosevelt called his "home ranch."
There are many chances to spot wildlife in the park's different units. Prairie dogs, elk, mule deer, pronghorns, and a variety of snakes, lizards, and birds can all be spotted within the park's boundaries. Bison are likely the most widely anticipated animal for visitors to spot during a visit to Theodore Roosevelt. These large animals can be found on hiking trails or even walking down the road. Bison can run up to %{35_miles} per hour! Remember to keep at least %{75_feet} away from the animals in order to view them safely.
The most popular time to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park is from spring through fall, when wildlife is most active, and the temperature is best suited for hiking.
There is an entrance fee to visit the park. The fee is collected at entrance stations from May through September, and at visitor centers during the slower seasons. You can also purchase your entrance pass online before your visit.
Top trails
- (1912)·Moderate·4.1 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hrThis trail leads hikers through dry washes and to viewpoints of the Little Missouri River. While hiking through the washes, you're surrounded by the colorful badlands landscape the park is famous for. Large mammals like bison and big horn sheep have been spotted from the trail. Keep your eyes open for rattlesnakes on a warm day!
- (1584)·Moderate·1.1 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrPainted Canyon is a short hike located just off of Interstate 94. This is a great trail if you're passing through the area and need to stretch your legs during a long drive. The trail starts from the canyon rim then heads down into the canyon filled with colorful rock formations. Be prepared for some steep sections hiking out!
- (1549)·Easy·0.5 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrTake a gentle stroll through the incredible Wind Canyon in Theodore Roosevelt National Park! This trail is well-loved for being short, easy to follow, and offering truly rewarding views. Starting from the park's Scenic Loop Road, the path guides you through a small canyon carved by the forces of nature, eventually opening up to a beautiful overlook where the Little Missouri River flows below. It's a great spot for the whole family to explore. The Badlands landscape here is fascinating, with...
- (814)·Easy·0.8 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrBoicourt Trail is located approximately halfway along the South Unit scenic drive, making it the perfect place to hop out of the car and take in a little fresh air. This accessible trail offers some incredible views while hiking the paved trail out over the badlands. Want to keep going? An additional unpaved section continues past the end of the trail, leading to another overlook.
- (731)·Moderate·5.2 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrThe hike takes you through a lush forest, where you'll encounter a small series of stepping stones and navigate through beautiful brush. As you ascend, the trail becomes steeper. This section requires a steady climb, but the effort is rewarded with stunning views and the chance to see a range of wildlife, including coyotes and mule deer. The trail features rocky sections, so you must watch your footing, especially as you navigate the uneven terrain. Along the way, you'll cross a river. Look...
- (710)·Moderate·5.1 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrThis trail starts at the Petrified Forest Trailhead, where parking is available. It winds through Theodore Roosevelt National Park to a lookout with spectacular views of the geological formations. It’s best to hike early or on a cooler day to avoid the heat, as there is minimal shade along the way. Look for bison, lizards, grasshoppers, and other wildlife.
- (858)·Easy·0.8 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrThe Coal Vein Trail provides a unique opportunity to learn about bentonite, clinker, and the coal seam. As you hike, you'll see beautiful layers of rock that narrate the 60-million-year geological history of the badlands. The vein of coal runs through this section of the park. The landscape is dotted with prickly pear cacti, juniper, and sage.
- (630)·Moderate·10.9 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hrThis trail in Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers a superb experience with beautiful views of the petrified forest and the park. There is no shade along the trail, so bringing enough water to stay hydrated and wear sun protection is essential. The trail is relatively narrow in some sections and provides the opportunity to spot lots of wildlife, including bison. Parking is available at the trailhead.
Visitor info
Valid for 7 days for all persons traveling on a single, non-commercial motorcycle.
Valid for 7 days for a visitor traveling on foot, bicycle, horse, or other non-motorized means of travel.
Valid for 7 days for all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.
The Theodore Roosevelt National Park Annual Park Pass is valid for one year from month of purchase. The pass admits the purchaser and passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle, or the pass holder and his/her immediate family (spouse, children, parents) when entry is by other means (foot, bicycle).
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
No entrance pass required on these days:
Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.
All the Visitor Centers and the Maltese Cross Cabin are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms. Orientation films include closed captioning.
Additional information about accessibility at Theodore Roosevelt National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/thro/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
All the Visitor Centers and the Maltese Cross Cabin are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms. Orientation films include closed captioning.
The Roundup Horse Camp, North Unit, and South Unit Picnic Areas are wheelchair accessible with packed, level paths and surfaces and accessible restrooms.
There are accessible restrooms at the following trailheads: South Unit Scenic Loop Drive on the road to Buck Hill and Halliday Well Trailhead.
The South Unit's Cottonwood Campground has 4 individual wheelchair accessible camping sites and accessible restrooms.
The North Unit's Juniper Campground has 2 individual wheelchair accessible camping sites and accessible restrooms.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
Headed to a park?
Take AllTrails with you
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
What is the longest trail in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
How many trails are in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Are there camping trails available in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Are there running trails available in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Are there biking trails available in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
What are the best summer hikes in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
What are the best fall hikes in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
What are the best winter hikes in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
What are the best spring hikes in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Are there any trails with rivers in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Top state parks in North Dakota
Attractions
- Easy trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Forest trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Long trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Moderate trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Trails with no dogs in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- River trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Short trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Trails with views in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Wildflower trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Wildlife trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park