Best trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Located in Western North Dakota, Theodore Roosevelt National Park includes three geographically separated badlands: North Unit, the South Unit, and the Elkhorn Ranch.
Top trails
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.
Trail reviews for Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Most popular trail at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and well deserving of the reputation. Great views, hike in the valley and on top of the buttes.
Favorite hike in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Easy to follow trail and never thought was going to die by falling off a cliff or into a ravine. The incline was very gradual. But best of all the view was amazing. Hiking is probably the only way get to see this specific view as can’t drive to it
Buck Hill offers great panoramic views, it is the 2nd higher point in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Fairly unique Trail. Somewhat rugged and not without challenge. Beautiful scenery and multicolored rock formations make for a very nice out and back! Some steep grade and loose rock . Unfortunately this trail is not for everyone. Overall, I thought the trail was maintained well., there was some seasonal overgrowth, which is to be expected. I highly recommend this hike while visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park!
Absolutely stunning and secluded trail on the outskirts of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Little Missouri National Grasslands! The views are stunning and truly indescribable. There are wild mustangs and a plethora of grassland bird species to see. Bison can be found here but I sadly did not encounter any on the trail today. Come early in the summer to get a spot in the lot and avoid the blistering heat of the day!
This is a short but rewarding hike with a ton of history and scenery packed in. The trail starts at the abandoned stone gate of the park’s original east entrance, which feels like stepping back in time. From there, it gently winds through rolling prairie and badland formations. The views open up quickly—classic Theodore Roosevelt landscapes with wide skies, layered buttes, and plenty of chances to spot wildlife. I saw prairie dogs and mule deer along the way, and I’ve heard bison sometimes wander near the trail too. It’s an easy-to-moderate walk, good for families or anyone wanting a quick hike that still delivers on scenery. The loop is fairly short (about a mile) but you can extend it by wandering the connecting paths if you want more time out here. The best part for me was the sense of quiet. Since it’s not as popular as other trails in the park, it feels more off the beaten path—perfect for just slowing down and taking in the Badlands. Tips: • Go at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting on the buttes. • No shade—bring water and a hat. • Stop at the old stone gate for photos; it’s a great landmark. Overall, a hidden gem trail with big views in a short distance.