Theodore Roosevelt National Park Live

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Introduction

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in the badlands of western North Dakota, is a tribute to the 26th President of the United States and his enduring legacy of conservation. The park was named after Theodore Roosevelt, who first came to the North Dakota badlands in the late 19th century. The area profoundly impacted him, strengthening his resolve for conservation. The park was established on November 10, 1978, and includes lands where Roosevelt once owned ranches. The park spans 70,446 acres and is divided into three units: the North Unit, the South Unit, and the Elkhorn Ranch Unit. It also includes 29,920 acres designated as the National Wilderness Preservation System. There are nearly 600,000 visitors to the park, mostly in the summer months.

The park is comprised of three sections of land.  The North and South Units have scenic drives and the visitor centers.  The undeveloped Elkhorn Ranch. along the Little Missouri River, preserves the home of Theodore Roosevelt.

The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, feral horses, elk, white-tail and mule deer, pronghorn, beavers, prairie dogs and over 186 species of birds. The diverse habitats support these species, making the park a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.  

Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, approximately 100 miles of foot and horse trails, wildlife viewing, and backcountry hiking and camping. Notable attractions include the Painted Canyon, Scenic Loop Drive, and the Petrified Forest in the South Unit, as well as the historic River Bend Overlook and Oxbow Overlook in the North Unit.   For more detailed information, please visit the park's wikipedia site. Park maps are available at the NPS website.

Hiking and Backpacking

Theodore Roosvelt has 100 miles (160 km) of hiking trails.  Getting off the beaten path is the best way to see the unique ecology and wildlife, including wild horses and bison.  Also, keep in mind that rattlesnakes can be found in the park.  Remember to stay at least 25 yards (23 m) from wildlife. For a full list of trails visit the NPS site.

Here are some of the best day hikes in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.  Most of the trails are short.  To full explore the park, we recommend a backpacking trip.

Dayhikes

Caprock Coulee Loop will lead you through the park's colorful badlands, offering views of the Little Missouri River. The trail is 4.4 miles (7.08 km) with an elevation gain of 583 feet (177.7 m). Trailhead is located at Caprock Coulee Trailhead, North Unit.  A trailmap is available online.

Wind Canyon Trail is a short .4 mile (.64 km) loop with stunning views of the Little Missouri River and the wind-eroded canyon walls. Trailhead is at the Wind Canyon Trailhead, South Unit.

Painted Canyon Nature Trail takes you into the Painted Canyon, allowing close-up views of the colorful eroded layers. The trail is 0.9 miles (1.45 km) and has an elevation gain of 250 feet (76 m).  Trailhead is located at the Painted Canyon Visitor Center, South Unit.

Ridgeline Trail offers expansive views of the park's rugged terrain and the chance to spot wildlife. The length is 0.6 miles (0.97 km).  The trailhead is at Oxbow Overlook, North Unit.  A trailmap is available online.

Backpacking

In our opinion, backpacking is the best way to visit the park.  Before taking off, make sure you obtain a free permit from either the South Unit Visitor Center or the North Unit Visitor center.  Also, we recommend either a Garmin or trail map.  Trail maps can be obtained at Shoptrha.org.  Below are our top backpacking hikes.

Lower Paddock Creek Trail is a moderate trail takes you through classic badlands terrain, offering a chance to see wildlife and the park's signature eroded buttes. The trail is 7.2 miles (11.6 km).  Trailhead is near the Peaceful Valley Ranch, South Unit.

Achenbach Trail Loop is a challenging loop that provides panoramic views of the North Unit, including river crossings and diverse badlands formations. The trail is 18.5 miles (29.8 km) and has an elevation gain of 2,447 feet (745.7 m).  You can find the trailhead at the Juniper Campground, North Unit.

Maah Daah Hey Trail is the park's premier long-distance trail, traversing the full spectrum of the badlands' rugged terrain and open prairies.  Be prepared, this is not an easy hike.  The trail is 142.3 miles (229 km), with an elevation gain of 15,141 feet (4,615 meters).  The trail also can be broken up into sections.  The trailhead is located at the Sully Creek State Park, South Unit.

Petrified Forest Loop Trail offers a unique experience through ancient petrified woodlands and mixed-grass prairie ecosystems. The trail is 14.8 miles (23.8 km) with an elevation gain of 1,532 feet (466.7 m).  The trailhead is located at the Petrified Forest Loop Trailhead, South Unit. 

Canoeing and Kyaking

Canoeing in Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers a unique way to experience the beauty and solitude of the North Dakota Badlands. The Little Missouri River flows through the park and is popular for canoeing. A typical float trip covers approximately 107.5 miles (173 km) from Medora near the South Unit of the park to Long X Bridge on U.S. Highway 85 near the North Unit. If you continue from Long X Bridge to Lost Bridge on State Highway 22, it adds another 40.5 miles (65 km) to the journey, totaling around 268.5 miles (432 km).

No specific permit is required for canoeing on the Little Missouri River within Theodore Roosevelt National Park. However, if you plan to camp outside of developed campgrounds, a free Backcountry Camping Permit is needed. These permits are issued upon arrival at either the North or South Unit Visitor Centers.

The river conditions can vary greatly throughout the year. Ideal water levels for canoeing are a river depth of at least 2.5 feet at Medora for fair boating conditions, and between 2.5-3.5 feet for good boating conditions. It is important to check river gauges before your trip to ensure the water level is deep enough for your planned activities.  Flow information is available at the NPS site.

The river winds through remote terrain, so emergency response could take hours or days, and cell phones may not work in many areas.

Camping

The park has three campgrounds.  Two regular campgrounds and one group site for camping with horses.  All the campgrounds are primitive with no hookups, cell service or showers. 

Cottonwood Campground is the only campground in the South Unit.  Standard campsites are available, and half of them can be reserved up to 6 months in advance through recreation.gov.  The remaining sites are first-come, first-served. Services include flush toilets during the summer season, otherwise there are vault toilets.  

Juniper Campground is in the North Unit of the park. All campsites are first-come, first-served basis.  The group site, however, the group site can be reserved. Services include flush toilets during the summer season, otherwise there are vault toilets.  

Roundup Group Horse Camp is available an equestrian group campground for camping with horses. Services include flush toilets during the summer season, otherwise there are vault toilets.  Reservations can be made at recreation.gov.