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THEODORE ROOSEVELT NATIONAL PARK
Theodore Roosevelt National Park - The only national park in the United States named after an outstanding person. Under the influence of streams that fell from the tops of the Rocky Mountains, sedimentary rocks slowly settled, subsequently turning into the channel of the Little Missouri and its tributaries. The history of North Dakota's Badlands began long before that - more than 65 million years ago. The results of erosion are amazing. Currently, one can see here shattered rocks, winding ravines, and domed hills. Multi-colored rock layers stretch for miles, forming horizontal stripes.
Information
Theodore Roosevelt, the twenty-sixth president of the United States, who later founded five national parks and contributed to the emergence of the United States Forest Service, first came to Dakota in 1883 to hunt bison. But he was so imbued with the cowboy lifestyle that he acquired a ranch and began to raise livestock. Over the next 13 years, the president returned here again, eventually becoming a staunch fighter for the protection of nature. Severe weather conditions taught the future president to respect natural resources, tempering his body and character. “I would never have become president if I had not been to North Dakota,” Roosevelt wrote.
The park itself is very quiet, calm, with a characteristic landscape of the wild west. The park is inhabited by numerous representatives of wildlife - bison, pronghorns, elks, white-tailed and black-tailed deer, wild horses, bighorns, as well as small mammals, amphibians and reptiles. If there is enough rainfall in the spring, wild plants bloom on the plains and along the river banks. The park is not crowded, and you can enjoy solitude and solitude, just like Theodore Roosevelt did.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in the rugged badlands of North Dakota, offers a unique landscape filled with scenic views, wildlife, and historical significance. The park is divided into three units: the North Unit, South Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch Unit. Each has its own distinct trails, providing visitors with a range of hiking experiences. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park:
South Unit Trails:
Petrified Forest Loop Trail
Distance: 10.3 miles (16.6 km) round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Highlights: This trail takes you through one of the park's most unique areas, where you’ll see ancient petrified wood scattered across the badlands. The route features expansive views of the badlands formations, open prairie, and fossilized trees. It's a more remote area, offering solitude and a sense of exploration.
2. Wind Canyon Trail
Distance: 0.4 miles (0.6 km) loop
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: A short but scenic trail, Wind Canyon offers breathtaking views of the Little Missouri River and surrounding badlands, especially at sunset. It’s a great trail for families and those looking for a quick but rewarding hike.
3 Coal Vein Trail
Distance: 0.8 miles (1.3 km) loop
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: This short loop offers fascinating geological features, including coal seams and badlands formations. It’s a good trail for learning about the park's geology and history, with interpretive signs along the way.
4. Buck Hill Trail
Distance: 0.2 miles (0.3 km) round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: A quick hike to the top of Buck Hill, the highest point in the South Unit. The short but steep climb rewards you with panoramic views of the surrounding badlands. It’s a great spot for sunrise or sunset.
5. Ridgeline Trail
Distance: 0.6 miles (1 km) loop
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: This loop trail takes you along the edge of a scenic ridge, offering great views of the surrounding badlands and prairie. It’s an easy walk but provides excellent photo opportunities and wildlife viewing.
6. Painted Canyon Nature Trail
Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) loop
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: Starting at the Painted Canyon Visitor Center, this trail offers one of the most iconic views in the park. You’ll descend into the badlands and experience colorful rock layers, rugged terrain, and wildlife like bison and prairie dogs.
7. Jones Creek Trail
Distance: 11.4 miles (18.3 km) round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: This long, scenic trail follows Jones Creek through open prairies and badlands. It’s a great trail for those looking for solitude and a chance to see wildlife like bison, deer, and wild horses. The trail is popular for both hiking and horseback riding.
North Unit Trails:
Caprock-Coulee Trail
Distance: 4.3 miles (6.9 km) loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: This is one of the most scenic trails in the North Unit, passing through badlands formations, grasslands, and wooded coulees. The trail also offers great views from high ridges. You can combine it with the shorter Caprock-Coulee Nature Trail (1.6 miles) for a shorter hike.
2. Achenbach Trail
Distance: 17.3 miles (27.8 km) loop
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: For experienced hikers, the Achenbach Trail offers a challenging and remote experience. It takes you through rugged badlands, along the Little Missouri River, and up to scenic overlooks. The trail features varied terrain, including steep climbs and river crossings, making it a rewarding but tough hike.
3. Little Mo Nature Trail
Distance: 1.1 miles (1.8 km) loop
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: A great family-friendly trail, the Little Mo Nature Trail provides an introduction to the park’s ecosystem, with views of the Little Missouri River and badlands. Interpretive signs along the way describe the flora, fauna, and geology of the area.
4. Buckhorn Trail
Distance: 11.4 miles (18.3 km) loop
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Highlights: This loop trail offers a quieter experience, with scenic views of the badlands, river bottoms, and grasslands. The trail passes through areas frequented by bison and prairie dogs and offers solitude for those seeking a more immersive wilderness experience.
Elkhorn Ranch Unit Trails:
Elkhorn Ranch Site Trail
Distance: 0.7 miles (1.1 km) round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: This trail takes you to the site of Theodore Roosevelt’s Elkhorn Ranch, where he found solace and developed his conservation philosophy. The trail is short but steeped in history, offering views of the Little Missouri River and the surrounding badlands. Though the ranch buildings no longer exist, the site is considered one of the most significant locations in Roosevelt's life.
Additional Tips:
Wildlife: The park is home to bison, elk, prairie dogs, wild horses, and other wildlife. Always maintain a safe distance from animals, especially bison.
Weather: The park’s weather can be extreme, with hot summers and cold winters. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sun protection, and layers for changing conditions.
Terrain: Trails can be rugged and include steep climbs, uneven surfaces, and loose rocks, especially in the badlands. Wear sturdy hiking boots and be prepared for remote conditions.
These trails offer a diverse hiking experience, from easy walks with beautiful views to challenging backcountry adventures in the heart of the North Dakota badlands.
Official name - THEODORE ROOSEVELT National Park
Mailing Address: PO Box 7
Medora, ND 58645
Area: 70,446 acres
Coordinates: 46°58′N 103°27′W
Established - November 10, 1978
Attendance - 749,389 people per year
